Our Team

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 in that industry.

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 in 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.

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.

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.

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!

Hi, I’m Bre! After years getting lost in the corporate world, I decided to get back to my roots. A place where my soul thrives, working with my hands and good humans. The dogs are just an added, and welcomed, bonus.  My two previous pups were clients years ago at Grateful Pets, and being able to join the environment that changed our lives is a full circle moment.

I come from a background of 5 years of Project Management in the tech and real estate space, and my first passion of 12 years, Hairstylist & Barber. You will find me in the grooming room apprenticing Rebecca one day a week where I get back to my first love in a different form. The rest of the time I’m supporting our staff to make their jobs seamless as we care for your pups. I take pride in teams thriving by having fun at work while creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, respected, cared for, and encouraged to grow. The same goes for our patrons. Life is hard, dogs make it better, and they deserve the best care, love and attention always. As humans we could all learn a little from the way they live life. Live in the moment, love big, find your pack, and of course, take lots of naps!

I’m a professional trainer certified through Kennelwood Academy. I’ve been working with dogs for about five years, and I pride myself on being a passionate trainer who helps pet parents create long lasting, positive relationships with their dogs. I focus on clear communication and empathy while using personalized training plans and strategies.

I got my start with dogs as a daycare attendant, and during this time, I received several promotions and realized my passion for dogs. I then enrolled and interned at Kennelwood Academy where I learned behavior modification, puppy and dog training, agility, scent detection, tracking, retrieve training, service and therapy dog work, and protection concepts. As an experienced trainer, I’m committed to continually expanding my knowledge through seminars, online courses, webinars, and hands-on sport training with my own dogs. My pups are my little mascots for my training strategies. I have a Black Lab named Toothless and a Belgian Malinois named Jean-Luc! I train Toothless in several different areas and Jean-Luc primarily in PSA sport! Call today for your complimentary training evaluation! I look forward to working with you and your pup!