Meet Our Team
Bark Avenue Pet Resort
Leadership
Dr. Ryan Ainsworth
Owner & Veterinarian
Dr. Ainsworth's Bio
Ron Sosa
Ron's Bio
Ron initially went to college for computer science but once he got out he completely shifted away. He entered the veterinary field in 2002 as a customer service representative where he quickly was asked to help them become a veterinary assistant. After becoming a veterinary assistant Ron moved into the world of veterinary dermatology, working with a Dermatologist in New York City for 7 years. Ron has written two articles on dermatology for his peers in Firstline Magazine, previously lectured and moderated the dermatology board s on VSPN (veterinary support private network). He then moved into a practice manager role for several years before becoming our director of operation. Since that transition, Ron has completed management courses and submitted his application to become a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM). He founded a Facebook group for the Arizona Veterinary Community where he has an aspiration to have the local community discuss the real struggles of our profession and become friendly neighbors instead of competition and also update each other on advances within our community. Ron has been a member of the Arizona Veterinary Health Care Team (AzVHCT), Advisory board member for the international boarding and Pet service association (IBPSA) Veterinary Hospital Managers Association(VHMA), American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), and participates in several local practice managers organizations.
Lesly
Lesly's Bio
What types of pets do you have at home and what are their names? I have a white/tan chihuahua mix named Astro he’s my baby, if you google the resort he is the first photo that will pop up. Then we have Sunny, a tan poodle mix my sister and I rescued from next door at Tia rosas. Lastly we have Sunshine our white chihuahua who we consider our old lady.
Why did you decide to work in the pet industry? Growing up I wasn’t allowed to have pets and whenever I was near one I was always ready to give it cuddles. I grew up wanting to learn about dogs more than any other animal.
What do you like to do in your free time? In my free time I like going to the lake or up north to the mountains. Indoors I enjoy playing video games and watching documentaries.
If you could be any animal, which would you be? If I could be an animal I’d choose a dragon because of how fierce and strong they are, also because they breathe fire and fly!
What are you passionate about? I’m passionate about nature and scenery, I love exploring the outdoors and its beauty day or night I’m fascinated with what the world has to offer!
What is your secret talent? A secret talent that I have would be my arts and craft side of me. I love drawing and painting I have since I was a kid.
Shayla
Shayla's Bio
What is your experience, including any schooling? I have been in the pet industry for 8 years. I don’t have any schooling, but I have a ton of on the job training.
What types of pets do you have at home and what are their names? I have 4 dogs at home – Cody, Loki, Petey and Boo Boo
Why did you decide to work in the pet industry? I have always had a love for animals and have been around them my whole life.
What do you like to do in your free time? I hang out with my dogs and spend time outside.
If you could be any animal, which would you be? I would be a horse, they are so majestic and free spirited.
What are you passionate about? Anything and everything dogs!
What is your secret talent? I have been told that I am the dog and cat whisperer haha.
Ellie
Pet Resort Manager
Ellie's Bio
What is your experience, including any schooling? I have six years of experience in the pet industry and eight years of business management experience. I have managed pet facilities and grooming salons for most of my adult life.
What types of pets do you have at home and what are their names? Albie: Pit/Boxer/German Shepherd. Yen: Great Dane. Axii: Catahoula/Pit/Mystery mutt
Why did you decide to work in the pet industry? I began my career in animal welfare working in shelters, where I learned how important it is to make a difference in the lives of pets.
What do you like to do in your free time? Whatever my dogs tell me to do!
If you could be any animal, which would you be? One of my own dogs.
What are you passionate about? Advocating for animals in our community.
What is your secret talent? I can rap all of Jay-Z’s “99 Problems” from start to finish.
Groomers
Nikki
Groomer
Nikki's Bio
What is your experience, including any schooling?
I have been grooming for 13 years. Throughout my career, I’ve completed the following certifications to further my skills and knowledge: AKC certification, and I’m certified in the rehabilitation of domesticated animals, show grooming and handling, creative grooming, grooming training, and teaching, and K9 CPR.
What types of pets do you have at home and what are their names?
Catahoula mix named Azi who thinks she’s part cat, and Shepherd mix Luna.
Why did you decide to work in the pet industry?
Growing up I worked in my mother’s hair salon. I realized I enjoyed the idea of working in a salon, but that my real passion is working with animals.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Spend time with my son, cooking, playing animal crossing, and calling my bestie.
If you could be any animal, which would you be?
A hippo. They just always look so happy!
What are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about rehabilitating aggressive dogs, teaching, and grooming of course!
What is your secret talent?
I can sprain my ankle and not even worry bout it.
Emily
Groomer
Emily's Bio
What is your experience, including any schooling?
Growing up with horses, goats, dogs, cats, and many critters between, taught me about respecting animals and gaining mutual trust. I attended Eastern Wyoming College for Veterinary Technology and Animal Science after graduating highschool in Arizona. I worked in a vet clinic while in high school, and my love for animals quickly became my career. I worked as a veterinary technician in small and large animal practices for 10 years. Grooming started as a new skill to learn, but I quickly discovered how rewarding it is to be able to still make pets feel better. I enjoy working with pets that may need a little extra reassurance.
The most rewarding part to me is working with dogs who start out timid about grooming and seeing them progress to actually enjoy coming into the salon and being happy and calm.
What types of pets do you have at home and what are their names?
I have an 11-year-old Heeler/Aussie named Cody, and a silly Maine Coon named Maverick.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Riding and training horses, re-watching Game of Thrones, and hiking with my dog.
If you could be any animal, which would you be?
A horse
What is your secret talent?
I can turn any conversation into a song. (Not usually a very good song, but a song nonetheless!)
Marissa
Bather
Marissa's Bio
What is your experience, including any schooling? I have my certification in Veterinary Assisting, worked in a clinic for less than a year when applied at Bark Avenue and have worked as an Animal Care Guardian here for about 2 years, when I switched over to grooming and started as a bather in March, and plan to work my way up.
What types of pets do you have at home and what are their names? I have a Mini/ Toy Australian Shepherd, his name is Benni. I adopted him from the humane society in January of 2020, when he was about 1 year old. He’s the love of my life! I also have a cat named Parker, I adopted him at the same humane society, in April of 2015, when he was about 6 weeks old. He’s the most spoiled kitty you’ll ever meet!
Why did you decide to work in the pet industry? I’ve always wanted to be an advocate for animals, I feel passionate about making sure they feel well loved and cared for even if it’s just with me.
What do you like to do in your free time? I loooove to listen to podcasts, I’m obsessed. Also binging Netflix. I also love to take Benni to the dog park then to go get puppacinos from Starbucks. I love to read, currently reading Stephen King.
If you could be any animal, which would you be? I think I would be a bird, so I can fly anywhere and people watch, I would definitely love to be a bird in New York.
What are you passionate about? I would say I’m passionate about my friends and family. Definitely. And music.
What is your secret talent? I can make a mean fettuccine alfredo!
Amanda
Groomer
Amanda's Bio
What is your experience, including any schooling? I’ve been grooming for about 5 years! I was originally trained at Petsmart’s grooming academy in 2014. We were trained in all the different breed cuts and pet safety in the salon.
What types of pets do you have at home and what are their names? I have a 9 year old yellow lab named Daisy Duke who I’ve had since she was 6 weeks old. Tantrum is my border collie/ Australian shepherd mix and he just turned 3! I’ve had him since 8 weeks old. Both are adopted:) but dont tell them that!
Why did you decide to work in the pet industry? I have always wanted to work with animal since I was young! Steve Irwin was my inspiration and to this day is one of my biggest heros! I had training to become a hair stylist for people but decided to put it to use for animals instead! Best decision I ever made!
What do you like to do in your free time? In my free time I try to spend as much time as I can in nature! I’ll jump at any opportunity to go hiking, camping or floating down the river! The dogs love to go with whenever possible.
If you could be any animal, which would you be? If I could, I would hands down be a Golden retriever! I love their energy and they are just wonderful all around!
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about my work and spreading positivity to those around me! The world can be such an amazing place with a little understanding and acceptance to all!
What is your secret talent? I would say my secret talent (although it’s probably no secret) would be my singing. I can’t help but sing to the dogs while I groom and I do believe it calms them and myself when tensions are high or they are nervous.
Jimmy
Groomer
Jimmy's Bio
Dog Trainers
Michelle
Michelle's Bio
Training dogs is a true passion for me, and I look forward to assisting dog owners in raising good canine citizens!
Client Service Representatives
Heather
Client Service Representative
Heather's Bio
What is your experience, including any schooling? I have had dogs and cats all my life. In the past, I have trained them and bred them. I love animals so much!
What types of pets do you have at home and what are their names? I have two Pit Bulls named Rigby and Rollo.
Why did you decide to work in the pet industry? My passion is for animals, I love them and want to be around them all the time. Animals are the best!
What do you like to do in your free time? Mostly spending time with my dogs, playing or training them, or reading.
If you could be any animal, which would you be? I would be a mouse.
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about animals and making sure they are well taken care of. I am also passionate about baking, cooking and reading.
What is your secret talent? A useful one would be being able to stay very calm in most situations and I ‘think’ I am a pretty fast learner.
Kammi
Kammi's Bio
What is your experience, including any schooling? I have been taking care of children since I was 11 years old, I graduated High School and moved on to get my Certificate in Respite Care Worker so I could work with disabled kids. I have also been in customer service since 2017.
What types of pets do you have at home and what are their names? I have a rescue dog named Charlie. We had a second rescue named Jasmine, but sadly she passed away of old age.
Why did you decide to work in the pet industry? I love animals and people so much, I thought working in the pet industry was an amazing opportunity where I can work with both.
What do you like to do in your free time? I love to read, watch movies and spend time with my family.
If you could be any animal, which would you be? I would be a horse because I have always loved the freedom and compassion they represent.
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about learning and education in all the forms they come in. I also am very passionate about others and their feelings.
What is your secret talent? I do not know if it is a talent, but I can read really fast.
Anything else you would like to mention? I am so thankful and excited for the opportunity to work for Bark Avenue!
Animal Care Guardians
Tony
Animal Care Guardian
Tony's Bio
What is your experience, including any schooling? I have my High School Diploma and am a Certified Dog Walker and Handler.
What types of pets do you have at home and what are their names? I have two Chihuahua/Dachshund Mixes named Bella and Gucci, a Lab Terrier Mix named Mickey and a Chocolate Lab named Buster.
Why did you decide to work in the pet industry? I have always wanted to work with animals professionally.
What do you like to do in your free time? Camp, hike, jeep off-roading, and anything outdoors really.
If you could be any animal, which would you be? I would be a dog, but I love all animals.
What are you passionate about? Caring for animals.
What is your secret talent? Getting dogs to trust me and feel comfortable.
Anything else you would like to mention? Working with animals has always been my career goal!
Alycia
Animal Care Guardian
Alycia's Bio
What is your experience, including any schooling? I have a lot of experience with customer service. I love interacting with guests. I also have several years of experience in the hospitality industry.
What types of pets do you have at home and what are their names? I have three cats and one dog. My pup’s name is Sadie and the kitties are Charlie, PFB and Nox.
Why did you decide to work in the pet industry? I love animals! I also wanted to learn more about the pet resort industry first hand.
What do you like to do in your free time? I love cooking, playing dungeons and dragons, and being piled up on the couch watching TV with my babies.
If you could be any animal, which would you be? A cat. They get to sleep and sun bathe all day.
What are you passionate about? Taking care of my animals; they are like my children!
What is your secret talent? It’s not much of a secret, but I am a pretty good cook and I have a knack for being able to add a movie quote into any conversation.
Anything else you would like to mention? I am so excited to have the opportunity to take care of all the animals that come through the doors!
Anahi
Anahi's Bio
What is your experience, including any schooling? I have experience with my own dogs and the puppies my boyfriend’s dog had.
What types of pets do you have at home and what are their names? Chihuahua – Dutches
Why did you decide to work in the pet industry? I want to become a Veterinarian.
What do you like to do in your free time? I like to paint.
If you could be any animal, which would you be? A tiger.
What are you passionate about? Animals.
What is your secret talent? I can rollerskate.
Chelsea
Chelsea's Bio
What is your experience, including any schooling? I have spent the last ten years in customer service and have been in the hospitality industry for the past seven years. I have always loved helping and serving people, but felt my passion was really with animals. I have a BA in Psychology from Grand Canyon University located here in Phoenix, AZ!
What types of pets do you have at home and what are their names? I am a forever dog mom to Lana and Zenon. Lana is my sassy Pittie/Boxer and Zenon, a beautiful Sharpei/Lab, who is always with me in everything that I do.
Why did you decide to work in the pet industry? While I have worked with people for so many years I felt I reached a point where I know I have excelled at it. I have always wanted to be an advocate for animals and contribute to the community in any way I could ever since I was a little girl. Being a part of any animals life serves a bigger purpose to me. I’m excited for what the pet industry has in store for me!
What do you like to do in your free time? Going to concerts with my close group of friends who have become my family and playing hide and seek with my pups!
If you could be any animal, which would you be? I would be a tiger, so fierce
What are you passionate about? My other half, my family, anything to do with animals and watching Jersey Shore.
Andrew
Animal Care Guardian
Andrew's Bio
Katelyn
Animal Care Guardian
Katelyn's Bio
What is your experience, including any schooling? I went to college to become a vet assistant. I learned a lot including physiology, nutrition, animal behavior, and a lot more. Over the course of the year, I have had the opportunity to do externships in two different animal hospitals, which taught me a lot of hands-on skills. I am continuing to learn new things.
What types of pets do you have at home and what are their names? I have a black, white, and grey great dane named Midas. Then I have a siamese cat named Sammy. Last I have a black and white tuxedo cat named Chance.
Why did you decide to work in the pet industry? I have wanted to work with animals ever since I was a little kid and that is the ultimate reason I went to school I wanted to learn everything I could about the pet industry.
What do you like to do in your free time? In my free time, I love going off-roading and camping. I also really enjoy playing video games and watching movies.
If you could be any animal, which would you be? If I could be any animal I would be a lion because there are fierce creatures and they are intelligent.
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about animals. I enjoy working with all types of animals.
What is your secret talent? A secret talent I have would be that I can play the guitar and bass.
Stephanie
Animal Care Guardian
Stephanie's Bio
Bio coming soon.
Maintenance
Joe
Facility Maintenance
Joe's Bio
What is your experience, including any schooling? Repair and improvements of residential and commercial properties. Project management, purchasing negotiation aircraft maintenance, cost estimating.
What types of pets do you have at home and what are their names? Right now we have a female cat named Baby.
Why did you decide to work in the pet industry? The animals
What do you like to do in your free time? Accepting this position gave me a way to combine two things I love which is building/facilities management and animals of all species.
If you could be any animal, which would you be? Our one and only dog was a Jack Russell Terror…I mean Terrier. I loved his energy.
What are you passionate about? Life and all it has to offer and all sports, especially baseball, which I played for 16 years.
What is your secret talent? I can sing with the best of them on karaoke night…after a few beers.
Anything else you would like to mention? My wife and I are originally from Chicago. We relocated to Arizona in 2008 to be with family. Karla (my wife) and I have been married for 26 years and have no children.
Adam
Facility Maintenance
Adam's Bio
Get In Touch
Contact Us
Call: 480-210-5610 ext. 2
Text: 480-418-6708
Fax: 480-854-6963
Email: resort@barkavepet.com
Location
3109 E. McKellips Rd.
Mesa, AZ 85213
Hours
Mon – Fri: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sat: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Click here to make an appointment.
Have a question?
Complete the form below and our team will be in touch with you shortly. If you’re in need of immediate assistance, please contact us directly at 480-210-5610 ext. 2.
Visit us at our convenient locations.
Bark Avenue Animal Hospital
3109 E McKellips Rd
Mesa, AZ 85213
Noe's Ark Animal Hospital
717 N Lindsay Rd
Mesa, AZ 85213
Mesa Northeast Animal Hospital
1927 N. Gilbert Rd. Ste 2
Mesa, AZ 85203
Bark Avenue Pet Resort
3109 E McKellips Rd
Mesa, AZ 85213
Bark Avenue Pet Supply
Mesa Location:
3109 E McKellips Rd
Mesa, AZ 85213
Gilbert Location:
835 W Warner Rd #111
Gilbert, AZ 85233