Barksville Experienced and Dedicated Team

Jonathan's journey to Chicago began with a job transfer from North Carolina in 2000. Alongside his partner René of 14 years, they proudly serve as dads to Bailey, their 12-year-old Westie. Driven by a lifelong passion for dogs, Jonathan left behind a career in software sales in 2022 to fulfill his dream of creating safe and enjoyable spaces for furry companions. Beyond Barksville, he finds joy in spending time with friends, immersing himself in the theater scene, and exploring new culinary delights at local restaurants.

Katie is the dedicated manager at Barksville, boasting an impressive 16-year tenure in the industry. As a devoted dog mom to three furry companions - a lively 6-month-old puppy and two beloved senior rescues - her passion for canine care is evident in every aspect of her work. Katie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role, ensuring that each pet receives the highest level of attention and care. Her commitment to the well-being of animals is unwavering, making her an invaluable leader and mentor within the Barksville family.

Linda is our Lead Handler, where her love for animals shines through in everything she does. A devoted mother to a diverse menagerie of six dogs, fourteen bunnies, three tortoises, and one gecko, she's not only a caregiver but also an architect, having custom-built all their enclosures herself. Beyond her passion for animals, Linda finds joy in crafting, creating both human and dog jewelry with equal enthusiasm. With her unparalleled dedication to animal welfare and her creative spirit, Linda enriches the lives of both pets and their owners at Barksville.

Georgia is our lead receptionist, where she seamlessly blends her three years of industry experience with her innate passion for dogs. As the devoted mother of Oscar De La Hoya, her lively 7-year-old Boxer, and a delightful 14-month-old daughter, she understands the importance of nurturing care both at work and at home. Married to a firefighter, she embodies dedication and teamwork, values she brings to her role every day.

Molly brings over four years of experience in animal care, transitioning from shelter work to the vibrant pet industry of Chicago. Originally from Michigan, she pursued studies in social media marketing and business in college. As a proud pet parent to a lively Goldendoodle named Harry and two cats, Molly's lifelong passion for animals shines through in her work. Her natural inclination for rescuing strays as a child has evolved into a fulfilling career. Outside of work, Molly designs digital dog portraits, capturing the unique personalities of her clients' beloved pets.

With a background in the canine industry since 2018, she has honed her skills and expertise in caring for pets. As a mother of two daughters, aged 2 months and 8 years, she embodies patience and compassion, traits she extends effortlessly to the pets under her care. Outside of work, Bria enjoys sewing and is pursuing her dream of becoming a vet technician. With her caring nature, determination, and commitment to excellence, Bria enriches the lives of both pets and their owners at Barksville.

With 4 years of experience working with dogs, he took a break but quickly realized how much he missed being around pups and came back to the canine world. He's a proud father to Dixie & Luigi, both are 4 year old Dachshunds he adopted while working at his past daycare. Outside of work, Dylan loves to explore and immerse himself in nature. When he's not outdoors, you can find him enjoying a good video game. Dylan's passion for dogs and adventurous spirit brings great energy to our team and furry guests!

Bianca has been working with dogs since 2021, but her love for dogs started much earlier, having grown up surrounded by them. Her favorite breed is the dachshund, but she loves all dogs and finds being around them incredibly therapeutic and healing. Outside of work, Bianca enjoys exploring new cuisines and discovering unique flavors. Her nurturing spirit and love for dogs bring a calming presence to our daycare and boarding family.

Sonya is a passionate animal lover who brings her experience and dedication to Barksville. At 21, she’s already developed a strong foundation in dog care, having previously worked at Call of the Wild School for Dogs until its closure in September 2024. As a mother to three - her 8-month-old son and her two loyal dogs, a German Shepherd named Midnight and a Husky named Shadow - Sonya’s nurturing spirit extends to both her family and the dogs at Barksville. Outside of work, Sonya enjoys playing volleyball, reading a good book, and nature walks. Her enthusiasm for both animals and personal growth makes her a valuable and caring member of the Barksville team.

Kristanna grew up in LA and later moved to Chicago for school. She’s currently studying Health Science at UIC but is still exploring her future career options. As the middle child between an older sister and a younger brother, Kristanna brings a balanced, thoughtful approach to everything she does. Before joining Barksville, Kristanna got her introduction into dog care by working at Call of the Wild until its closure in September 2024.