Managers & Rufferees
Let us introduce you to our talented zen dogs team!
Meet the important managers and Rufferees who create and maintain a fun and safe environment where your pups can play and learn.
HEATHER
Lead Manager of Operations
Heather joined Zen Dogs in September, 2019. She has been working in the dog boarding and daycare industry for 16 years! She has been a manager at two other locations prior to Zen Dogs, and joins us with an incredible amount of professional experience. She is the proud parent of 2 dogs, Levi - a 4 year old Keeshond, and Sully, a 7 month old Keeshond. Heather’s favorite part about working at Zen Dogs is meeting all of the dogs and building relationships with their parents. She said it is “such a rewarding job with the most supportive and caring co-workers. Everyone here cheers each other on, and celebrates all of the little victories.” What inspires her about dog daycare is watching the shy dogs build their confidence day-by-day. “It’s the best feeling in the world when they realize how much fun daycare is!”
When Heather isn’t at Zen Dogs, she enjoys spending with with her dogs, exploring new hiking and swimming spots, and she also volunteers at her church.
FUN FACTS: When Heather was 5 years old, she wanted to be a veterinarian. She wanted to save ALL the animals!
The values that drive her: Treat others with dignity and respect. Tell the truth even when it’s difficult. Be courageous and kind.
Heather has completed training in Dog Gurus and Pet CPR and First Aide.
krista
Manager of Operations
Krista joined the Zen Dogs Family in December of 2022. She has worked in the pet industry for over 16 years, and specifically dog daycare for 10 of those years (and counting!).
Krista says she enjoys working at Zen Dogs because of the knowledge Lynn and Kori share with the staff, dogs, and owners. She feels that Zen Dogs is a safe place for dogs to play, advocating always for the enrichment of the dogs. Krista says the most inspiring part of her job is teaching the Rufferees dog body language and safety skills to make Zen Dogs a FUN place for all the dogs! She truly loves seeing the team and the dogs happy.
Krista is passionate about dog rescue, and building confidence in dogs that may need help with this is very rewarding for her.
When asked what Krista’s best advice she has ever been given, she states “Life is short, be happy.”
When Krista was a little girl, she wanted to be a Marine Biologist.
If Krista had a Super Power it would be “to heal people”.
Her favorite quote is from Winnie the Pooh, “If there ever comes a day we can’t be together, keep me in your heart. I will stay there forever.”
Krista has completed Dog Gurus training, and is certified in Pet CPR and First Aide, along with being Large Animal Rescue certified.
robin
Coordinator of Marketing & Operations
(Bio Coming Soon)
ANNA
Rufferee
Anna joined our team in October of 2019. She has worked as professional in the pet care industry since 2012. She has held positions from Kennel Attendant to Resort Manager - but her favorite role has always been Dog Daycare Leader. Observing group dynamics, reading body language, and helping dogs navigate social situations have always been the most fulfilling part of this industry for Anna. Six years ago, Anna started her own pet sitting business that specializes in the caring of special needs and elderly dogs. The pandemic forced her to shift her focus to dog walking, and she has spent that last 3 years exploring nature with her clients, where she works on building their confidence through (safe) new experiences, and through positive reinforcement training.
Anna is most inspired in her job at Zen Dogs by watching the dogs become comfortable enough within a group setting to engage in play with one another.
In her spare time, Anna volunteers at Heartland Farm Sanctuary, where she focuses on the pig herds. She introduces cooperative care routines to help them experience less stress during their necessary healthcare procedures.
When Anna was just 5 years old, she wanted to be Jane Goodall or Steve Irwin!
If Anna was a Super Hero, her power would be “the ability to hear animals’ thoughts”.
Anna has completed training in Dog Gurus and Pet CPR and First Aide..
Kelsey l.
Rufferee
Kelsey joined Zen Dogs in October 2019. She spent many years working on her family’s dairy farm, and while she spent time with the family dogs, she also worked with & cared for cows, pigs and chickens. She has also has worked for Rover.com caring for client’s dogs. Kelsey loves the atmosphere and relationships she is building with her co-workers, dogs, and their owners. Kelsey recently had a son, and is enjoying spending time with him, her fiancé, and her (2) Springer Spaniel dogs Maddy and Julia.
When asked what is the most inspiring part of being a Rufferee at Zen Dogs, she says “ It is to see the new dogs gain confidence, and grow and develop their social skills.”
FUN FACTS: If Kelsey were a superhero, her superpower would be Teleportation. She would travel to different countries anytime she wanted, and also visit family that lives far away.
Her favorite quote: “Dream Big, Worry Small.”
Kelsey is Pet First Aid/CPR trained.
ABBY
Rufferee
Abby came to work for us in 2021 as a Rufferee. She had worked for a business that offered boarding, daycare, and grooming. She tells us the best part about working at Zen Dogs is that it never feels like work; she says with the staff and the dogs it feels like a home away from home!
She is inspired when she watches a new dog go from shy to having the time of their life - running, playing, and finding a new best friend. She loves to do exposure training with the dogs using our center’s wheelchair, walker, pools, etc. She takes pride in helping all the dogs view everyday items with a sense of comfortability and watching their progression in adaptability.
In her spare time, Abby loves to spend time exploring the outdoors with her three dogs Hunter, Bruno, and Zuko, as well as practice photography, do other art projects, and even designs custom reptile tanks!
The best piece of advise Abby has ever been given was, “Take the win. No matter how small the task, choose to be proud of any accomplishment!” It has helped her to be more confident in what she does and motivates her to do more.
When Abby was 5 years old, she wanted to her an exotic animal sanctuary worker!
MAKENA
Rufferee
Makena first learned about Zen Dogs when her 2.5-year-old Australian Labradoodle (Max) started coming to daycare. Makena then joined our Zen Dogs team in August 2021 as a Junior Rufferee. She has grown into a full-time Rufferee and also works in the office. Makena recently graduated high school and was accepted into UW Madison where she will study genetics.
Makena enjoys working with her co-workers and the dogs here at Zen Dogs; she has loved her experience with the Zen Dogs team because she feels everyone is happy and willing to help out whenever needed. She also loves seeing the dogs happily playing with each other! She takes inspiration from watching how joyful the dogs are, and the team’s involvement in keeping them safe, engaged, and gleeful!
In her spare time, Makena loves spending time with a horse (Captain) that she leases. She has been working with Captain for four years, and loves jumping him, and competing with him in horse shows.
FUN FACTS: If Makena had a superpower, it would be to FLY! (She would love to see the world from so high up…). Her favorite quote is, “Progress Not Perfection.”
Makena has completed training in Dog Gurus and Pet CPR and First Aide.
RACHEL
Rufferee
Rachel joined our team with an extensive background in childcare - the career she chose when her children were little. Once her kids were old enough, Rachel decided to pursue a career in the dog daycare world, and so far LOVES it!
The things Rachel loves about working for Zen Dogs is getting to know and bond with all the dogs. She feels the management staff and her teammates are amazing to work with - encouraging, supportive, and helpful - and they “get” her humor!
The most inspiring part of her job is watching the young dogs learn, and observing all the different personalities.
Rachel volunteers annually for “Feed My Starving Children” a mobile meals-pack organization, and she has volunteered on mission trips to Gautemala and Haiti, and hopes to do Honduras next (“before my passport expires”)!
If Rachel had superpowers, they would be like Mary Poppins so she could snap her fingers and everything would be put away!
Rachel feel the values that most drive her are kindness, compassion, and willingness to help and serve.
Favorite quote: “Today is a good day for a good day.”
Rachel has completed training in Dog Gurus and Pet CPR and First Aide.
maris
Rufferee
Maris has always had a passion for animals and has had dogs all of her life. She wanted to take it the the next (professional) level, and joined our team here!
What Maris enjoys most about working at Zen Dogs is being around all the different breeds of dogs and learning all about their personalities and behaviors. She loves learning about the many different behaviors and how they relate to the dogs and the humans!
Maris inspired by her joy of coming to work, and knowing that she gets to see all of the happy and energetic dogs, enjoying their time at Zen Dogs. She loves her time with he packs, and feels super excited to come to work every day!
Outside of Zen Dogs, Maris is a server at the Dorf Haus on the weekends, and loves spending her free time outdoors and on the lake.
The best piece fo advice Maris has ever been given was, “just keep going - no matter what”.
At 5 years old, Maris wanted to be Hannah Montana! She had a big wig, a microphone, and everything Hannah Montana!
Maris has completed Dog Gurus.
johanna
Rufferee
Johanna grew up in a house full of animals! The love of animals sent her to work for a daycare and boarding facility in Milwaukee, and another boarding facility before going to the Zen Dogs team.
Johanna loves coming to work every day and spending time with happy, playful dogs (her quote: “Who wouldn’t love that?”). She is inspired by providing successful supervision and safe management of all the dogs in her packs.
In some of her spare time, Johanna really enjoys fostering kittens; she likes seeing them grow strong and healthy. It is joyful for her to see them go to loving families, knowing that she has been a part of those favorable outcomes for the kittens and the families. Johanna also likes to hike, skateboard, and spend time with her new puppy Dooku!
When she was 5 years old, Johanna wanted to do any job that involved animals, and in particular, becoming a veterinarian. Her plans have shifted a bit, and is currently going to college to obtain a Veterinarian Technician degree.
Johanna has completed training in Dog Gurus and Pet CPR and First Aide.
rylee
Rufferee
Rylee’s first job in a boarding facility is what made her fall in love with working in the professional pet industry. Her fondness for this industry has grown from there - resulting in her working at 2 more boarding facilities and trying her hand at grooming. She feels she has now found her niche in daycare! Rylee is also a student at MATC studying Business Management.
Rylee tells us that she loves spending time with the dogs and being around amazing people at Zen Dogs. She enjoys all the learning that comes from an educated staff and management and feels supported in her role.
The most inspiring part of Rylee’s job is watching the dogs naturally interact with one another, establishing their pack structure through specific behaviors, and experiencing her confidence and growth as a Rufferee.
In her free time, Rylee spends time with her dog Oakley, coaches youth softball, and grows asparagus on 1.5 acres of her family’s land.
The best piece of advice Rylee has ever received is, “Enjoy the good thing, and don’t let the bad thing bring you down”.
The values that most drive Rylee are hard work and a good attitude!
Rylee has completed training in Dog Gurus and Pet CPR and First Aide.
liesel
Rufferee
Liesel is our newest addition to the Zen Dogs family! She was hired as “Junior Rufferee” in April 2023. Liesel has worked at Furrections as a Grooming Assistant and has her own pet-sitting business in her neighborhood.
Liesel tells us that what she most about working at Zen Dogs is the atmosphere, and how everyone is super kind and thoughtful. Seeing the dogs happy always makes her happy, as well as the team's effort to keep the dogs safe and playful.
The most inspiring part of her job is seeing how happy the dogs are after a long and fun day of daycare, and how they greet their owners!
Liesel has participated in Waunakee School District’s Pay It Forward, and she also donates time to community children’s events and food drives.
In her spare time, Liesel loves to play hockey where she currently plays for Madison Capitals, but has also played for Team Wisconsin and Waunakee Wildcats. In the summertime Liesel likes to dedicate training and fun activities to her dog, Oscar (apparently he is the best “puck hunter” at the roller rink!).
Liesel’s favorite quote: “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”
Trevar
Rufferee
Trervar joined our team at the end of the summer this year (2023). He came to us with 6 + years of dog daycare experience. What Trevar loves most about working at ZDC is spending time with the dogs - working with them, observing them, and of course, loving them!
He feels the most important part of his job is helping the new dogs settle in and watching their personality evolve!
Trevar is a proud dad to Bella, a Beagle mix who is around 8 years old. In his spare time, he loves spending time with Bella - taking her places and having fun with her.
In addition to spending time with Bella, Trevar enjoys being outside. His favorite quote is: “Be the person your dog thinks you are.”Happiness and hard work are what drive Trevar to be his best, and we couldn’t agree more, Trevar!