NEW PET PARENT?
If this is your pup’s first time at Dogtopia, there are a few things pet parents should prepare prior to rewarding your dog with the most exciting day ever!
At Dogtopia, our passion is giving every single dog the best-individualized care with their health, safety, and comfort as our top priority! Our home away from home environment is the perfect place for your pup to learn, play, and socialize with their BFFF (Best Furry Friend Forever).
Meet the Team
Michelle, Assistant General Manager
I am originally from Chicago. I moved to Michigan 9 years ago with my husband, son, and our two dogs. I have spent most of my professional career managing restaurants, but I have always had a passion for animals, especially dogs. My amazing husband pushed me to pursue my dreams, and my 19 year old son was a huge inspiration for me as well. My ultimate dream is to buy a farm and eventually open a rescue. I have spent several years learning dog training techniques and health related knowledge for pursuit of a career, and because of my dogs needs. My soul dog was Princess, a Carolina Dog/Pit mix. She gave me the passion to pursue my dream of working with dogs. I currently have a 10 year old German Shepard named Lilith. They have taught me so much and I have loved every second of it. I am grateful to be able to share that passion and knowledge with the people and dogs here at Dogtopia. Moreover, I am looking forward to all of the new things they can teach me. I am so excited to be working in a place I am passionate about while doing the things I love!
Noah, Pet Parent Concierge/Canine Coach Level 3
I began working for Dogtopia in 2024. Before working here, I traveled all around the country with my family and got to see many new places. I settled in Michigan to attend nursing school and am currently working toward my degree to take care of people. While I do that, I love being able to care for the dogs here, as well as bring my two dogs to play. Outside of work, I enjoy drawing, movies, reading, and being outdoors.
Johanna, Shift Lead
I started working for Dogtopia in 2023. I was in nursing school when I started here as well as working for a restaurant. I love working with animals! I am always taking photos and videos of the dogs having a great time and sharing them on our social media pages. I adopted my dog Link while working here. He is my soul dog. I recently got my degree for nursing, so I am doing that full time and working at Dogtopia when I am able. I enjoy hiking and traveling, and really like taking Link with me wherever I can.
Katherine, Rover/Canine Coach Level 3
I have worked for Dogtopia since we opened in 2021. I have other jobs that I worked then and still work, but this is my “fun job”. I love dancing and playing with the dogs in daycare and I have so much fun being a canine coach. In my free time I like making gifts for the doggies and their parents and I also like hanging out with The Crew. The Crew are my 3 dogs Sevyyn, Henny, and Guinnan. Most of my free time I am making crafts and stopping into Dogtopia to see the dogs on my days off. I love all of them so much!
Sam, Rover/Canine Coach Level 3
I started working at Dogtopia in 2022. I had done a lot of work with animals all my life and I really liked it. I chose to work at Dogtopia because I love dogs and feel that I have a connection with them. Working here has helped me learn a lot more about dogs and about working with people when I help at the front desk. In my free time I enjoy driving and working on my car. I also help my family out with their business. I like playing video games and hanging out with my dogs and cats too.
Symphonee, Canine Coach Level 3
I have worked at Dogtopia since 2021. Before that I spent time with my family a lot, helping out at my church, and playing with my dogs. I love animals, especially dogs and have always had dogs growing up. Right now I have Barney and Emerald and they come to work with me every day. When I am not at work I like playing games and watching movies.
Abbey, Shift Lead
Sara, Canine Coach Level 3
I started working for Dogtopia in 2024. Before this I worked at another dog daycare and I volunteered mentoring kids in the area. I have always loved dogs, and knew that I wanted to work with them every day, so I chose to work here and it has been excellent. I have a dog of my own that I love to play with and train in my free time. I also really enjoy making art and reading.
Amina, Canine Coach Level 2
I started working at Dogtopia in early 2026. I worked in dog grooming, restaurants, shelters, and horse training before this. I chose Dogtopia because I loved and missed working with animals and was waiting to find the right place in Michigan after I moved here and got settled. I am also a student awaiting acceptance to an excellent program where I can advance my studies. In my free time I enjoy working with different volunteering efforts. I worked with an organization at my school that planned events for my peers and I really enjoyed that. Also, volunteering at the shelter and walking dogs is another way I like spending my time.
Dayna, Canine Coach Level 3
I started working for Dogtopia in April of 2025. I also work in a factory and had previously worked at a veterinary/boarding facility. I have owned so many dogs in my life and it is my passion. I also really like hands on work and fixing things like cars, home improvement projects, and anything else I can learn to do. In my free time I spend time with my son. My dogs, Leo and Bruce are a handful, but I love them. They do cause more home improvement projects for me to learn every week, but I enjoy every minute of it.
Rylie, Rover/Canine Coach Level 3
I started working for Dogtopia in early 2025. I was working as a professional dog groomer before and really liked doing that. I have also done work as a trainer and enjoyed that as well. I chose Dogtopia because I get to use the skills I have from both of my previous jobs at Dogtopia and also get to learn about other things as well. In my free time I take care of my family and their dog, and I spend a lot of time with my dog Mia. I am working on fixing up my own place, getting my business up and running, and I also regularly take Mia on hikes which we both love.
Kristen, Rover/Canine Coach 3
I started working at Dogtopia at the end of 2023. I am studying to work in the veterinary field and wanted to work in a place that helped me grow those skills while I finished school. I have 2 dogs of my own and they were a part of what drove me to work with animals. In my free time I take trips and watch movies. I also like to draw and paint and enjoy anime shows.
Ava, Pet Parent Concierge/Canine Coach Level 2
I began working at Dogtopia in early 2026. I am a student studying in elementary education with a minor in special education. I worked at a grocery store, greenhouse, and as a babysitter previously. I have always really enjoyed spending time with my family dogs and wanted to work where I could do something I enjoy too. In my free time I like hanging out with my family, my boyfriend, and my dogs and cat. I am also looking to get into a classroom soon so I can start getting experience in my field of study.
Janae, Pet Parent Concierge
I have been with Dogtopia for several years and have had the opportunity to work at many of our sister locations during that time. I have been with South Ann Arbor about a year. I have always loved working with dogs, and caring for them. Before Dogtopia I did office work and I enjoyed it, but translating that to working front desk at Dogtopia is wonderful. In my free time I like playing with my cats, and my dog Roxie as well as spending time with all of my family.
Jamie, Pet Parent Concierge
Abigail, Pet Parent Concierge
Mallory, Canine Coach Level 3
I started working for Dogtopia at the beginning of 2026. I worked with dogs when I was younger and then was working with kids for several years. I decided to come back to work with dogs because I missed it and really wanted to work in the dog daycare world again. I have a 4 year old dog named Nova and I love spending time with her when I’m not working. I also really like visiting friends and family.
Sienna, Pet Parent Concierge
I joined the team at Dogtopia in February 2026. I’ve always been a dog lover, and I was looking for a fun and rewarding job while I’m in school. What especially drew me to Dogtopia was learning how many healthcare workers trust us to care for their pets while they’re working long hospital shifts. As a nursing student at University of Michigan School of Nursing, I love being able to support and give back to people who spend so much of their time caring for others. Before joining Dogtopia, I worked as a water safety instructor, chiropractic assistant/X-ray tech, and dental assistant, and I currently have one year left in my nursing program. Outside of work, I love spending time with my dogs, thrifting, and staying active. I’m also the President of the University of Michigan Club Triathlon Team, so a lot of my free time is spent training, racing, and helping lead the team.
Shelby, Regional Manager
I joined the Dogtopia Family in April of 2023 after spending the majority of my career in the restaurant industry. After becoming a mom, I was ready for a change that aligned more closely with my passions and values. Dogtopia provided the perfect opportunity to combine my love for dogs with my dedication to leadership & team development. I’m passionate about growing strong teams, creating positive workplace culture, and of course, getting to pet all the perfect pups!
In my spare time, you’ll catch me spending time with my family, enjoying the outdoors, or with my nose buried in a good book.



