Your Team

As a young teenager Jonathan helped many of his neighbours care for their pets. Now, in his later life and after a career as a professional mariner – he then circled back to doing what he loves; working with pets and people.

Jonathan is the Training Director at Melbourne Dog Trainers and the founder of Woofers World. He spends his days between dog-training, dog walking, office work and steering the business down a happy sustainable path.

After leaving RMIT where he studied Applied Science, Jonathan spent a decade sailing as a professional yacht captain and then in 2005 he began making his passion of animal training his career.

Since starting Woofers in 2005, Jonathan has an exhaustive list of studies mostly in dog training, adult education and behavioural sciences. He completed his Cert4 in Training and Assessments and has worked teaching diploma level Dog Training (Assistance Dogs). In 2024 Jonathan attempted and passed the CPDT-KA certification and is now one of less than two dozen trainers in Australia with this level of certification.

Throughout the years the best parts of being part of Woofers World has been watching the team, the dogs and the industry grow in professionalism. Being a part of raising pet care standards so that pets and their people live happier and healthier lives is hugely rewarding. It makes the hard work of running a small business all worthwhile.

Danielle is an all-rounder with Woofers, but mostly you’ll find her looking after accounts and business-ey stuff, on reception, and running our social media. As a sister to Jonathan, she is involved with Woofers since its inception but officially joined the team in 2012.

After helping out during a growth phase, she decided she loved hanging out with the pooches more than her life in commercial property and fund management. So much so that she stuck around and brought a wealth of commercial experience with her.

Danielle has had many roles within Woofers, including full-time Animal Handler, so she loves it when one of the Handlers is off-duty, and she gets to get out of the office and play with the dogs. While she doesn’t have any pets of her own, there are not many days she doesn’t have a four-legged friend staying with her as she is one of our most sought after Sleepover minders.

Josh joined Woofers World in 2022 after relocating from Sydney and has been part of the team ever since. With previous experience in the fitness industry, he discovered his true passion working with dogs and has dedicated himself to learning as much as possible about canine behaviour, training and welfare.

As a CPDT-KA Certified Professional Dog Trainer through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), Josh is committed to evidence based training and ongoing professional development.
He is currently working towards his CBATI-KA certification to further expand his knowledge in canine behaviour and reactivity.

Josh shares his life with his Golden Retriever Penny, who was rehomed at 15 months of age. Helping Penny overcome her own behavioural challenges reinforced Josh’s belief that every dog can succeed with patience, consistency and the right support.

Outside of work, Josh enjoys spending time outdoors, with overnight hiking, camping and exploring nature among his favourite ways to recharge.

Josh is passionate about creating safe, enriching experiences for every dog whilst helping owners better understand and build stronger relationships with their canine companions.

Ashlie joined Woofers World as an Animal Attendant in April 2024 and quickly progressed into the role of Daycare Manager.

Before joining the team, Ashlie spent seven years as a professional dog walker, gaining extensive hands on experience with dogs of all breeds, sizes and personalities.

One of Ashlie’s favourite parts of the job is capturing everyday moments with the dogs and creating content for the Woofers Dog Lounge Instagram – she enjoys showcasing the personalities of the dogs and giving clients a glimpse into their pets day.

Ashlie shares her life with her senior Jack Russell Bonnie, and has always had a soft spot for dogs.
Outside of work, she loves taking Bonnie on adventures, whether it’s a trip to the beach or exploring quiet bushland trails.

She is passionate about creating a safe, enriching environment where every dog feels like Woofers World is their second home.
She loves planning the themed holiday activities and special events that make each visit to Woofer’s Dog Lounge exciting for the pups.

When she’s not at work, you’ll usually find Ashlie relaxing with her partner and a glass of wine, or cuddled up with tiny Bonnie – who somehow manages to take up as much space on the couch as a Great Dane would.

At the end of high school, Rachel found herself choosing between a career in childcare or animal care. Her lifelong love of animals made the decision an easy one, and she went on to complete an Honours degree in Animal Science and Management at the University of Melbourne. She later expanded her knowledge by completing further studies in dog training and behaviour.

Rachel joined the Woofers World family in 2010 as an Animal Handler and has grown alongside the business ever since. Over the years, she has held several roles, including Dog Trainer and Operations Manager, before transitioning into her current position as Sleepover Coordinator. In this role, she combines her extensive experience with her exceptional organisational skills to carefully match dogs with their sleepover carers, ensuring every pet enjoys a safe, comfortable and happy home away from home experience.

With more than 15 years at Woofers World, Rachel has built lasting relationships with countless dogs and their families. She is passionate about providing outstanding care and loves being part of a team dedicated to enriching the lives of both pets and their owners.

Outside of work, Rachel and her husband, Adam, share their home with Bamboo, their much loved Border Collie cross, who is a familiar face around Woofers HQ and can often be found greeting customers – when she’s not fast asleep under Rachel’s desk.

Rachel and Adam are also proud parents, and value family time with their kids and Bamboo.

Amanda joined Woofers World in January 2024 in an administration role before transitioning into her current position as Animal Placements Coordinator, where she matches dogs with their perfect sleepover carers and helps ensure every stay is a positive experience.

Originally from Brisbane, Amanda relocated to Melbourne in November 2023 after being encouraged by her daughter, who had already made the move and loves living here.

With a varied professional background, Amanda was looking for a career that combined meaningful work with her lifelong love of dogs. When she saw the opportunity at Woofers World, she knew the drive across Melbourne would be well worth it to spend her days with wonderful people and plenty of happy pups.

Amanda can’t remember a time when there wasn’t a family dog in her life, and her love of animals has always been a constant. She treats every sleepover guest as if they were part of her family and enjoys spending time with all the dogs she meets through Woofers World.

Outside of work, Amanda loves spending time and adventures with her daughter and son-in-law. She also sings with her daughter in the Melbourne Indie Voices choir and enjoys live music, travel and working on creative art projects.

Briony joined the Woofers World team in 2022 as an Administration Assistant before progressing into her current role as Administration Team Leader. In this position, she supports the administration team and plays an important role in keeping many areas of the business running smoothly.

After spending more than 10 years working in the insurance and building industry, Briony decided it was time for a career change. Wanting to do something she genuinely cared about, she combined her strong administrative experience with her lifelong love of animals by joining the Woofers World team.

Today, Briony provides support across many areas of the business, including the grooming salon, daycare operations, retail ordering and the day to day administration that keeps everything running seamlessly behind the scenes. She enjoys the variety that each day brings and takes pride in helping both the team and clients have the best possible experience.

Outside of work, Briony loves spending time with her family, her senior cat Zelda and her German Shepherd cross, Ruben. She also hopes to begin volunteering at an animal shelter in the near future to help care for animals while they wait to find their forever homes.

Briony’s favourite part of working at Woofers World is being surrounded by happy dogs every day and being part of a team that genuinely cares about one another, the dogs and the families who trust them with their pets.

Matilda joined the Woofers World team in June 2025 as an Administration Assistant, where she supports the day to day running of the business whilst also helping care for the dogs in daycare and grooming.

From the moment she started at Woofers World, Matilda knew she had found the industry she wanted to build her career in. She loves working with dogs and says that spending time with them is when she feels her happiest.
Whilst she adores dogs of all shapes and sizes, she has a particular soft spot for large breeds, with the Bernese Mountain Dog being her favourite.

At home, Matilda has a miniature Cavoodle named Teddy, who is the centre of her world. Together they love exploring new parks, trying new enrichment activities and of course, enjoying plenty of cuddles.

Outside of work, Matilda enjoys shopping, reformer pilates and discovering new restaurants. She also loves spending quality time with family and friends and is always keen to try something new, especially if it involves a little adventure – she considers herself a bit of an adrenaline seeker.

Courtney joined the Woofers World team in 2017 as an after school cleaner, from there she transitioned into the role of Administration Assistant, where she supports the day to day running of the business whilst also helping care for the dogs in daycare and grooming. Her role gives her the best of both worlds – working with people as well as spending plenty of time with the dogs.

One of Courtney’s favourite parts of the job is seeing the excitement on the dogs’ faces when they realise they’ve arrived at Woofers World. She loves that many of the daycare dogs are so happy at Woofers that they don’t want to leave when it’s time to go home. Building relationships with the dogs is another highlight of her role, and she likes to think of herself as their “fun aunty”.

Outside of work, Courtney enjoys spending time with her dog, Humphrey, catching up with family and friends, tackling a good jigsaw puzzle and keeping active at the gym. She loves being part of the Woofers World team and helping create a welcoming, fun and caring environment for every dog that walks through the door.

Alexis joined the Woofers World team in December 2021, bringing with her a strong passion for animal care and behaviour. Since joining the team, she has progressed from Animal Handler to Senior Handler and now works as Handler Coordinator, where she enjoys mentoring the team whilst helping provide the highest standard of care for every dog that visits Woofers.

Alexis has always been fascinated by animals, particularly companion animals and the unique bonds they share with people. Alexis holds a degree in Animal and Veterinary Biosciences, further strengthening her knowledge of animal behaviour and welfare.

At home, Alexis has two much loved cats who are always happy to join her for cuddles on the couch whilst she enjoys a good book.

Outside of work, Alexis enjoys reading, gaming and creating horror themed artwork. She loves
spending time with her partner, family, friends and of course – her cats.

One of Alexis’ favourite parts of working at Woofers is helping dogs overcome challenges and watching them grow into confident, happy companions.
Seeing the progress that dogs make through patience, trust and consistency is one of the most rewarding parts of her role.

Irene first joined Woofers Dog Lounge and Melbourne Dog Trainers as a work placement student in September 2024 whilst completing her Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training.
After successfully completing her placement, she officially joined the Woofers Dog Lounge team in February 2025.

Irene holds a Certificate II in Animal Studies and a Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training. She is also continuing to expand her knowledge by completing the Karen Pryor Academy’s Puppy Start Right for Instructors program.

She loves the welcoming environment at Woofers Dog Lounge and enjoys getting to know all of the wonderful dogs and their owners.
Irene chose a career working with animals because she is passionate about helping every dog she meets build confidence, learn new skills and reach their full potential.

Outside of work, Irene enjoys photography, cycling and cooking. She also loves exploring new places on day trips and spending quality time with her 13 year old Cavoodle Bailey, teaching him new tricks, giving him all the treats and heading off on adventures together.

Bryan joined the Woofers World team in 2024 as an Animal Handler. Working with dogs has always been a passion of his, which led him to become a certified dog trainer and build a career centred around canine care and behaviour.

Bryan enjoys working with dogs of all breeds, ages and personalities, and takes great satisfaction in helping them build confidence, develop positive social skills and enjoy enriching experiences. His background in dog training has given him a strong understanding of canine behaviour, allowing him to connect with each dog as an individual and support their unique needs.

He chose a career working with animals because of his genuine interest in understanding how dogs think, learn and communicate. Building positive relationships with dogs and seeing them thrive in a fun, safe environment is one of the most rewarding parts of his role.

Outside of work, Bryan enjoys going to the gym, studying and spending time outdoors. He loves staying active and is always looking for opportunities to continue learning and developing his skills, both professionally and personally.

For Bryan, being able to work with dogs every day is more than just a job – it’s something he truly loves and is passionate about.

Liam joined Woofers World as an Animal Handler in 2023 and has always enjoyed spending time with animals and providing them with the care, attention and companionship they deserve.

His passion for working with animals comes from the enjoyment he gets from building relationships with dogs and helping them have positive, enriching experiences each day.

Since joining the team, Liam has loved getting to know the different personalities of the dogs at Woofers World and being part of their daily adventures. He enjoys creating a fun and safe environment where every dog feels comfortable, happy and cared for.

Outside of Woofers World, Liam enjoys spending time with friends, gaming, working out, and playing sports. He is passionate about golf and basketball and enjoys the challenge, teamwork and time outdoors that come with both.

Emma has been an Animal Handler at Woofers World since 2021 and has been working professionally with dogs for more than 12 years. She holds a Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services and has always known that a career working with animals was exactly where she belonged.

Before joining the industry, Emma worked in retail until a friend introduced her to a role at a dog daycare. What started as a foot in the door quickly became a lifelong career.

In 2016, she volunteered for a month at an animal shelter in Indonesia, helping care for more than 150 cats, 25 dogs and eight rescued sun bears.
During her time there, she assisted with daily care, tick removal and helping rescued animals rebuild their trust in people.

Emma has always been animal obsessed and loves building strong relationships with the dogs she cares for.

Her favourite part of the job is arriving at a client’s home and seeing the excitement on a dog’s face, especially when owners tell her, “They only do this when Woofers comes.”
Knowing she plays a part in making each dog’s day is what she loves most.

Outside of work, Emma enjoys spending time with her rescued Greyhound Goofy, who she adopted when he was two years old. Now – having spent over 5 years together, Goofy enjoys trips to the park, splashing through puddles and running along the beach – adventures Emma enjoys just as much as he does.

Charlotte joined the Woofers World team as an Animal Handler in April 2025. Having loved animals since childhood, she always knew she wanted to build a career working with them, as caring for animals brings her genuine happiness and fulfilment.

She holds a Certificate in Dog Psychology and Behaviour, and since joining Woofers World, she has continued to grow her knowledge of canine behaviour. She believes that working with so many different dogs has not only strengthened her skills but has also deepened the bond she shares with her own Dalmatian, Butters.

Outside of work, Charlotte enjoys ice skating, exploring local markets and taking nature walks with Butters. She also loves discovering new places on the weekends and finding hidden gems along the way.

Charlotte’s favourite part of working at Woofers World is the relationships she has built with both the dogs and their owners. She loves getting to know each dog’s unique personality. No matter what kind of day she’s having, it’s instantly made better the moment she sees the first dog of the day in the mornings.

Shaun has been an Animal Handler at Woofers World for the past two years.

Before joining the team, he gained valuable experience working in both dog daycare and grooming, building a strong understanding of canine behaviour, care and handling.

His journey into the animal care industry began after adopting his beloved Bulldog, Gus.
The joy and companionship Gus brought into his life inspired Shaun to leave his career as a chef and pursue his true passion – working with dogs every day.

Shaun enjoys getting to know the unique personalities of each dog in his care and takes pride in helping create a safe, fun and enriching environment where they can thrive.

Outside of work, Shaun enjoys painting, reading and heading out on long hikes with Gus.
At home, you’ll often find the two of them enjoying their favourite pastimes – belly rubs and game of tug of war.

Ruby has been an Animal Handler at Woofers World since 2019.

Before joining the team, she was studying for a Master’s degree before realising that her true passion was working with dogs. The joy they bring to her life made the decision an easy one, and she can’t imagine doing anything else.

At home, Ruby shares her life with two beautiful dogs, Lucy and Nelly, along with a few pet birds who always keep things interesting. Living in an animal loving household has only strengthened her appreciation for the unique personalities and needs of every pet.

When she’s not at work, Ruby enjoys caring for her animals, watching documentaries and spending quality time with her family.

Ruby loves being part of the Woofers World team and takes great pride in making every dog’s day as fun, safe and enriching as possible.

Alex joined the Woofers World team as an Animal Handler in September 2025. Although she has worked in retail and real estate throughout her career, she always found herself returning to what she loves most – working with animals.

Before joining Woofers World, Alex gained valuable experience working at a kennel and cattery, where she developed her skills in animal care and handling. In 2024, she volunteered in the small Italian village of Sanza, helping care for stray dogs and cats. The experience strengthened her passion for animal welfare and reinforced her desire to build a career caring for animals.

Outside of work, Alex enjoys dancing, cooking, acting, trying new food and spending time with friends. She also loves relaxing at home with her two cats, Aria and Jagger.

Alex’s favourite part of working at Woofers World is the happiness the dogs bring every single day. From the excited greetings and endless cuddles to watching them race around the park with their friends, she loves being part of the joy and enrichment that makes each dog’s day so special.

Emily first joined Woofers World as a work placement student in October 2025 before officially becoming part of the team in March 2026. During her placement, she gained valuable hands on experience under the guidance of the experienced Woofers Dog Lounge team, building her confidence, refining her animal handling skills and developing a strong foundation in canine care.

Emily recently graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Zoology. She is currently completing a Certificate II in Animal Care and hopes to continue her studies with a Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care as she works towards her lifelong dream of becoming a zookeeper.

At home, Emily has four much loved pets – two dogs, Scooby and Sully, and two cats, Ollie and Peaches. She enjoys taking her dogs for walks along the beach and relaxing at home with her cats.

Outside of work, Emily loves catching up with friends, discovering new restaurants and seeing live music.

One of Emily’s favourite parts of working at Woofers World is seeing the excitement on the dogs’ faces as they arrive for daycare each morning. Watching their tails wag with excitement as they rush in to see their friends is something she never gets tired of and is one of the most rewarding parts of her role.

Ava joined the Woofers World team in 2023 as an after school cleaner at Woofer’s HQ,
and in July 2026 she made the move across to Woofer’s Dog Lounge as an animal attendant.

Having always loved animals, Ava was excited to join the Woofer’s World team. Working
with animals has been one of the best decisions she has made, and she gets great fulfilment and joy from her job.

At home, Ava shares her life with her senior Maltese Shih Tzu, Dasha, and her three cats –
Milko, Laila and Joey. Dasha enjoys gentle walks, whilst her cats, particularly Joey love to
cuddle up.

Outside of work, Ava is currently studying Fashion. She also enjoys cooking, spending time
in nature, visiting festivals and local markets and spends most of her spare time with her
friends, family and pets.

One of Ava’s favourite parts about working at Woofer’s is being a part of such a supportive
team and building connections with both the dogs and their owners. She also finds the cleaning
process satisfying and takes pride in creating a fresh, welcoming environment where every
dog can feel comfortable and cared for.

Mandy joined the Woofers World team as the Daycare Bus Driver after spending five years volunteering at an animal shelter, where she developed a strong passion for animal welfare and caring for dogs of all ages and personalities.

Each morning, Mandy is responsible for collecting many of our daycare dogs and safely transporting them to Woofers Dog Lounge, with the occasional afternoon bus run. She enjoys being one of the first friendly faces the dogs see each day and loves watching their excitement as they jump aboard.

Having been part of the entire Woofers Dog Lounge journey, Mandy has loved watching the business grow into the thriving community it is today. She especially values the close knit team culture and the genuine friendships she has built with both her colleagues and the wonderful clients.

Outside of work, Mandy enjoys all types of sports, lunches with her friends and loves to spend her spare time with her 3 dogs – Mista, Maurice and Mabel.

One of Mandy’s favourite parts of the role is meeting so many beautiful dogs and their owners. She enjoys getting to know each dog’s unique personality and takes pride in helping every journey to and from Woofers Dog Lounge start and finish with plenty of care, enthusiasm and wagging tails.

Piper

Piper spent her early childhood years growing up in the beautiful island of Taiwan and in 2017 was given a chance to leave her menagerie of pets at home and immigrate to “the lucky country”.

Piper has a gentle and professional animal handling style that began at an early age when she cared for a vast range of family pets including, chickens, rabbits, dogs, birds, fish and even a hedgehog.

After completing an undergraduate degree in Animal Husbandry in 2009, Piper worked as a Groomer’s Assistant, then Groomer and later completed her training and then worked as a Grooming Supervisor.

Although Piper was unable to bring her three dogs with her to Australia, she takes great joy and comfort in spending time with client’s dogs. Her calm animal handling skills and artistic ability help make her a fantastic groomer and great member of the Woofers Groom Room team.