Our Team
Our Team
At the heart of what we do is our caring team of highly trained and compassionate pet lovers led by owner Laurie Yost. Always a dog lover, Laurie moved to Central Pennsylvania and realized the area was missing a pet care facility that provided the level of care she would trust with her own pets. She dreamed of creating a “canine Utopia” where dogs would come to have fun and pet parents could enjoy peace of mind knowing their dogs were happy and safe while receiving loads of cuddles and love.
Each team member at Playful Pups is carefully selected and undergoes rigorous training in dog body language and behavior, along with pet safety, CPR, and first aid.
We provide continuing education and ongoing training by industry experts as part of our enduring commitment to keeping pets happy, healthy, and safe, as well as our desire to maintain a quality team that never stops learning and growing.
Laurie Yost was the first person in the state to earn the Professional Animal Care Operator Certification, which is the highest internationally recognized level of achievement in the pet industry.
In addition to pet care training, we provide customer care training to ensure our team clearly communicates with you and every pet parent as we partner with you in the lifetime care of your pets.
"I love what we offer and the exceptional care we provide at Playful Pups Retreat. Most importantly, I love watching dogs have fun, get love and have enriching experiences thanks to our amazing team. Our business will continue to evolve and get better because we are committed to expanding our knowledge about pet care and maintaining the very highest of standards for our team members and our facilities."
- Laurie Yost, owner of Playful Pups Retreat
Laurie also is the founder of a local non-profit dog rescue called Pitties Love Peace. When she is not working on the growth and development of Playful Pups or Pitties Love Peace she is spending time with a houseful of dogs and her husband, Dan, at home.
Give us a call to schedule a reservation
Features: Boarding, Day Boarding & Bathing
Features: Daycare, Training & Bathing
Management
Nykole Gran
General Manager
I love working at Playful Pups Retreat because it's all about the dogs and so is everyone that works here, my kind of people! All of my coworkers are wonderful people with huge hearts. Everyone here brings some unique quality and/or knowledge to the table and they are always happy to pass it on to anybody willing to grow. We are all so passionate about what we do and the impact we make on every dog we see. I love the variety of what we do and offer, between our two locations, to not only everyone else's dogs but to our own as well. Watching each and every dog that comes through our facilities thrive and grow or just simply having a great experience while in our care makes each day even more rewarding than the last.
Kate Saksek
Management Team
Milton Grove Road
When I accepted a position at Playful Pups, I had no idea about the amazing culture and people that would come along with it. Over the past two and a half years I have made lifetime friendships, not only with the humans, but with the amazing pups that come along as well! Each and every one of us aspires to provide the care we would want to see our own dogs receiving.
Haley Anderson
Management Team
Milton Grove Road
I love being a part of the team at Playful Pups Retreat! The whole team is a giant family, and everyone is so welcoming. The bonds we make with all our employees, pet parents and of course the dogs make each day better than you could imagine. Every day we learn new things that can help us in bettering the care for the pups... it is an endless learning experience here at Playful Pups!
Kylee Neiss
Management Team
Hershey Road
Building lasting bonds with the dogs and their humans is what I love most about being a PPR team member. I love having the opportunity to work with and experience so many amazing breeds. Working with our outstanding highly trained, professional staff makes for happy, healthy pups and a fun work environment. We love and care for each dog as if they are our own. I’m proud to be part of the PPR family and love everything that comes with it!
Erin Sell
Management Team
Hershey Road
Playful Pups is my dream job. My knowledge of dogs and their body language has grown AND continues to grow daily. Being able to work with the dogs in our pack and watching them grow, learn, and love life is an indescribable feeling. My favorite part is getting to know each dog's personality and building a long-lasting relationship with their parents. Every day is a new adventure!
Milton Grove Road
Megan Gingrich
Team Training Coordinator
Playful Pups Retreat is my happy place! I cherish being able to provide love and care, not only to the pups, but to my team as well. We treat each other like family, and that truly shows in the care of the dogs. We strive to create peace of mind, for pets, parents, and each other.
Kaitlyn Leid
Guest Services Supervisor
I love working for a company that I’m proud to be a part of when I’m on and off the clock. Not only have I made amazing friendships with my coworkers, but I have also created incredible bonds with the pups we welcome! I’ve never felt more respected and valued as a team member and an individual than I have at Playful Pups Retreat.
Olivia Valentine
Shift Lead
When I first joined Playful Pups, I wasn’t expecting it to become my second home. After a year of working with PPR, I’ve made so many friendships, from all the team members and most importantly, all of the adorable pups! Every member of the PPR family is full of love and support, helping every human and dog grow to their full potential!
Kat Burnette
Reservation Specialist
I adore working for Playful Pups Retreat! It's been such a rewarding experience working for and helping this business, and family, grow. It's wonderful to see and work with all the pups, to be able to watch them grow over time and in their experiences. Our dogs come in excited to be here, thrilled to see us and their friends. Being here brings me joy and a sense of accomplishment.
Hershey Road
Kinsey Aument
Dog Training Team
Playful Pups Retreat feels as if it has always been my second home. I am very grateful to have experienced so much growth & opportunity as well as creating everlasting bonds within our team. My dedication to our four legged guests will never falter as I love them all as my own. I am beyond excited for our future together! Two things I know for certain - there will be endless belly rubs & happy pups!
Val Stoner
Behavior Assessment Coordinator
I love being a part of the Playful Pups team! It speaks volumes to say that I thoroughly enjoy coming in every day. I look forward to my great team, and all of the phenomenal dogs that come to visit us. No day is ever the same. Each day I am presented with new challenges and situations. I adore being able to establish bonds and healthy routines with the dogs that we work with; in addition to the opportunity to learn from the professionals around me.
Kyra Wright
Dog Training Team
I love working with the different breeds of dogs that come to daycare! I enjoy building a bond with each and every one of the dogs, and love their reactions when they see me.
Next to our furry guests, the best thing about Playful Pups is our amazing team of dedicated and loving pet care professionals! We have an exceptional team of dog lovers who are passionate about what we do. We provide in-depth training using The Dog Gurus Knowing Dogs Training program, which ensures our team members have a full understanding of canine body language, dog behavior, and safe and fun off leash play options.
We offer ongoing training and skill development for all team members, so we are always well versed in current trends occurring in the pet care industry and advancements in dog care and new dog related information. Every team member receives Pet First Aid & CPR Training as well, so you can rest assured your pet’s health and well-being is top of mind during their time with us!
The outstanding teams at both of our locations are committed to providing a superior level of care to every furry guest who stays and plays with us.
This combination of loving, highly trained staff, combined with our enriching and fun activities, all contribute to a happy and fun-filled stay at Playful Pups Retreat.
