Meet Our Compassionate & Responsible Pet Care Staff

Ted is the founder and owner of Above & Beyond Pet Services, a company he launched in 2012 to combine his passion for animals with his background in healthcare client service management. His journey into animal care began in 2005, fostering homeless pets through the MSPCA, and evolved into a mission to create a pet care service rooted in reliability, compassion, and community connection. Ted is dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service, building lasting relationships with both clients and their pets, and staying actively involved in the local communities he serves. His commitment to doing what’s right and going the extra mile is at the heart of everything Above & Beyond represents.

Rachel has loved animals her entire life and shares her home with her adorable cats. What began as a personal passion turned into a professional calling—Rachel spent years working as a Veterinary Technician and has now been a dedicated member of Above & Beyond Pet Services for over a decade. As the leader of our Belmont chapter, Rachel brings not only experience and knowledge but also warmth and unwavering support to every pet, client and caregiver she works with. Her caring nature and deep love for animals shine through in everything she does.

Sarah has had a lifelong passion for animals—starting with taking over her brother’s pets, from cats and mice to catfish and even sharks! In high school, she began pet sitting for friends and quickly realized that working with animals was her true calling. Sarah earned her Bachelor's degree in Veterinary Technology from Mount Ida College. Sarah found her stride in daycare management and dog training, discovering a deep passion for helping behaviorally challenged dogs thrive. Today, Sarah leads the Arlington Chapter of Above & Beyond Pet Services, where her compassion, leadership, and love of helping animals (and their people!) shine through in all she does. While she doesn’t currently have a dog of her own, she shares her home with the big personality of her cat Cosmo.

Forrest is our Customer Service Supervisor and the go-to point of contact for the Belmont Chapter. He handles client emails, manages scheduling, and ensures everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. With a calm and friendly demeanor, Forrest helps both clients and staff feel supported every step of the way. His attention to detail and commitment to excellent service make him an invaluable part of the Above & Beyond Pet Services team.

Liv is a compassionate and experienced pet care professional who now serves as Customer Service Supervisor for the Belmont Chapter of Above & Beyond Pet Services. With nearly a decade of hands-on experience and a lifelong love for animals, she has cared for everything from cats and dogs to reptiles and birds. At home, she shares her life with three cats, a bearded dragon, a snake, and a turtle. Liv handles scheduling and client communications with care and efficiency, always striving to provide exceptional service to every pet and their person.

Ana is the Lead Caregiver at Above & Beyond Pet Services, where she not only provides exceptional care to dogs and cats but also helps train new employees and serves as a go-to resource for team questions. Her deep love for animals began early in life and continues to shape her work and personal passions. Ana currently shares her life with a French bulldog named Booger and two senior Chihuahuas, Taco and Chimichanga. Outside of work, she enjoys tending to her garden, caring for plants, and supporting the environment by picking up litter in her neighborhood. Her dedication to animals, nature, and mentorship makes her a valued leader and compassionate caregiver.

Espy is a perky, positive, and dedicated Lead Caregiver at Above & Beyond Pet Services, known for her warm energy and unwavering love for animals of all kinds. She’s spent her life surrounded by animal siblings and helps care for her family’s livestock rescue, which is home to goats, dogs, cats, a parrot, a miniature horse, and more chickens than she can count. Espy also has two beloved pets of her own, Benny and Quetzali. With a natural gift for recognizing each animal’s unique personality, she brings compassion and joy to every interaction—whether she’s caring for your pets, training new team members, or offering support to fellow staff. Espy is committed to making every pet feel safe, loved, and right at home.

Faith is a cheerful and dedicated Lead Caregiver at Above & Beyond Pet Services, bringing both professional experience and heartfelt passion to her role. Her journey in animal care began at a vibrant doggy daycare, where she created enriching, playful experiences for dogs while closely attending to their needs and well-being. A lifelong pet parent herself, Faith has developed a deep understanding of animal behavior, training, and emotional care. Her mix of hands-on expertise and genuine love for animals makes her a compassionate, attentive, and trusted caregiver for every pet she meets.

Jess is a Lead Caregiver at Above & Beyond Pet Services, where her natural love for animals and enthusiasm for training new caregivers shine. Although she grew up in a pet-free household, she managed to convince her parents to welcome guinea pigs and rabbits, sparking a lifelong passion for animal care. After years of horseback riding and pet sitting while working in the human services field, Jess made the leap to pursue animals full-time—finding joy and fulfillment in giving pets the attention they deserve. She shares her home with her beloved cat, Olivia, and in her free time, enjoys swimming, running, and keeping up with her energetic daughter. Jess brings warmth, wit, and a deep sense of empathy to every pet and person she meets.

Krystal is a Lead Caregiver at Above & Beyond Pet Services, known for her reliability, compassion, and attentiveness to both pets and their people. Born and raised in Waltham, she grew up with cats and developed a love for dogs by walking those belonging to friends and neighbors—long before she could have one of her own. Her lifelong desire to work with animals has now become a reality, and she takes great pride in supporting clients, answering questions, and ensuring every pet receives thoughtful, individualized care. Krystal’s deep-rooted love for animals and strong connection to the local community make her a valued member of the team.

McGee is a Lead Caregiver at Above & Beyond Pet Services, where they specialize in welcoming new clients and making sure both pets and their people feel at ease from day one. A Massachusetts native, McGee has shared their life with dogs, cats, and rabbits, and currently dotes on their Maine Coon, Link. With experience caring for animals of all kinds—including reptiles and other exotic pets—they bring a calm, confident approach to every visit. When they're not providing top-tier pet care, McGee enjoys animating, sculpting, illustrating, and, of course, attending to Link’s every royal demand.

Richa is a Lead Caregiver at Above & Beyond Pet Services, known for their calm, patient demeanor and impressive early-morning energy. Although they didn’t grow up with pets, Richa is a lifelong animal lover and now shares their home in Watertown with a cheerful corgi and two affectionate cats. Their joy comes from spending time with animals of all shapes and sizes—whether it’s a beloved household pet or their personal favorites, cuttlefish and donkeys. When not caring for clients’ pets with attentiveness and warmth, Richa enjoys hiking, biking, making music, and pursuing graduate studies.

Sophia is a Lead Caregiver at Above & Beyond Pet Services, where she plays a key role in training new team members and ensuring every pet receives the highest level of care. Raised in Woburn and surrounded by a variety of animals—from cats and dogs to snakes and guinea pigs—Sophia’s love for animals began early. She spent time at her father’s local animal clinic as a child, bonding with the patients and learning the foundations of animal care. Her path into the pet care profession was a natural one, and she now brings both skill and heart to every visit. In her free time, Sophia enjoys reading, photography, and drawing.

Stephanie is a Lead Caregiver at Above & Beyond Pet Services, where she plays a key role in training new team members and conducting caregiver interviews. A lifelong animal lover, she has fostered dogs of all breeds and sizes and has always welcomed animals with open arms. At home, she shares her life with Gemma, an German Shepherd, and Sonic, a hedgehog. Stephanie’s natural caregiving instincts and kind, attentive nature shine through in every interaction—whether she’s supporting the team or caring for clients' pets. In her free time, she enjoys painting and traveling with her family.

Bio - Pending

Aleks brings a lifelong love of animals to everything she does. Originally from Poland, she grew up in a lively household that included a dog, several cats, fish tanks, and even a bird! Summers spent in the country’s beautiful lake region only deepened her appreciation for nature and its many creatures. Since moving to the United States, Aleks has continued to surround herself with beloved furry companions—currently, two wonderful cats complete her household. She finds great joy in caring for animals of all kinds and feels grateful to turn her passion into a daily purpose.

Amy grew up in Connecticut with a cherished cat and rabbit, and was always the go-to dog walker for family, friends, and neighbors. Her natural connection with animals led her to develop a thoughtful, compassionate approach to pet care. Amy believes in the power of positive reinforcement and takes the time to understand each pet’s unique personality, ensuring they feel safe, happy, and loved.

Anna has been an animal lover for as long as she can remember. A lifelong Massachusetts resident, she’s always shared her home with a variety of pets—from beloved cats and dogs to guinea pigs and a spirited hamster. For the past eight years, Anna has worked full time at local barns, caring for horses and enjoying the constant companionship of barn dogs and cats. Her deep love for animals and hands-on experience make her a compassionate and reliable caregiver for pets of all kinds.

Arielly has loved animals since she was a little girl, growing up surrounded by pets in New England. Over the years, she has cared for many pets—especially cats—and currently shares her home with Bentley, her playful Shi-Poo, and Morty, her curious bearded dragon. Arielly looks forward to caring for your pets as if they were her own, and when she's not spending time with animals, she enjoys reading, hiking, going to the gym, and being with her friends and family.

Ashley has been surrounded by animals her entire life and has always been fascinated by their unique personalities and behaviors. She currently shares her home with a dog, two cats, and a bunny—all of whom are beloved members of the family. A lifelong animal enthusiast, Ashley has even volunteered on a horse farm in Tewksbury, gaining hands-on experience with larger animals. Her dream has always been to one day live on a farm filled with a variety of animals, and she brings that same passion and dedication to every pet she cares for.

Courtney has always felt a special connection to animals—often choosing their company over people, even as a child. Her parents fondly recall her wandering parks to befriend chipmunks and gather acorns to “feed the squirrels” rather than joining the playground crowd. By eighth grade, she was already caring for family members' pets, which naturally grew into pet and house sitting throughout high school. Shortly after graduating, Courtney began working at a doggy daycare, where she also had the chance to support rescue dogs. When the daycare environment felt too impersonal, she sought more meaningful ways to work with animals one-on-one. Courtney has a deep appreciation for all creatures, and finds the greatest joy in earning the trust of those who need a little extra patience and care.

Denise brings years of experience in the pet care industry, with a strong background in dog walking and in-home care. Known for her calm and intuitive nature, animals are naturally drawn to her—no matter their temperament. Whether it’s a slow, relaxed stroll or a high-energy outing, Denise tailors each walk to fit the unique needs and personality of every dog. She believes that understanding and honoring each pet’s preferences is key to creating a happy, stress-free experience. Pets bring Denise joy, and her goal is always to return that joy in every interaction.

A lifelong animal lover, this caregiver has a deep appreciation for all creatures—wild and domestic—and believes every animal deserves to live their best life. Growing up in Massachusetts, they cared for a Morgan horse named Merry Legs, along with dogs, cats, and most recently, an Amazon parrot named Kelly. A proud Massachusetts resident for over 25 years, they bring a wealth of experience and genuine compassion to every pet they care for, and look forward to providing the same love and attention to yours.

A proud dog, cat, and horse mom, this caregiver brings a wealth of experience and passion to every animal she meets. She currently shares her life with Gizmo, a spirited cattle dog; a cat full of cattitude; and a fiery chestnut Arabian horse—each with their own strong personality. Her background includes time at a veterinary clinic, giving her valuable medical insight, as well as years of pet sitting and dog walking for friends and clients. With a deep commitment to providing compassionate, individualized care, she looks forward to meeting your furry family member and treating them like one of her own.

Erin is passionate about animals and their well-being, always putting their care and comfort first. With a lifetime of experience caring for dogs, cats, and even exotic animals, she brings both knowledge and heart to every interaction. For over ten years, Erin has worked professionally with animals, developing expertise in both animal care and behavior. Her calm, attentive approach ensures every pet feels safe, happy, and well-loved. Outside of animal care, Erin enjoys hiking, embroidery, and indulging in her favorite treat—ice cream.

Bio-Pending

Wenjie (Iris) has been caring for animals since 2010, beginning with her family’s Scottish Shepherd and a pair of poodles—father and son. She was actively involved in their daily care before moving to the U.S. for school. During the pandemic, her family rescued a black and white stray dog, and more recently, Iris welcomed a gentle, shy American Shorthair cat named Cleo into her home. Her lifelong love for animals is evident in the thoughtful, attentive care she provides to every pet she meets.

Originally from Brazil, Isadora has loved animals since childhood—and that passion has only grown stronger over the years. She dedicated much of her time to helping street dogs and volunteering at local shelters, providing care and compassion to animals in need. Now based in the U.S., Isadora brings her love of animals and the outdoors to every walk. Whether your pup enjoys a relaxed stroll or an exciting adventure, she’s committed to making sure they receive plenty of love, exercise, and tail-wagging joy.

Izzy is passionate about caring for animals of all kinds. As a devoted pet parent to a dog, cats, a hamster, and a bearded dragon, she understands just how important it is to know your pets are in safe, loving hands. Whether she’s out walking dogs, providing pet sitting, or simply offering extra affection to a four-legged friend, Izzy is committed to delivering compassionate, reliable care. She looks forward to meeting you and your beloved pets!

Jaelyn has loved animals for as long as she can remember—in fact, she’s never lived a day without a dog by her side. She currently shares her life with two beloved pups: Roman, a pitbull mix, and Violet, a German shepherd. They’re her best friends and a big part of her daily routine. Caring for animals comes naturally to Jaelyn, and being able to turn that passion into a career is a perfect fit. She’s dedicated, nurturing, and truly enjoys making sure every pet feels safe, loved, and well cared for.

Bio-Pending

Jennifer has had a lifelong love of animals. Born and raised in Massachusetts, she has always shared her home with a variety of beloved pets—including guinea pigs, cats, and several dogs over the years, from mixed breeds and a schnauzer to a boxer and her current rescue, a lab mix named Libby. In addition to her passion for animals, Jennifer is a full-time elementary school teacher and a proud mother of two wonderful daughters. Her nurturing nature and dedication shine through in both her work with children and the loving care she provides to every pet she meets.

Jordan earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from the University of Vermont in 2009 and began her career at the Franklin Park Zoo in Massachusetts, where she gained invaluable experience working with and training a variety of animals using positive reinforcement techniques. A lifelong dog lover, she eventually transitioned into professional pet care and has been caring for pets for over a decade. Now a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, Jordan offers private coaching and day training through her business, The Patient Pup, proudly serving pet families throughout Middlesex and Worcester counties with a focus on compassion, expertise, and positive training methods.

Juniper has been caring for cats and dogs from a young age and has always enjoyed walking neighborhood dogs whenever the opportunity arose. At home, they share their life with two playful French Bulldogs named Lilo and Stitch, a lovable Boxer named Daisy, and a curious cat named Pickles. With a natural affection for animals and hands-on experience, Juniper brings kindness and reliability to every pet they care for. Outside of their work with animals, Juniper is pursuing a graduate degree in Museum Education at Tufts University.

Originally from Japan, Katsumi grew up surrounded by a variety of animals, including rescue dogs, hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, birds, fish, and turtles. Her lifelong love for animals continues today as she shares her home with two wonderful rescue dogs, Hershey and Kringle. Katsumi is thrilled to be in a role where she can connect with so many new animal friends and provide them with the same care and affection she gives her own pets.

Hi! My name is Kayla, and I've always had a deep love for animals and all living things. I have two beloved cats, Kensie and Yona, and a young toddler at home. Growing up, my mother volunteered at the MSPCA in Jamaica Plain, so our home was often a foster haven for animals like Ginger the rabbit and her bunnies, a gecko, and countless cats. I am honored to provide your animals with the same level of love and care!

Keke grew up helping her family care for a variety of animals, including chickens, pigs, birds, and even a bunny—often chopping vegetables and finding worms to keep them well-fed and happy. Today, she shares her home with beautiful goldfish, vibrant tropical fish, and two lively turtles. Keke also enjoys walking dogs for friends and neighbors, always bringing kindness and attentiveness to every pet she meets. In her spare time, she loves reading scientific research inspired by nature and biology, reflecting her deep appreciation for all living creatures.

Kristina finds true joy in caring for animals and has been surrounded by them her entire life—from chihuahuas and pugs to pit bulls and even a rare Catalina Macaw who could mimic her every word. Her love for dogs began at just seven years old when she helped her disabled neighbor walk her dog, a gesture that sparked a lifelong passion for animal care. Today, she lovingly looks after her elderly Dutch Shepherd mix, Lenny, and is thrilled to turn her dream into reality by working with a wide variety of pets. Kristina treats every animal as if they were her own, offering them her full attention, care, and unconditional love.

Lauren is a proud cat mom to one sassy girl named Saul Goodman—named after the Better Call Saul character, despite being a very pretty lady! She’s been working with dogs for over a year and is thrilled to have found her place in the pet care industry. For Lauren, animals were a lifeline growing up, offering comfort and companionship during every stage of life. Now, she finds true joy in giving back to them through thoughtful, loving care and is honored to be a trusted part of their lives.

Lillian has been passionate about animals for as long as they can remember, earning the nickname “dog whisperer” from friends for their unique ability to connect with and understand dogs on a deep level. Their lifelong love for animals extends beyond canines—Lillian currently shares their home with a long-time pet turtle (still unnamed after eight years!) and proudly serves as a devoted godparent to two beloved furry companions, Kimchi and Bean. Their calm presence and genuine affection for all creatures make Lillian a trusted and caring friend to every pet they meet.

Lori brings years of hands-on experience caring for her own pets as well as cats and dogs of all breeds and sizes within her extended family. She has a natural, easygoing approach that helps animals feel comfortable and cared for. In her free time, Lori enjoys hitting the trails with her spirited terrier, Charlie, or unwinding at home with both Charlie and her cat, Cloud—her beloved companions who inspire her daily love for animal care.

Lucy is thrilled to be a part of Above and Beyond Pet Services, where she can combine her lifelong love of animals with her passion for providing thoughtful, attentive care. Growing up in a home full of pets of all kinds, her connection to animals has only deepened over the years. With over five years of experience volunteering at animal shelters and pet sitting, Lucy is dedicated to meeting each pet’s unique needs—whether that means administering medications, going for enriching walks, or simply spending quality time. She looks forward to making your pets feel safe, loved, and comfortable until you return home.

Bio-Pending

Mariana’s love for animals began on her family’s farm in Colombia, where she helped care for both rescued and family-owned dogs, cats, and other farm animals. This experience shaped her passion for animal care and led her to complete two semesters as a veterinary technician in Colombia. Currently pursuing a degree in biology and a strong commitment to pursuing veterinary school, she continues to expand her knowledge through hands-on experience like volunteering at an aquarium. At home, she cares for her two beloved dogs, Dream and Toby, who have further deepened her understanding of pet care and training. For Mariana, animals aren’t just pets—they're family. She believes every wag, purr, and happy bounce tells a story, and she’s honored to be part of those moments, giving each furry friend the love and care they deserve.

Michael has always been an avid animal and nature lover, finding joy in spending time outdoors canoeing, camping, and—naturally—dog walking. As a proud guinea pig parent, he believes that every animal’s life is precious, no matter the size. Michael brings this philosophy to every pet he cares for, treating each one with the respect, attention, and affection they deserve. His calm, compassionate presence helps animals feel safe, seen, and truly cared for.

Bio-Pending

Maria is a passionate caregiver with a deep commitment to both people and animals. As a veterinary technician at a local animal hospital, she brings a compassionate and skilled approach to every pet she cares for. In addition to her hands-on work with animals, Maria also trains new team members and supports client onboarding, ensuring every pet family feels welcomed and well-informed. Her calm presence and dedication make her a trusted and valued member of any pet’s care team.

Bio-Pending

Nicole has had a deep love for animals her entire life, having grown up with three cherished cats—Murphy, Sasha, and Bandit—and later a Yorkshire Terrier named Little Dude, who was the runt of his litter and her loyal companion for 16 years. Most recently, she adopted Jerry, a Norwich Terrier mix from Serbia, as an emotional support animal for her son. The bond between them is full of joy, play, and mutual comfort. Nicole believes that pets are a true gift, enriching our lives in countless ways. In addition to caring for animals, she also plays a key role in training new caregivers and onboarding clients, bringing warmth, experience, and a personal touch to every part of the pet care journey.

Noelle has always felt a deep calling to care for animals. While others dreamed of becoming doctors or teachers, she proudly declared she wanted to be a zookeeper—and that passion has only grown stronger with time. Noelle is currently working toward her associate degree as an animal care specialist and shares her life with a beloved cat who is her pride and joy. Dedicated to creating safe, comfortable environments for animals of all kinds, Noelle is committed to a lifelong journey of compassion, care, and connection with every creature she meets.

Randy has an irresistible urge to meet every dog he encounters and a deep respect for the boundaries of every cat—and any other special companion, whether it’s a bunny, bird, or beyond. He shares his home with his beloved dog, Maple Leaf, and brings that same affection and attentiveness to every animal he meets. When he’s not showering pets with love, Randy enjoys board games, karaoke, and watching drag-related content. His fun-loving spirit and genuine care make him a favorite among both pets and their people.

Skylar grew up with three dogs and, after some persistent convincing, finally added a cat to the household as a teen—sparking a lifelong love for animals of all kinds. Over the years, living with roommates who had cats, guinea pigs, and a bird expanded her appreciation for pets she hadn’t previously considered. Most recently, Skylar adopted two guinea pigs, Dusty and Maple, who greet her each morning and remind her to share her vegetables. While she’s holding off on expanding her own pet family for now, she’s excited to care for others’ beloved pets, offering them the same love and attention she gives her own.

A lifelong Massachusetts resident, this caregiver grew up surrounded by a wide variety of animals—including dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, and even pigeons! Now a full-time student in Boston, they continue to share life with beloved fur babies of their own. With a deep love for animals and a flexible, caring approach, they’re excited to help support busy pet parents by providing attentive, reliable care for your pets when you need it most.