Our Leadership Team
Lodging • Daycare • Pet Supplies • Dog Training
in mesa and gilbert, az
Dr. Ryan Ainsworth
Owner & CEO
Bio
What made you want to work with animals?
My passion for pets began when I was very young. My first job was at Petsmart when I was 16. I started in the Specialty department and thoroughly learned about aquatics, small mammals, reptiles, and birds. At that time, a lot of people came to me with their pet problems, and if I didn’t know the answer I would ask someone else or look it up. I quickly discovered a passion for problem-solving peoples’ pet problems. This made me realize that being a veterinarian would be the right career choice for me.
What kind of pets do you have, or wish you could have?
We have five dogs, three corgis, an Aussie mix, and a dachshund. We have several ducks and chickens as well
What’s one random fact about you most people don’t know?
I played the trombone and junior high and high school.
Michelle O' Neill
Dog Trainer
Bio
What made you want to work with animals?
I loved dogs since as long as I can remember. When I did get a dog and started training, I fell in love with obedience training and how I could teach my dog to perform behaviors and have fun in the process. So since I loved the school I was at, I was lucky enough that the owner saw the passion I had and asked me to be an assistant. Over 18 years later, I am still teaching others to have a good canine citizen, but in a way better climate. As an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, I enjoy teaching through a positive and motivating approach.
What kind of pets do you have, or wish you could have?
I am a Terrier lover. I have a Wheaten Terrier and a Kerry Blue Terrier.
What’s one random fact about you most people don’t know?
My first time in an airplane at the age of 18, I didn’t land, I jumped out.
To chat about your dog’s training journey, email Michelle at michelle.oneill@barkavepet.com
Brandy Evantash
Senior Retail Manager
Bio
What made you want to work with animals?
I have always had a love for animals, and I’ve always known that I wanted to work with them!
What kind of pets do you have, or wish you could have?
I have 3 dogs and a cat of my own at home.
What’s one random fact about you most people don’t know?
I also know how to groom dogs!
DION DOUGLAS
Resort Manager
Bio
What made you want to work with animals?
Growing up, we always had dogs, and my dad became a K9 handler for the San Diego Police Department. I would tag along to his training sessions and thought it was pawsitively amazing. Then I met my wife who worked as a military working dog handler for the United States Air Force. I was sold on working with animals – it was love at fur-st sight!
What kind of pets do you have, or wish you could have?
I love gentle giants and have a St. Bernard named Winston. Additionally, I have six goldfish (long story) and a long-haired domestic cat named Meeka. My home is fur-tastic, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
What’s one random fact about you most people don’t know?
I am a proud member of Delta Mu Delta, an International Business Honor Society. It’s not every day you meet someone who’s both book-smart and bark-smart!
AALIYAH CORONADO
Resort Assistant Manager
Bio
What made you want to work with animals?
I’ve always been surrounded by animals growing up, and I knew that whatever career I pursued in the future, it would have something to do with them. I love helping pets learn and grow, as well as their owners. It’s paw-sitively rewarding to see the bond between humans and their furry friends strengthen.
What kind of pets do you have, or wish you could have?
I have four bulldogs and a Quaker parrot. My home is barking mad with love and chirps of joy!
What’s one random fact about you most people don’t know?
In my free time, I like to paint and draw, and I was in art classes in high school.