Meet Our Team

Meet Alyssa, a vital part of the MVP Resort family! In just one year, she's blossomed from a Novice Dog Training Apprentice to our skilled Junior Dog Training Apprentice and Boarding Department Lead. Alyssa's passion shines through in her genuine love for getting to know each pet's unique personality. "They're all so different," she says, "and it's a joy to interact with them every day!"

Alyssa has a special fondness for Rottweilers, admiring their strength and loyalty, and enjoying the rewarding challenge of working with their spirited nature. Her own furry and feline family includes Mochi the dog, and Octavia and Deku the cats, all adopted from a Southern California shelter where she used to work. Mochi loves a good game of tug or fetch, while Octavia, once a feral kitten, and Deku, a sweet and loving boy, bring their own unique charm to her home.

When she's not at MVP, Alyssa enjoys relaxing with shows and video games, and she has a sweet spot for Mochi donuts from any local shop. Fun facts about Alyssa is her background in martial arts, specifically Taekwondo, which she hopes to revisit soon. She won a rent-free month by performing "Love Is an Open Door" from Frozen at an apartment complex Christmas party! If she could have any superpower, it would be mind reading, especially to understand what animals are thinking. Alyssa's favorite memory at MVP is helping a shy dog named Opal overcome her fear and learn to trust, a testament to her caring and dedicated nature. As she says, "Dogs are just a part of our life. But for them, we are their whole life."

Meet Ashleigh , a vibrant member of the MVP Resort family! Joining us in July 2024 as a Novice Dog Training Apprentice, Ashleigh quickly proved her dedication and now shines as our Junior DTA/Administrative Lead. What truly fuels her passion for MVP? The endless stream of adorable puppy and kitty cuddles, of course! Ashleigh has a soft spot for German Shepherds, a breed she grew up with and admires for their intelligence and spirited personalities.

At home, Ashleigh's love for animals extends beyond her work, sharing her life with a gentle Great Dane, mischievous Aussie with captivating blue eyes, a slithery snake, and a delightful clowder of seven cats – a testament to living with fellow animal lovers! When she's not surrounded by furry friends, you can find her immersed in the pages of a romantasy book or exploring cozy coffee shops. A local favorite is Lily’s Chocolate and Coffee, a must-visit for anyone in the area.

Ashleigh's adventurous spirit shines through her love for photography, especially when creating our fun holiday photo booths. She also has a unique talent for calming newborns, a skill honed from her previous career as a newborn photographer. If she could have any superpower, she'd choose teleportation to bypass pesky traffic. When it comes to karaoke, she's ready to bust out "Watermelon Crawl" by Tracy Byrd. And if stranded on a desert island, she'd bring her Kindle, her cat Snuggles, and a giant jigsaw puzzle. Her favorite animal quote perfectly sums up her love for her work: “Sometimes, the best cure for a bad day is a wet nose and a wagging tail.

Meet Samantha, a bright and enthusiastic critter loving member of the MVP Resort family! As our Junior Dog Training Apprentice, Samantha has been a valuable asset since she joined us in October 2023, quickly progressing from Novice to Junior. Her passion for learning and tackling the challenges of dog training shines through in everything she does. Samantha loves the problem-solving aspect of her role, finding immense satisfaction in helping our furry guests navigate different situations.

Samantha has a soft spot for German Shepherds (and other "scary" breeds) and Maine Coon cats. At home, she's the proud pet parent of Ryker, a German Shepherd with an exceptionally long tongue, and Thumblina, a polydactyl Domestic Shorthair named for her adorable thumbs. Outside of work, you'll find her spending quality time with Ryker and Thumblina or hitting the gym.

If Samantha could have any superpower, she'd choose the ability to understand and communicate with animals, making her already heartfelt interactions even more meaningful. A fun fact about Samantha is that she's a twin! Her favorite animal quote, "Animals are one of the most beautiful gifts we have," perfectly reflects her deep appreciation for our four-legged friends. Stranded on a desert island, she'd bring her fur babies, gym equipment, and word searches for entertainment. Her most cherished memories at MVP Resort involve witnessing and supporting the small victories of our more hesitant animals, proving that even the biggest milestones begin with baby steps.

Dogs are my passion, both on and off the job! I began my journey in the dog industry in 2015 as a dog walker and have been dedicated to learning ever since. In my role as the Training Specialist Lead at MVP Resort, I assist dog owners in crafting personalized care plans for their pets while also fostering stronger connections between them. I also lead a team of apprentices, teaching and coaching them on their path to becoming skilled dog trainers.

Helping You Build a Strong Bond with Your Dog
I believe in creating training experiences that strengthen and enrich the relationship between dogs and their humans. It’s all about communication and understanding on both ends of the leash.

When I'm Not Training
You'll find me working with my own German Wirehaired Pointer, Kino, in the field and water with the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association. Outside of training, I enjoy spending time with my partner, exploring the outdoors, playing basketball, studying chess, fishing, hunting, and hiking. I also like to unwind with video games.

Jessie, the General Manager of Mainstay Resort, is a passionate animal advocate with over 17 years of dedicated experience in companion animal care. Her expertise spans both veterinary medicine and caregiving, making her a well-rounded leader in the field.

Jessie's lifelong love for animals began in childhood, often bringing home strays and injured wildlife. This early passion led her to pursue her dream of working with animals, starting her journey in 2006 at an animal hospital. Since then, she's never looked back.

Her extensive background includes pivotal roles such as CSR Lead at a multisite Veterinary Specialty Surgical Center, Pet Sitting Manager at a Companion Animal Care Giving Facility, and Assistant Manager of multisite general practice veterinary facilities. Through these roles, Jessie honed her ability to build strong rapport with clients and effectively lead teams towards a common goal. She believes in coaching and empowering her team, which helps her achieve her personal "why" of making a positive impact.

Jessie's deep dive into canine behavior and training was sparked by her first dog, Molly, a gentle giant Mastiff. In recent years, she's dedicated countless hours to researching various training methodologies to help her current dog, Canary, overcome reactivity and build confidence. This personal journey has reinforced her understanding of the importance of considering genetics and tailoring approaches to each pet's individual needs.

Jessie is committed to providing the ultimate caregiving experience, focusing on enhancing the bond between pet owners and their companions. She champions appropriate healthcare and believes in implementing optimal mental and physical stimulation routines that align with owners' lifestyles and goals. She thrives on learning, pursuing new achievements, and coaching her team to reach their full potential, all while aiding sentient beings in living their best lives.

Outside of work, Jessie enjoys hiking, working with Canary, obeying Dalton (her cat), reading, visiting museums, drawing, binging the latest series, spending time with family, working out, and devouring audiobooks.