Our Team

I loved animals from a young age, always having a cat by my side. After quickly learning the solemn role a veterinarian has to play when a pet becomes chronically ill, I switched gears and studied aviation and advertising at the University of Illinois.

Richard and I met while working in the restaurant industry during college, began dating, and inherited a Golden Retriever puppy from our boss. Delilah became our life, and I quickly learned that she needed groomed! I could not find a grooming facility at which I was content leaving my furry child, and that is why our idea for Grateful Pets was conceived. I graduated from Petropolis Grooming Academy in 2009, and practiced my grooming skills at both Kennelwood South County and a small pet shop in the city. In 2016, Richard and I took that leap of faith and opened Grateful Pets. I actively groomed dogs and cats for 12 years, but in 2021, took a step aside to focus on raising our two children, Cecilia and Hatcher. Most recently, I became certified to instruct pet first aid and CPR, with which I will be hosting local classes for our community. Grateful Pets continues to strive in assisting people to provide the best life possible for their pets. We are thankful for our employees and clients who have helped us make Grateful Pets what we had always imagined.

I grew up on a farm in Central Illinois, and we always had dogs and various pets around. While attending the University of Illinois, Rebecca and I met while working together. Upon graduation, I worked in restaurant management, never feeling fulfilled.

Meanwhile, we were gifted Delilah, our golden retriever, and our lives would never be the same. After having multiple negative grooming experiences, Rebecca decided/realized she could do a better job, and she began her educational journey learning to style pets. During this time, she encountered a dog training school, and she believed I could become a trainer. Shortly before our daughter was born, I attended the Tom Rose School for Professional Dog Trainers in High Ridge and finished first in my class. I polished my skills under some of the best dog trainers in the country while working at Kennelwood South County. In 2016, we realized our dream and opened Grateful Pets.
I enjoy training puppies as much as I do “problem” dogs. My passion is helping families communicate better with their dogs and seeing the positive impacts a well-behaved dog can have on a family.

My name is Kayla, and my passion for working with animals starts at home with my dog, Drax. He’s been a huge influence on how I approach animal care, teaching me the importance of patience, empathy, and understanding each animal as an individual.

I have spent the past eight years working hands-on with dogs in a variety of settings, including daycare, boarding, grooming, shelters, and now as Assistant Manager at Grateful Pets. Through these experiences, I’ve developed a strong interest in canine behavior and supporting dogs who need extra structure, guidance, and advocacy. Looking ahead, I hope to continue growing toward rehabilitative and training-focused work while building meaningful connections between dogs and their people!

My name is Olivia and I’ve been working at Grateful Pets for 2 years. I currently have 3 dogs (Chuy, Molly and Milo) and 1 cat (Louie).

Since working at Grateful Pets my love for dogs has only grown. Getting to interact with dogs of different sizes, breeds and personalities has been such a joy. I look forward to continue learning and growing in this industry.