***All staff has medical backgrounds; veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, and first aid training certifications***
Claire
Hello, my name is Claire. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in December of 2011 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration-Marketing. However, my passion since a very young age has been working with dogs and other animals; and I adore nothing more! I started by doing mid-day walks and taking care of dogs and other animals while families were away or at work for long hours. Since then, it has turned into the best career for me. I have had animals since the day I was born-two yellow Labrador Retrievers that have since passed, but forever hold a special place in my heart, and also have had many different kinds of fish. Today, I still have a mixed breed rabbit named Peanut.
In December of 2010, I began working at the North Shore Doggy Daycare. I love working here; I learn something new every day, see a new furry face-everyone is so different than the next-and I get to play and take care of dogs as my job! What more could I ask for? Thanks to Diane, she also allowed me to take a class for Pet First-Aid, which has come in handy and taught me so many things that I can use at work as well as at home with my own animals. I have also had the pleasure of working at the North Shore Pet Connection, which has improved my experience with special needs animals as well as caring for other animals such as cats, ferrets, and birds!
In June of 2012, Diane promoted me to manager of the North Shore Doggy Daycare and now I not only do I get to care for dogs, I also get to interact one-on-one with customers, give customers tours, market the doggy daycare and many other exciting things. My managerial position has also allowed me to utilize my marketing degree, enhance my computer skills, and learn new managerial-type skills such as payroll. I am eager and happy to come to work every day and thank goodness I have a job with so many different facets and opportunities.
Christine
Hi, my name is Christine and I am the manager at the North Shore Pet Connection. I began working at the North Shore Doggy Daycare in February of 2011 and the North Shore Pet Connection in May of 2013. I live in Glendale, but am originally from Menasha, Wi. In 2009, I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology from UW-Milwaukee. In 2013, I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, also from UW-Milwaukee. Besides dogs, I love reading, knitting, listening to music, and adding to my large shoe and handbag collection.
My family has included seven dogs thus far in my life; five of them have been from 75-100+ pounds (three Bouviers, one Bouvier Mix, and one Giant Schnauzer.) The other two I consider my furry children. My 14 pound Brussels Griffon/Cairn Terrier Mix (male) and 16.5 pound Bichon/Shih Tzu Mix (female) are my ultimate pride and joy. In December 2013, I adopted the female one from one of our ill and elderly customers. Now and then, my babies can be seen hanging out with the other dogs in one of their cute little outfits.
I love getting to work with such a variety of dogs. Whether they are diabetic, geriatric, blind, or just plain happy and healthy, I love taking care of them all. Getting to take care of the occasional cat, rabbit, bird, or fish at the Pet Connection is always a neat experience. I always like learning more about the care for other animals.
My favorite part about working at NSDD and NSPC is being greeted everyday by my enthusiastic furry friends. When I come in, I make sure to say “hi” to every dog individually. It makes me feel good when I make a new dog feel welcome; it’s important to me to make sure all of the dogs staying with us are comfortable and happy. I like to dance silly to the radio for the dogs’ entertainment and sing to them, a bit, out of tune. It takes a lot of patience and love to work in this business, and when it comes to animals, I have plenty of both. I’ll do whatever is needed to take care of your furry family member. Every dog that comes through our door is special and you can be sure they will know it.
Desi
Hi, my name is Desi. I am a Certified Veterinary Technician. I have worked with Diane for many years now. I started out as a volunteer at The North Shore Pet Connection at the age of thirteen. When Diane opened up the North Shore Doggy Daycare in July of 2008, I started working here! It has been such an honor to work with and learn from someone who has such passion for animals and is so full of knowledge. I am animal CPR certified and have learned a lot about animal behavior just from working at North Shore Doggy Daycare. I have had other jobs before such as waitressing and retail, but none of those compare to the enjoyment I get from NSDD. I have grown with this facility and its’ furry friends and continue to gain so much from working with each and every one.
Lisa
Hello, my name is Lisa. I have worked at The North Shore Doggy Daycare for over six years. I have been an animal lover all of my life. Since childhood, I have had dogs, cats, rabbits, and horses. I have learned a lot about animals and their behavior in my years as being a pet owner along with being animal CPR certified. I recently lost my yellow lab of 13 years and coming into work and seeing all of the wonderful dogs, definitely helped me fill that void. It has been such a rewarding experience getting to know all of my fury friends and their wonderful owners.
Emily R.
Hello, my name is Emily. I am from Simi Valley, California and now I attend Marquette University as an elementary education and psychology major. Diane is my aunt, and I am very glad to have the opportunity to work with family at North Shore Doggy Daycare. I grew up loving animals just like Diane, and I loved visiting her and playing with all the animals at NSPC and NSDD. I had a dog at home for fifteen years: a white German shepherd and dingo nix Dena. Now I have an eight year old border collie named Sage. I love my dogs so much and I am so happy that I get to work with so many every day at NSDD!
Meshelle
Hi, my name is Meshelle. I am married with two sons and my little girl Cindy (my puppy). I have had dogs my whole life; growing up I wanted to be a veterinarian, but my life took a different path.
I graduated with an Associates Degree in Medical Office Management. I worked for a couple of medical offices and a dental office, but then found myself working for Wells Fargo in the Servicing Department. I wanted to follow a dream I had for a long time; working with dogs, so I began working at the North Shore Doggy Daycare and couldn’t be happier with my career change!
I started working at the North Shore Doggy Daycare in July of 2015 and I absolutely love it! I get to learn new things about dogs every day and get greeted with so many different furry faces each day! Who wouldn’t love that?
Kelsey
Hi, my name is Kelsey. I grew up in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and have always been surrounded by animals! As a child I bonded with my cat, Buddie, which passed away a couple years ago. My family now has 2 dogs–Lily, a white Boxer, and Lilah, an Australian Cattle Dog and Border Collie mix.
I currently attend the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and am studying Biological Sciences and Pre-Veterinary Medicine. My dream is to become a wildlife Veterinarian and work with the conservation of big cats.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my furry friends! Luckily, working at the North Shore Doggy Daycare has allowed me to channel my passion for animals into something that makes a positive impact on the lives of all the dogs! Hiking, gardening, fishing, and playing soccer are some of my favorite hobbies as well.
I’ve never loved my job as much as I do now that I get to work with animals!
Emily H.
Hi, my name is Emily. I am currently a student at UW-Milwaukee studying photography. When I’m not working on schoolwork and photography, I love spending time with my German Shepard/Basset Hound mix, Eleanor. We enjoy being outdoors going for runs and hikes!
I have owned family dogs since I was a child and have dog training experience through training and competing in 4-H. “The 4-H Dog Project encourages youth to develop good character, discipline, and a feeling of self worth, while learning about canine care, responsibility and the sport of dog showing.” (perdue.edu) I have a passion for learning about dog behaviors and training!
I love coming into North Shore Doggy Daycare and being greeted with wet noses and wagging tails. Taking care of pups is extremely rewarding for me and I love nothing more than interacting with both you and your dog, each day!
Lynn
Hi everyone, my name is Lynn. I have owned dogs my whole life and just love them to pieces! I currently have a 3 year old Labrador/Daschund mix named Ginger and a 14 year old Cocker Spaniel named Sasha. My daughter, Meshelle, works here at North Shore Doggy Daycare and I also have three grandkids that I just adore and spend a lot of my time with.
Before joining the North Shore Doggy Daycare family in Spring of 2017, I worked in childcare for over 30 years.
I have met so many wonderful people here, including staff and clients…and of course many 4-legged friends! I love working with dogs and can’t wait to get to work each day.
Rachel
Hey there! My name is Rachel and I currently live in Milwaukee with my boyfriend Justin. I have two wonderful dogs at home; a terrier mix named Willow and a Pit Bull/Bassett Hound mix named Harley. I also have Ball Python named Noodle!
I graduated from Milwaukee Career College as a Veterinary Technician in 2015 and have been working with animals for the last five years now. I couldn’t be happier to be a part of the North Shore Doggy Daycare and North Shore Pet Connection team!
Ellie
Hi! My name is Ellie. I have always loved animals and have lived with them my whole life. Ever since I was a little girl I knew I wanted to work with them! I recently moved into my first apartment and since I couldn’t bring my family dog, I treat the dogs that I work with as if they were my own. I am also a Certified Veterinary Assistant and am trained in Pet First-Aid and CPR. In 2016, I worked as an intern for an animal clinic, and then later graduated from Milwaukee Career College. My favorite part about this job is getting smothered in kisses and getting to know each dog. I can’t wait to meet yours!
Paula
Hi, my name is Paula. I have a passion for all animals, but especially dogs. I have had dogs throughout my whole life, since I was three years old.
I was a certified Veterinary Technician for 14 years; working in a specialty hospital as a surgical technician for six years, and the rest of my time as one of the lead technicians on the ER floor and in ICU. I will always work with animals in one capacity or another!
One day I would love to give hospice care to shelter animals, that have no forever home during their last days.
I look forward to each day I get to come and see all of your fur babies, happy faces here at North Shore Doggy Daycare!
Groomer Bios
Traci
Hi there. My name is Traci. Before my life was all about the dogs, I was a mortgage loan underwriter. Having lost my position due to massive downsizing, I found there was a whole other world outside the office just waiting for me; one that I could make a new career out of and play all day!
I then started working at North Shore Doggy Daycare and North Shore Pet Connection and haven’t missed the office a bit. Happy with my decision to spend my days with dogs, I decided I would go to grooming school. I graduated as a certified groomer in 2010 and have spent the past 6 years grooming for another facility. In 2017, I decided I wanted to come back to North Shore Doggy Daycare to continue grooming and make some new friends!
My personal goal is to work with each pet so they feel comfortable and loved throughout their grooming experience.
Ashley
Hey! I’m Ashley. I was born and raised in South Carolina. In 2003, at the age of 17, I started my career as a hair stylist working with my aunt who owned a salon. Every day on my way to work I passed a pet grooming school and one day something told me to stop in and check it out…. and I never looked back! I became a certified pet stylist in November of 2005.
I started out working at a grooming facility in South Carolina for 5 years until I met my boyfriend and moved to Wisconsin, where he was born and raised. Since meeting my boyfriend, I transferred to the same grooming facility here in Wisconsin for another year before finding a position at another facility for 7 years. We now have two children; a son named Coen and a daughter named Cora and five dogs, one cat, a turtle, and a frog.
I think I have finally found my home here at North Shore Doggy Daycare since I started in May of 2017! I am extremely passionate about what I do and love nothing more than making your best friend, cat or dog, look and feel their very best!
Rhonda
Hello, I’m Rhonda. I am a certified groomer at North Shore Doggy Daycare and North Shore Pet Connection. I have 16 years of experience working with dogs and cats in various grooming businesses. I have worked for the Wisconsin Humane Society, Petland, and as a caretaker for horses at The Ranch and Erin Meadows Farm. Put simply, I love all animals…any size, age, temperament, or special needs.