Founder
My superpower is helping people ”get” their dogs. I’m here to teach you to do the work that matters to build a life you love with your dog. Moments when people connect, and dogs are gotten by their owners, are my soul food. My life with dogs is my resume, learn more about me here.

Operations & Outreach
Katherine brings a dynamic blend of expertise from both the music industry and the dog world. She previously helmed a multi-location, medical-focused dog rescue operation, managing transport lines from Texas to NYC with precision and heart. Now based in Philly, Katherine shares her home with her partner, her husky mix Luna, and an ever-changing roster of foster kittens.

Farm Dog Program Manager
Rachel is a seasoned pro with years of experience leading the pack—literally and figuratively—in training, walking, coaching, and pack management. Her reputation precedes her, not just for her incredible skill but for her knack for building powerhouse teams. And let’s not forget her secret superpower: ensuring every short-haired pup is perfectly bundled. With Rachel around, no dog is left shivering—her care runs that deep. Also, Shepherds, watch out; this gal is your future ride or die.

Chelsea brought her experience in group care and kenneling to the OpBarks team and quickly carved out her place as a standout in training and pack management. With top-tier skills and a heart full of compassion, Chelsea thrives on creating deep connections with every OPB pup she meets. She's the perfect blend of expertise and empathy, setting the gold standard for care in our pack. Sidenote: Chelsea officially has one of the cutest brindle pointy-eared pups on the planet and thus is a founding member of the Dorito-ear fan club.

Samantha came to us through the best kind of referral—an enthusiastic nod from a former OPB trainer now out West. Lucky for us, she reached out. With a diverse background spanning kennel care, hands-on dog management, owner coaching, and class leadership, Samantha is a natural fit for our team. Her upbeat energy is contagious, and her genuine curiosity and affection for the pups create connections you can feel. We’re thrilled to have her on board! You’ll find her at the farm or in the classroom and outside of that, hanging with her Aussie look alike, Bonnie, or her high drive sporty spice lab, Bo.

Laura brings a wealth of experience in customer and client care to OPB, and in no time, she’s proven to be an invaluable part of the team. Her natural connection with dogs is undeniable, and her quick adaptability has made her a trusted hand with our farm dog pack. Laura’s already leaving her mark, and we’re excited to watch her continue to grow and refine her training expertise.

Boarding School Program Manager
Brian comes to us with extensive experience in the kennel world and running the front of house in veterinary care. But his expertise doesn’t stop there—Brian and his partner share their lives with a vibrant crew, including a pack of pups ranging from Dachshunds to Dobermans —plus a few goats, a horse, and even a mini cow. It’s safe to say he’s no stranger to animal care or the joy of a barn party. Brian’s unique blend of skill, compassion, and lived experience makes him an incredible addition to our team.

Emily took the bold leap from the corporate world to the dog world— (anyone else relate?). A former collegiate athlete, she’s channeling her competitive drive and coaching instincts to help our clients succeed at home and out in the real world with their dogs. Growing up alongside German Shorthaired Pointers trained for the field, Emily developed a natural understanding of high-energy dogs. Now, she shares her home with her pittie mix and an ever-changing cast of foster pups. With her sharp mind, warm approach, and innate talent, Emily is already making waves, and we’re so lucky to have her on the team.

Pam brings years of professional grooming, rescue support and dog care expertise to the team, and she has a sixth sense when it comes to keeping pups healthy, happy, and well-loved. Got a dog with stiff hips? Pam’s already on it, making sure they’re cozy and supported. A single sideways sneeze at 7:30 a.m.? Pam’s taking notes. And if a tree falls in the forest with no one around, Pam’s bat-like hearing probably caught it. She’s the ultimate caregiver, keeping every pup squeaky clean and showered with love. She shares her home with her dogs Mav, the knucklehead lab, and Theo the small lil’ terrier who is an amazing puppy raiser.

Janet brings a wealth of experience coaching handlers and enriching the lives of dogs in day and boarding training programs. But here’s the fun part—spend more than 15 minutes with Janet, and you’re bound to hear their signature catchphrase. Say any dog’s name, and without fail, Janet will chime in with, “They are such a goooooddd boy/girl.” And honestly? It’s kind of magical. Seeing the good and the potential in every dog they work with isn’t just a habit; it’s a superpower. When Janet isn’t out hiking with your pup and giving them the adoration they deserve, they’re off hitting the trails with their own chow mix sidekick.

Josh is a fan of well, just about every kind of animal. He’s our resident Steve Irwin, as Josh is also a zoo animal educator and handler of many species. When a pheasant popped up at the farm-boom- pheasant facts, want to know what kind of woodpecker that is in the woods? He knows. But it’s not just about fun facts, he’s incredibly detailed, knows the dogs like they truly are his own, and loves a good shepherd, having grown up with one. When he’s not hiking with our program dogs, he’s diving deep into their care and development.

Lo joins our team with caregiving experience at a veterinary practice and a lifelong love of American Bulldogs. He truly cares about every pup, whether it's hiking, playing, or capturing those special doggo moments at camp. Lo’s dedication to making each dog’s experience unforgettable is evident in everything they do. Rocco the doberman, Lo is still thinking of ya! #summerof24boardingschoolgrad

Day School Program Manager
Ashlee joins our team as a seasoned trainer with years of hands-on training and behavior modification experience, from private rescue shelters to building and leading a team of trainers in a Boarding School program in New York. She gets it. Her patience with nervous nellies and spicy pups is a game changer, especially for Philly dog owners who know how challenging a simple sidewalk walk can be in the city. And if you’ve got pitties? Ashlee will love on them, hard. She brings a calm, understanding approach that makes all the difference for both dogs and their owners.

Incredibly talented, eager to help you bridge the gap, genuinely invested in your success, and creatively guiding you there—that’s Oli. Whether you’re working with them in lessons, classes, or socials, Oli holds a generous and humorous space for you and your dog to succeed in this dog-human dance (it’s a cha-cha, by the way). And if you think you’ve got the chicken bone blues from navigating city adventures, Oli can probably one-up you with stories about their basset hound, Micky. With ears so long, they can touch the ground, adding a whole new level to the dog-care journey.

Looking for a pup? Chances are Lani has a foster for you ;) She joins us with years of professional grooming and handling experience- you get to know so much about dogs by handling, care and well, building a relationship with a pup on the table and in the tub for several hourssssss. Those kind of hours logged are experiential gold. Beyond grooming, Lani’s been teaching classes and coaching owners, and she’s excited to help you make those small changes that will lead to big shifts in your relationship with your pup.