Meet Our Team
Our Team shares the same vision, values and commitment. To provide a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment where every dog thrives. We combine expert care with innovative enrichment programs to ensure a balance of play, learning, and rest creating happier, healthier, and more confident pets. Guided by compassion, professionalism, and a passion for excellence, we are dedicated to supporting pet parents with trusted services while fostering a strong sense of community built on the love of dogs.
Courtney Barnes
Courtney serves as the Owner and Operations Manager of Paws at Play and brings more than 30 years of professional animal care experience to the team. She founded Paws at Play in 2004, building on her background as a Registered Veterinary Technician and her degree in Zoology from North Carolina State University. Courtney is also a Certified Professional Animal Care Provider through PACCC, with experience in veterinary hospitals and emergency medicine. She enjoys mentoring her team and creating a safe, welcoming environment where every pet receives personalized care and families have peace of mind. Outside of work, Courtney loves going to the gym, spending time with her own pets, and continuing to learn about advancements in animal care..
CPACO
Founder & Author
Victoria Bailey
Victoria serves as the Assistant Operations Manager at Paws at Play and has been a valued member of the team since December 2020. She began her Paws at Play journey as a Kennel Attendant before taking on reception responsibilities and eventually growing into a management position. With a lifelong passion for animals, Victoria loves being part of a team dedicated to providing exceptional care and creating a safe, loving environment for every pet and peace of mind for their families. Outside of Paws at Play, Victoria enjoys spending time with her family including her Corgi, Boone, and Labrador, Eggo. She also enjoys reading, watching sports, and attending live music events.
Pack Pro & K9 CPR/First Aid Certified
Assistant Operations Manager
Kyra Madison
Kyra serves as the Assistant Operations Manager at Paws at Play and has been a dedicated member of the team since June 2021. She began her Paws at Play journey behind the scenes before moving into reception, managing the front desk, and growing into her current role. Kyra enjoys supporting the team and helping create an exceptional experience for pets and their families. She is passionate about making sure every guest feels safe, comfortable, and loved while their families have peace of mind. Outside of work, Kyra loves to travel and spend time with Cairo, her Golden Retriever, who loves relaxing and carrying around his favorite stuffed dinosaur.
CGC Evaluator, Pack Pro & K9 CPR/First Aid Certified
Assistant Operations Manager
Abby Brooks
Abby serves as the General Manager at Paws At Play Youngsville, bringing a lifelong passion for animals, customer service, and creating a safe and welcoming environment for pets and their families. She has grown up with a dog by her side every day of her life and joined Paws At Play at the beginning of her senior year of high school. After graduating, she continued to grow with the company, starting at the Wake Forest location before following the company to Youngsville and growing into her current role as General Manager. Abby takes pride in supporting her team, building relationships with clients, and ensuring every pet receives exceptional care. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking and baking, spending time with her seven dogs, and being involved in rescue work.
Pack Pro & Small Animal CPR/First Aid Certified
General Manager, Youngsville
Alex Seanor
Alexandra has been a dedicated member of the Paws at Play team since 2019. Throughout her time with the company, she has taken on a variety of responsibilities and is always willing to step in wherever help is needed. Her dependable nature, attention to detail, and genuine commitment to both our clients and their pets make her an important part of the Paws at Play family.
Alexandra is passionate about creating positive experiences for every pet parent and helping them feel confident that their beloved companions are receiving exceptional care. One of her favorite parts of working with animals is capturing their individual personalities through dog photography and sharing those special moments with their families.
Outside of work, Alexandra enjoys developing her photography skills, spending quality time with family and friends, and finding new ways to help the people and animals around her.
Pack Pro & K9 First Aid/CPR Certified
General Manager, Gresham Lake
Laura Corder
Laura joined the Paws at Play team in October 2023 as a Kennel Attendant and has worked her way up to Facility Manager. She loves caring for the dogs and takes pride in creating a safe, happy, and welcoming environment where every pup can feel at home.
Outside of Paws at Play, Laura enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, Josh, and their Australian Cattle Dog, Rosa. Their favorite adventures include hiking, bike rides, and taking agility classes together.
Pack Pro & K9 First Aid/CPR Certified
General Manager, Raleigh
Lauren Quarantello
Lauren serves as the Client Services Manager at Paws at Play, where she has been part of the team since August of 2024. She started as a Receptionist before working in the kennel to gain hands-on experience and learn both the client and pet care sides of the business. Her love for animals, dedication to the Paws at Play experience, and passion for helping pets and their families have helped her grow into her current role as the Client Services Manager.
Outside of work, Lauren enjoys shopping, spending time with family and friends, and, of course, spoiling her Havanese, Harley, who she considers a perfect angel!
Pack Pro & K9 First Aid/CPR Certified
Client Services Manager
Karen Donoghue
Karen serves as a Reservation Specialist at Paws at Play, bringing over 20 years of customer service, sales, marketing and business development experience. Over the years, Karen has had furry companions by her side, every step of the way! Her love for animals and helping people, made joining Paws at Play in April of 2025 the perfect fit! She shares the same vision and commitments for providing exceptional care for pets and providing peace of mind for their owners. Outside of Paws at Play, Karen enjoys traveling, the beach and spending time with family, friends, and her dog, Roadie.
Pack Pro Certified
Reservation Specialist
Dan Skelton
Dan brings years of experience in sales and customer service to his role as a Reservation Specialist at Paws at Play. Since joining the team almost a year ago, he has enjoyed the opportunity to work alongside a team that is passionate and dedicated to providing quality, individualized care for every pet. Dan especially enjoys helping pet owners feel confident knowing their companions are in caring and capable hands, while also appreciating the variety each day brings and the opportunity to navigate new challenges as Paws at Play continues to grow and evolve.
