Meet the Team
Alaina, Regional Manager
Kathy, General Manager
I am a proud resident of Downers Grove for over 30 years, and have worked at this amazing location for 18! Dogtopia of Downers Grove is home for me, and everyone who walks in the door is family! I love meeting all the dogs and their parents. I never miss an opportunity to see their big smiles as they visit, and those are the same smiles I look for in the staff who provide each family with love and care for their dogs. When not working I enjoy art (particularly graffiti), photography, and fishing! There are no BIG ones that got away, I catch them all….big and small (and yes, every one of them I catch gets put back in the water!). An awesome fact about me is that I spent 10 days in Australia with Oprah Winfrey! I will very happily take the time to tell you all about this trip of a lifetime I went on in 2010! I love what I do, and what we offer, at Dogtopia of Downers Grove for our pet parents and their dogs!
Mercedes, Back of House Shift Lead
I have been with Dogtopia of Downers Grove for 8 years with experience in daycare, spa and front desk. I feel working with the dogs is rewarding because of the bond I make with them. In my spare time, it is still about dogs…my two: Denali, a Dalmatian mix, and Flora, an Irish Setter Mix.
Brennan, Back of House Shift Lead
I have worked in petcare for 6 years. I like Dogtopia because of how safe it is. Being with the dogs helps me to learn different behaviors and tendencies of different breeds, which is helpful as I also train dogs. When not focused on work I love to watch movies and anime. Taking naps with my dog Royalty is also something we both enjoy!
Jayden, Front of House Shift Lead
For the last three years I have worked at the front desk at Dogtopia Downers Grove. Nothing gives me more joy than cuddling and giving love to all the dogs that come in and building bonds with them. It is great watching every dog come out of their shell and grow confidence. I love building relationships with the pet parents and being someone they can come to with any questions or concerns they have. I grew up with animals all around me, and have pet sat for family and friends. When not working, gaming and photography are my go-to things to do, as well as spending time with my dogs Bodhi, a Golden Retriever, and Ziggy, a Lhasa Apso!
Victoria, Rover
I have worked with pets for 6 years. I love developing a relationship and trust with the dogs each day they come to visit. It is great to see and hear how well a pet parent knows their dogs. Dogtopia has plenty of sources that relate to dog handling, perfect for teaching anyone new to working with pets, and perfect for practicing in the playroom. My friends get all my spare time when I’m not working!
Madeline, Rover
I absolutely love working at Dogtopia! I have been in the position of Rover for over 2 years now. This dog daycare is amazing, and everyone is so fun to be around especially the dogs! It’s a good day every day because I get to work and play with them. I’m very artistic, and my hobbies are hair and makeup.
Yazmin, Rover
I have been working in the dog industry for a year now. I have also spent many years watching over dogs for family and friends. I am inspired working at Dogtopia of Downers Grove because of the love they show for my dog and every other family’s dogs! I fell in love with so many dogs that we take care of. My dream goal is to own an animal rescue/sanctuary for all animals that are in need of shelter and saving.
Karen, Rover
I have worked almost 1 year in the animal care field. Dogtopia of Downers Grove isn’t just another dog daycare, it’s a place where dogs can play to their hearts content while their parents are busy with work, on vacation, or just want their dog to get the extra exercise and socialization they deserve. In my spare time I like walking my own dogs, and taking them on car rides!
Carrie, Grooming Salon Manager
I have over 15 years of experience in dog grooming and am no stranger to the beauty of hair. In 2010 I decided that being a certified dog groomer was something I wanted to be. Since then, I have never looked back once, and I consider it the best thing I have ever done. Our dogs and their families feed my soul, and I look for this when choosing staff to join my grooming team. Each one is hand-picked to provide the same level of service I do, complete with the calming and nurturing experience every dog truly deserves.
Jacklynn, Dog Groomer
I have been a groomer for 16 years and was trained under a Master Groomer. I enjoy working with the team at Dogopia of Downers Grove because they are very friendly and work well together. Dogs are always put first here! During my time off, I enjoy trying new restaurants, and furthering my education.
Christina, Dog Groomer
I started working in the dog world in 2019 at a dog daycare, and then over time I worked at a pet store, training facility, and ultimately decided to go to grooming school. I love animals of all kinds and have experience handling a wide range, from dogs to cats to reptiles! I am an outdoor person, I love fishing and hiking with friends, and spending time with my dogs.
Emmalee, Dog Bather
I work at Dogtopia in Downers Grove because the community is like no other. I have been working with dogs almost 5 years, and each day is extremely rewarding, touches/heals my soul. When I am not at work I enjoy competitive video games, reading, and learning about dogs, space, and history.
Noah, Dog Bather
I’ve been in the dog care industry for 2 years and love working with both the dogs and the people here. My passion for animals is what inspired me to get started in this field. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my 4 Golden Retrievers and am educating myself on the breeding of them.
Ella, Dog Bather
Everyone is so kind at Dogtopia Downers Grove, from the staff to the pet parents! I have worked here for almost one year and have loved it! Being able to be with the cutest dogs all day is the best. In my spare time, I play the electric guitar!
Harlie, Pet Parent Concierge
Dogtopia has been my entrance into the pet world and shown me just how much I adore working with animals. I love watching the dogs succeed in group play especially after I was the one to complete their Meet & Greet. It feels extra special knowing I met them when they were first introduced to Dogtopia! I love the connections I make with the pet parents, and I feel I get to know more than just their dog, but their family as well. In my spare time I love to go for walks and play with my two dogs Loki and Stitch or stay in bed and cuddle with my cat Gilbert!
Jesse, Pet Parent Concierge
Before Dogtopia I worked as a dog sitter for a few years while I was in high school. When I’m not at work, I’m at home with my 4 pups cuddling or playing outside. I like to teach them the techniques of “dogs back” and staying in place when told, both things I learned through training daycare dogs at work. Dogs have been my passion since I was little, and I can’t think of a better place to work than Dogtopia.
Lilli, Pet Parent Concierge
I have been in the pet business for 4 years. In that time, I have vet assisted, worked in daycare with the dogs and was a dog daycare manager! At Dogtopia I am working at the front desk and also starting to spend time as a Canine Coach in dog group play too! I love being with the dogs and seeing all their different quirks and personalities! I find it rewarding to help out our pet parents when they are in need, and as their first point of contact I get to learn about them and their dogs. In my spare time I love lounging at home and spending time with my pup, boyfriend, family and friends!
Jon, Canine Coach - Level 3
I have worked 5 years in the dog care industry, and my favorite thing about Dogtopia is, of course, the pups! My love of dogs inspired this job choice! At home I have a cat named Nessie. She loves to climb all over puzzles as I am working on them. I love watching movies and TV. I also enjoy playing games, with Pokémon, and Uno being a couple of my favorites. Most of my time is spent exploring new arts and crafts and keeping up with my niece at home, who keeps me very busy, when not at work!
Emma P., Canine Coach - Level 1
Before my time as a Dogtopia Canine Coach, I worked with horses doing pony parties and helping in the stables and trails! I chose Dogtopia of Downers Grove because I loved seeing how all the employees worked with each other and how they treated the dogs with respect. I enjoy seeing all the different breeds coming in and out and I just love spending time with all the dogs, getting to learn their personalities, and meeting their parents. I love seeing the bonds created. When I’m not working, I enjoy doing crafts, reading, volunteering at a horse stable, and spending time with my animals and loved ones.
Eli, Canine Coach - Level 3
I have a passion for animals and love being around them. Being around dogs makes me feel joy as I have grown up with dogs my whole life! I hope to one day become a vet tech and help dogs as well as other animals!
Caroline, Canine Coach - Level 2
I spend most of my time taking care of our Dogtopia pups as they play and socialize. I have over 5 years of experience working with dogs in daycare, boarding, bathing, and training. I love to spend time getting to know all the dogs at Dogtopia and I enjoy seeing them happy. I also enjoy meeting the dog’s owners too because I love seeing the relationships they have with their dog. My love for dogs doesn’t stop at work, in my spare time I spend time reading and learning as much as I can about dog nutrition, training, health and the best places locally to spend time with dogs.
Betty, Canine Coach - Level 1
I enjoy being around and interacting with the dogs all day in daycare at Dogtopia. Taking care of, playing with, and going out with my pets are all things I enjoy. I have had all kinds of animals throughout my life. When I am not taking care of dogs at Dogtopia, or my pets at home, I like hanging out with friends, being outside, and fishing!
