Our Team
While your best friend enjoys our dog daycare and dog boarding services in Vermont, you can rest assured that he or she will be in good hands. Meet our Team.
Richmond
Tammy Strong, ACPCT: Kennel Manager
Gary Larson, PCT: Dog Care Attendant
Shelby Schwartz, PCT: Front Desk Customer Service and Dog Care Attendant
Talia O’Brien, Front Desk Customer Service and Dog Care Attendant
Bill Mitchell, PCT: Front Desk Customer Service
Christina Hale, Front Desk Customer Service and Dog Care Attendant
Elizabeth Strobridge, Front Desk Customer Service and Dog Care Attendant
South Burlington
Jamie Aldieri, ACPCT: Kennel Manager
Jessica Bartlett, PCT: Front Desk Customer Service and Dog Care Attendant
Julia Proft, PCT: Front Desk Customer Service and Dog Care Attendant
Allison Rogers, Front Desk Customer Service and Dog Care Attendant
Sarah Petri, Front Desk Customer Service and Dog Care Attendant
Kelley Alden, Dog Care Attendant
Aoife O’Kelly, Dog Care Attendant
Richmond & South Burlington
Tom Hussey, PCT: Front Desk Customer Service and Dog Care Attendant
Alexandria Bellevue, Front Desk Customer Service and Dog Care Attendant
Staff Bios:
My name is Tammy Strong and I am currently the Kennel Manager at The Richmond location. I have been with The Crate Escape, Inc since September 2008. I am certified in Pet First Aid and CPR. I have attended various dog behavior and pack management seminars. Prior to my career in dog care, I was in the banking industry for ten years.
Since childhood, I have been surrounded by animals. Growing up, my family had a small farm consisting of cows and pigs. One of my fondest memories as a child was reading The Three Little Pigs to our piglets in the barn.
Right now, my family is comprised of Ranger and Kaden; gray tiger cats, Sasha; a smooth coat guinea pig, Tweety; a female society finch, our goldfish, and last but not least, Abby, my Australian Sheperd Labrador Retriever mix.
What I love the most about my position here is seeing the dogs smiling, tails wagging, and of course the kisses I receive when I am greeted by them. I enjoy learning from them while they learn from us, witnessing all of the different stages of life, and certainly the smiles on the clients faces at the end of the day. Nothing can compare to a career like this!
Hi, my name is Gary Larson and I’ve been working at The Crate Escape in Richmond since August of 2008 as a dog care attendant. I am a certified Pet Care Technician and have been working with dogs and other pets since 1997. Although I do not have any animals of my own, I truly enjoy their company and love watching all the dogs interact and have fun with each other here at The Crate Escape.
ShelbyMy name is Shelby Schwartz. I absolutely love dogs, so naturally I was thrilled to join The Crate Escape Team in April of 2010. I really must have one of the best jobs—it’s great to spend my days surrounded by so many unique and beautiful animals, and to have the opportunity to watch them interact, play, and communicate with one another.
My animal experience pushes into my earliest memories and ranges through most taxa, but no matter what species I am working with I always love trying to imagine how they experience the world and finding a common ground for interaction and understanding.
It was this interest that led me to pursue a Bachelor’s degree with a major in psychology and a minor in field biology, which I earned in 2008 from Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina. I now live here in Vermont with my super-dog, Kanzi (a 70 pound pit bull terrier mix), and will soon be reunited with my long time side-kick Calvin, a 7.5 pound miniature pinscher who, understandably, opted to spend his winter months in North Carolina instead of Vermont.
I became interested in the animal field as soon as I was old enough to work! I used to read my dog dictionary cover to cover…I still do! One of my first job’s was on a Horse farm in Williston and I have wanted to stay working with animals ever since.
I started working at the Crate Escape in Richmond about a year ago. I moved back up to VT from Athens GA, and was very happy to find a job with dogs. I had spent the last couple of years in the service industry and got bored.
I have an awesome cat named Ozzy. I found him as a kitten in the dumpster behind the Domino’s in Georgia, and he moved up here with me. I recently got a German Shepherd puppy and named him Thyme; he is just over 3 months old now!
I have gained an amazing amount of knowledge while working here, and it has helped me develop a better understanding of canine behavior, and in the future I do want to stay working with animals. Especially dogs!
I came to Crate Escape in a roundabout fashion. I first became aware of “The Crate” back in 2003 when two of my neighbors started bringing their dogs – Zyta and Petra – to daycare. I had an elderly Beardie at the time and Petra’s owner, Jane, agreed to walk Elvis for me when I had long workdays. Jane had just rescued Petra and needed a place for Petra to burn off some excess energy so she and Zyta would run away to Crate Escape once or twice a week. With Jane walking Petra and Elvis, one thing led do another and now Petra is my dog too! Petra has been immortalized, kind of, on the home page of Crate Escape (you can see half of her, right behind Zyta on the play set on the first splash picture).
In early 2010 I retired after nearly thirty years at FedEx and after my “sabbatical” year painting the house in the summer I wanted to keep busy in the winter but doing something completely different than I had been and something that I could look forward to as I headed into work. The staff at Crate Escape and Crate Escape Too had always struck me as a tight-knit and fun crew, and I thought it would be fun to get paid to hang out with pups all day, so at the beginning of 2011 I contacted Tammy and started with the morning crew in Richmond. I received my CPCT level I certification a few months later. I’ve learned a great deal since then about dog behavior and have really enjoyed getting to know all the clients (dogs AND people) on their morning trips. Oh, by the way, the crew is as fun as I expected!
In addition to Petra, Jane and I have two cats, Homer Wells and Oreo who are both best of pals with Petra. This causes only minor problems for Petra as she assumes ALL other cats also love her.
When not at Crate Escape one of my interests is motorcycling. During spring and summer when Jane and I aren’t riding, I instruct others in how to ride.
Christina
I graduated from Mount Mansfield Union High School in 2010. I knew that I wanted to work with animals but wasn’t exactly sure in which direction to proceed. I started out as a farm hand and then I worked as a cashier at a pet store. However, I wanted more direct experience working with the animals. I sent my resume to The Crate Escape in April 2011, got an interview, and have been a part of the team ever since.
I have one dog, Princess, a beagle/lab mix that I’ve had since I was thirteen years old. I’ve always had a natural love and understanding for animals so I really enjoy working at The Crate Escape. I love all the dogs, each having their own unique personalities, no two ever the same. I’m always learning something new at work and there is never a dull moment!
I recently started working part time at the Crate Escape. I have been working with dogs since the age of 9 starting with obedience trials with my beagle mix, Caleb. I earned a degree from UVM in Animal Science in 2005 and spent two summers in Alaska working with a glacial sled dog tour company. I currently live in Starksboro with my Husband and our 8 dogs and 1 cat. Seven of the dogs are Alaskan Husky/ Pointer mixes that I train and travel with all over New England to compete in sled dog races. For the past 3 years we have been in the top percentile of the race standings and have had a lot of fun meeting other mushers and exploring new terrain. This year we are going to take a break from serious competition and attempt more winter camping! Our other dog is a Border Collie mix, Deklyn, who is an avid frisbee catcher and loves to ride in the truck. Seeing the happy faces of tired pups that have been playing and being dogs is the reason I started at the Crate Escape. But seeing the happy faces of the owners has been the biggest reward!
JamieHi, my name is Jamie Comstock and I am the Kennel Manager here at The Crate Escape, Too! I have been working here since July of 2007. I love to learn and strive to continue to grow as a canine care provider. I am a Certified Pet First Aid Leader from the Red Cross, and have completed the Pet Care Services Association Introductory and Advanced Technician certification programs. I also attended “Dog’s Eye View,” an extensive dog behavior seminar in Colorado instructed by trainer Nana Will.
Although, I currently have no dogs of my own due to housing restrictions, I grew up with three: a Cocker Spaniel named Snickers, a Pomeranian named Tracer, and a Miniature Poodle named Cricket. I am an animal lover and have had all sorts: hamsters, rats, ferrets, birds, and dogs. Now, I am the proud owner of my first cat, Bowie, who I adopted in February of 2009. Bowie thinks she runs the house. She is an awfully talkative girl who is ALWAYS hungry! She adores a good long belly rub and will give you a good head butt to make sure she gets your FULL attention.
The best thing I find about working with dogs is their ability to brighten the worst of days with just a look. My favorite part about working here is observing the dogs interact and trying to capture personalities in a picture. Some of the facial expressions are almost human-like and can tell a lot about the dog’s personality. I love every one of my buddies here and treat them as if they were my own, and one day I hope to bring my own buddy to work with me to romp and play.
Hi, my name is Jessica Bartlett. I am a senior dog care attendant here at The Crate Escape, Too, and I have been here since September of 2009. I have completed the Pet Care Services Association Pet Care Technician Program and am always looking for ways to learn new information about dog behavior. I recently became certified in Pet First Aid and CPR.
I am a huge animal lover and as far as I can remember there has always been a pet in our house. I grew up with lots of cats and then we finally got a cocker spaniel named Max. I also owned an exotic bird which I have a great interest in as well. Currently I live with a cocker spaniel named Onyx and three cats. Two of the cats belong to me, Rocky and Moe. My husband and I are huge dog lovers and hope to get a dog of our own when we get our own house!
The best part about working with dogs is their ability to make you laugh on even the worst day. I love to watch how the dogs interact and play with each other. Over time you get to learn each one’s individual personality and quirks and you really look forward to seeing your “buddies” come in everyday!
JuliaHi! My name is Julia Proft, and I’ve been employed at The Crate Escape, Too since August of 2009. Prior to my employment, the only experience I had working with dogs was taking care of my own spunky cockapoo named Annie! As a result, I didn’t know what the job had in store for me, but I felt that it would be perfect since I avidly love dogs. I was right, and I’m very grateful that I get to care for all the wonderful dogs of The Crate Escape, Too. The happiest moments with the dogs are sometimes the simplest; just being able to stay outside with them as they roll and tumble in play, or as they snuggle up together for a nap, is such a joy. Each dog is special to me, and they all hold a place in my heart.
Hi! My name is Allie Rogers, and I’ve been working at The Crate Escape, Too as a dog care attendant since May, 2011. I’ve always had a passion for animal care. Growing up in Massachusetts I volunteered at a local stable, pet sat for friends and family, and eventually got a my first job in high school at a dog kennel.
After having moved to Vermont for school, I knew that I wanted to continue working with dogs and The Crate Escape was the perfect place! I love the time I get to spend with the dogs out in the yard, from their early morning energy to afternoon nap time. Each one has their own personality, and its great to see them all interact!
Hi, my name is Sarah and I am a dog care attendant here at The Crate Escape, Too! I began working here in June of 2011 after I graduated from the University of Vermont with a B.A. in zoology. I’ve always loved animals and love working with dogs everyday. Prior to working here, I was on the kennel staff at an SPCA in Virginia and was a wildlife rehabilitation intern at Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary.
I’ve grown up with all sorts of animals in my life, from dogs and cats to birds and rabbits. My parents are avid animal lovers and continue to volunteer at their local SPCA. I grew up with two of their current dogs, Magic and Dakota who were both rescues. They recently got a Bernese mountain dog puppy named Benson who loves to snuggle! I myself have a two year old cockapoo named Maybe who you’ll often see hanging out behind the front desk. She and I live with two other dogs, a boxer mix named Zeus and a pit bull named Maverick, who both love to come play with us.
What’s great about working here is being able to spend time with all different types of dogs everyday. Every dog has a unique personality, and I love getting to know each and every one of them! From the energetic ones who never seem to stop playing to the snuggle bugs who only want to cuddle, there’s never a dull moment here!
My name is Aoife O’Kelly, I’m currently a sophomore at UVM pursuing a degree in Recreation Management. My love for dogs started at a young age, but I wasn’t able to convince my parents to make one our own until two years ago. We rescued a black Labrador retriever from a puppy mill in Georgia and gave him a new home. His name is Guinness and he lives back home in Belmont, Massachusetts with my parents and brother, but I still consider him my pup. He is now almost 3 and has adjusted extremely well, while still a little nervous and protective he has successfully come out of his shell and has a great life! Down in Boston was where I got my start in doggy day care, my parents had been sending Guinness to day care down the street for about a year when i offered my services for the summer months and was hired by Crate~Escape in Belmont, MA (ironic name similarities, but no connection!). After falling in love with the job summer came to an end and I moved back to Burlington when I applied and was hired by The Crate Escape, Too in September of 2011. I absolutely love spending my days with a wide variety of dogs, getting to know each and every one of them and the ins and outs of dog training. In my free time I absolutely love to snowboard, I’ll often be found on the slopes of Stowe during the winter months, and I’m also a big fan of soccer, and traveling.
Hi, my name is Tom Hussey and I became a dog care attendant in April 2010, initially at the Crate Escape Too and now at both locations.
Dogs have always been an important part of my life, ranging from the dogs I had when I was growing up, to the Australian Terriers, that my wife and I owned and showed, to the current canine love of my life, Daisy. We adopted Daisy from the Humane Society of Chittenden County after she lived with us for six weeks of foster care. Actually, she adopted us she just lets us believe it was our decision. Daisy is one of those special dogs with too much love for one family, so she volunteers as a Therapy Dog of Vermont, visiting the Pediatrics unit at Fletcher Allen, we just go along to drive and hold her leash, Daisy does the real work and brings many smiles to children and parents alike.
My experience in dog care really started as a volunteer at the Humane Society. I started as a dog walker progressing to animal care where I learned to clean and feed the shelter dogs. Additionally, I was a lobby assistant and began working with dogs requiring specific training in order to ready them for adoption. It was very rewarding to see a dog matched with a family and know that their hard life was about to change forever. In 2006, I was lucky enough to be selected as the Humane Society Adult Volunteer of the year.
Thank you for sharing your special family members with me. I still find it hard to believe that I finally have a job that allows me to spend time with dogs.
Ever since I can remember, I have been an animal lover: from dogs and snakes to hamsters and fish. I knew that I wanted to work with animals in my future and until then I would do little things to help out the stray puppies I found around my neighborhood growing up. I would take them in and make sure they were well enough to go to good homes. As soon as I was old enough, I started volunteering at animals shelters. As I grew older, this lead to job shadowing and internships at local animal hospitals. I am finally pursuing my education in animal science and hope to one day become a veterinarian. I started working at The Crate Escape in October of 2011 and I fill in where needed at both locations. I am thrilled to be getting all the hands on experience working with dogs that I can get as part of my job.
