Meet the Team

A little about Green Paws Chicago!

Since 2007, Green Paws Chicago has been providing top-notch, eco-friendly, quality care to pups and pets of all shapes and sizes across the greater Chicago area. We aim to provide every animal the love and care they deserve while being socially responsible – by supporting pet rescue and shelter organizations, the neighborhoods and families we serve, the larger community and, ultimately, the planet!

We understand the amount of trust it takes to place your pet and your home in someone else’s hands! Because we value that trust above all, we assure the Green Paws standard of care through our team of rigorously vetted Pet Care Specialists pictured below. You deserve the peace of mind that comes from knowing that only trustworthy professionals are looking after your pet. Green Paws Chicago is fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and our team is comprised of 100% W-2 employees, not 1099 contractors — all of whom have passed a multi-stage hiring process, office and field evaluations, and hands-on skills training.

Meet the Team!

ELISE

Operations Manager

Elise (they/them) is a Chicago-based animal advocate with deep roots in the Illinois rescue scene. Since moving to the city in early 2022, Elise has shifted their focus from neighborhood colony caretaking to high-impact fostering and TNR advocacy. Currently, Elise partners with several Chicagoland rescues to foster kitten litters and adult cats. They are particularly passionate about the TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) process, often providing foster care for friendly felines found during trapping efforts to ensure they never have to return to the outdoors. This lifelong commitment to animals is mirrored in their personal life; Elise lives with a beloved pack of their own: cats Cookie, Cleo, and Carmy, and their dog, Pemby.

KATEY

Head of Client Experience

Born and raised in the western burbs, Katey (she/her) relocated to a vibrant Chicago neighborhood after college to be closer to her passion for design and art. Katey brings her experience managing staff and operations at a multi-regional summer camp to the Green Paws office team along with her dedication to meeting client needs through her meticulous attention to detail. A lifelong dog lover, outside of work, Katey’s favorite pastime is spending time with friends and family.

HAILEY

Office Administrator

A Cincinnati Ohio native, Hailey (they/she) has only moved to Chicago recently, but is loving everything to do in the city. She has always loved animals of every kind, but especially every one of her family dogs. They are a passionate lover of the arts, and loves to spend their free time working on their graphic novel and tattoo designs. Hailey brings their love of helping people and animals to the work she does, and is ready to give both the furry friends and their less furry family members the best experiences they can.

VERO

Administrative Specialist

A Northwest Illinois suburbanite transplant, Vero (they/them) is thrilled to call Chicago their new home. Having connected with animals since childhood, they have turned that lifelong passion into a career of dedicated pet care. Beyond their work with animals, Vero stays grounded through a love for nature, ecological innovation, the performing arts, and community building. As a seasoned pet sitter, Vero is excited to bring their hands-on insight to the operations team at Green Paws Chicago!

BRIAN

Pet Care Trainer

Brian (he/him) is a native Chicagoan and loves this city more than any place else in the world. Although he has been a proud member of the Green Paws family for well over a decade, Brian still wakes up every morning thrilled and grateful that he gets to hang out with his best friends all day. This isn’t a job for Brian – it’s a calling and a passion! When he isn’t caring for all his Green Paws besties, Brian spends his time with his wife and two black cats – Clementine and Jack. Brian’s hobbies include cycling, eating vegan food, and watching horror movies. Don’t forget to ask him about his Halloween collection!

DAVID

Pet Care Trainer

David (he/him) was born and bred in the Detroit area but has called Chicago home for over 10 years. He grew up with a dog named Max and a cat named Odysseus. Over the years, at various times, David has also lived with various dogs, cats, fancy rats, snakes, fish, and hamsters. David currently resides in Avondale, where, in addition to his pet-loving activities, he occasionally finds work as a freelance writer/editor.

JOE

Pet Care Trainer

Joe (he/him) grew up in Northwest Indiana and recently moved to Portage Park. Growing up, Joe had a Springer Spaniel and currently has a 1-year-old Golden Labrador Retriever. He worked as a dogwalker several years ago and is thrilled to have the opportunity to do it again, as he loves animals, especially cats and dogs. In his free time, Joe likes to read, exercise, go hiking and fishing, and watch movies/TV shows.