Our Pack
Heather - Canine Coach
Heather has known she wanted to work in the animal community from a very young age. Her love began with dressing her childhood dogs in her doll clothes, then entering the industry at the age of 15, working at a boarding facility, and quickly moving on to learning to train and compete in various dog sports.
With over 25 years’ experience in working with dogs, she brings a down-to-earth, edgy feel to your canine experience. Heather is the creator of our Weight Woofers program, Specialized daycare, and Confidence class.
Heather is a fur-mama to three dogs and two cats. Luna, a flat coated retriever mix, is her “foster fail” from a local rescue called Marley’s Hope Dog Rescue, Marvin, a husky/shepherd mix full of energy and drive, and Gracie, the youngest, a border collie that has stolen her heart, and her two cats, Jacob, and Metro. Her past Border Aussie Dugan was the mastermind behind the Specialized Daycare and Confidence Classes – When she says she understands, she does.
When not working, playing with, or training dogs, Heather drastically enjoys travelling, is a huge homebody, and has spent many years enjoying various dog sports.
Lisa - Playful Paws Manager
Lisa has always been a huge animal lover, owning multiple dogs, cats, rats, mice, gerbils, skinny pigs, and pigeons throughout her life. Having started her first job at the age of 16 at a kennel, she felt as though she had discovered Heaven. Lisa continued working in various animal fields over the years, and thankfully, she has chosen to adopt us as her family.
Over the years of growing up and testing out other fields, she never felt quiet herself when she wasn’t working closely with animals. At age 25, she found her passion and love for horses, but still knew she needed to join forces with her true calling of working with dogs. Through this journey, she has learned that a dog’s love and devotion are unswaying and that the canine society is exceptionally loyal. Lisa is mom to Kozmo, a German shepherd who loves to learn and please, and holds her memories of her beloved Taz close.
Entering the daycare field in 2009, Lisa has achieved multiple certificates. She brings with her an invaluable amount of experience and knowledge, and a heart bigger than all.
At Playful Paws, Lisa leads dogs in crazy plays, wrestles, and pool parties. Lisa is always making sure the dogs are smiling, happy and loved.
When not working, you will most likely find Lisa taking time to stop and smell the flowers, crafting, hiking with Kozmo, and enjoying all the love and beauty the world has to offer her with her family.
Randi - Daycare Handler, Trainer
Randi spent most of her childhood growing up around family dogs, and followed this passion for man's best friend, centring her education around them. This devotion followed her as she attended DaVinci College to obtain a diploma as a Veterinary Hospital Assistant.
Randi was a dedicated student and passed with flying colours. While in school, she made a clear connection with her highest achievements in animal behaviour and training.
In 2010, Randi joined the field of dog daycare and has yet to look back. Working with numerous rescues, fosters and helping many dogs with behavioural issues.
In June 2016, Randi joined the Playful Paws family, allowing her to work with more of these dogs and assisting us in finding ways to help them succeed and have fun. Randi is a down-to-earth, fun-loving wife, mother and friend who you may very well find hiking in the woods or rescuing injured wildlife. Since achieving her dream of becoming a mother, Randi shares her time with us and the many dogs she encourages. Joining Randi on her many hikes are Chance, Addie, Ghost, and Tink.
At Playful Paws, she is the handler who will guide your dog to enjoy play, help them learn to fit in or come out of their shell. Randi is every dog’s number one cheerleader.
Trish
Chloe
Chloe is a graduate from Highland Canine Training LLC and brings with her a wealth of knowledge and understanding. Chloe is one of our specialized daycare handlers and a training in our classes. Her compassion allows her to give these dogs the time they need to develop at a comfortable pace, while building their own confidence.
Chloe has loved dogs since a young age and has been fortunate to be able to pursue her dream to work with them on a daily basis. She comes with previous daycare experience, and has been a huge assit to our team. Chloe has a Jack Russel named Hali who is always eager to learn new things. Chloe and Hali have enjoyed service dogs tasks, man trailing, sports and dectection and many more. Chloe loves to continue her learning in the industry to become the best trainer and dog mom to Hali.
Christi
Christi is 100% Nova Scotian with a heart for animals. Growing up she spent most of her time with animals and watching how they interact with the world. Whether it be fish, cats, dogs, chickens, wildlife or stays, Christi has always been able to open her home and her heart to those in need. After she graduated, she dedicated herself to working with them full time.
Christi comes with previous daycare and boarding experience and has spent many a night tending to a dog needs, while getting a better understanding of their behaviors, breeds and actions. Christi frequently helps her friends and family with home boarding. Christi has quickly become an invaluable handler with us and is moving towards continuing her learning so she can expand her skills to allow dogs be the best version of themselves.
Kaitlyn
Kaitlyn is a mother of three amazing boys and three adorable cats, Kevin, Lulu and Eevee. Kaitlyn has always adored animals, growing up with a variety of them. Cats, dogs, lizards, and chinchillas are just a few she has had the pleasure of owning. Growing up around horses and volunteering at a greyhound clinic are just a few of the experiences she has had. Being Lisa’s baby girl allowed her to experience true kindness and love towards animals, giving her just the heart we needed.
Since working at playful paws Kaitlyn has expanded her knowledge on breeds, behavior and body language. She is continuously learning and plans to further her animal education with us.
Cynthia
Animal first aid, veterinary assistance diploma, canine handler, Knowing dogs 101 Cynthia grew up with a family full of animals. She has had dogs, cats, gerbils, rabbits, lizards, and fish. She spent most of her time, rescuing stray, cats and finding them new homes as a kid. Cynthia learned what she wanted to do with the rest of her life after she got her own dog (Moonie) at 18 years old. Shortly after she applied to the CDI college for veterinary assistance. Cynthia took her practicum at the heartland veterinary clinic where she learned how to care for all of the animals. She learned what it truly means to do this job and that it isn’t always easy, but it is worth it. Shortly after Cynthia began working at a dog kennel in Alberta. Where she found a deep love for caring for the animals and creating a bond with every one of them. Later moving to Nova Scotia and beginning working at playful Paws. Well working at playful paws Cynthia has grown a strong love for all of the dogs building strong relationships with each one
Nancy
Nancy Dog Handler Nancy has majored in Animal Sciences and Animal Welfare at Dalhousie University where she studied companion animal behaviour, nutrition, and ethical animal treatment and care. She also brings previous daycare and boarding experience, as well as a certificate in pet first aid from Coastal Canines Coaching where she worked as a dog handler, kennel attendant, and basic obedience trainer. Nancy has always had a natural love for dogs and a genuine passion for caring for them. In addition to her work and studies, she has also provided personal dog sitting services, offering pets the same comfort,
attention, and affection they enjoy at home. She takes the time to understand each dog’s unique personality, routines, and needs—whether that means long walks, energetic playtime, or quiet cuddle sessions. Through her one-on-one approach, Nancy has built lasting relationships with both the dogs she cares for and their owners, who trust her to provide a safe and loving environment. For her, dog sitting isn’t just a service—it’s about making sure every dog feels happy, comfortable, and cared for
while their family is away.
Keelie
Keelie has always had a huge heart for animals every since she was little from growing up with her childhood dog (and cat) to now owning her own fur babies (which have to experience them crocheting hats for) they have always had a huge passion for animal cxare and always look for the best way to go about caring for them and has been lucky to be able to join the animal welfare community from graduating and becoming a veterinary assistant to working at a doggy daycare and looking into persuing training. this is what i have so far for the website if theres anything i missed please let me know!!
Ryann
Ryann has always had a love for animals, growing up with family dogs and developing a lasting appreciation for the companionship pets bring. In 2022, she began volunteering in the animal care field, which soon led to two years of experience in both grooming and daycare. She graduated from the SPCA College Veterinary Assistant program in August 2025, completing her internship with Playful Paws before officially joining the team on July 27, 2025. Her background includes daycare, grooming, and veterinary assisting, giving her a well-rounded foundation in animal care. Ryann shares her home with Artimus, her 7-year- old beagle, who keeps life interesting. With the help of the Playful Paws team, he’s working on his training—though he’s just as
well known for sneaking out of the yard to personally welcome clients as they arrive. His antics keep everyone laughing, and Ryann loves that he brings as much joy to others as he does to her. Outside of her work with animals, Ryann plays rugby and has a strong curiosity for the human side of care as well. She enjoys studying psychology, philosophy, and sociology, along with music, always finding ways to better understand both people and pets.