Meet Our Team
The people behind the love, care, and happy tails at Ballypines Dog Ranch.
Meet the Ballypines Caregivers
Lynne
Hi, I'm Lynne! Born and raised near Buffalo, NY (Go Bills!) I have worked at Ballypines since January 2023. There is nothing better than going to a job where you are greeted by the happy dance and wet kisses. Outside of the Ranch, I am a dedicated volunteer with Operation Blessings and the Food Bank of South Eastern Virginia. I am looking forward to meeting your doggy and can’t wait to give them some lovin!
Kari
Hi I'm Kari! Here for kisses, snuggles and having a new favorite every time I work. Mama to two rescue littermates. Likely to find me volunteering at a local rescue or with a good book and an iced Americano (with a pup cup). Colorado native who lived in Connecticut before Virginia. Bleeds orange and blue and painfully cheers on the Red Sox.
Brandy
Hi, my name is Brandy, and I have been working at Ballypines for the past nine years. I truly enjoy getting to know all of the dogs and their unique personalities that visit the ranch. It is such a pleasure to spend my days surrounded by your dogs and to be a part of their time here at Ballypines. Outside of the ranch, I am a mom of three. Now that we are empty nesters, my husband and I enjoy visiting estate sales and traveling to visit our children. I feel very fortunate to have a job that allows me to spend so much time doing something I genuinely love!
McKay
Hi, my name is McKay and i'm the newest member of the team! Bio coming soon!
Tiffany
Hi, I’m Tiffany! I’m a Shift Lead and Social Media Manager here at Ballypines. I’ve been around animals my entire life, and caring for them has always been something I truly love. One of my favorite parts of working at Ballypines is capturing all of the dogs’ different personalities through photos for our social media, especially when I can get them zooming around the yard and having the best time! When I’m not working, I love getting lost in a good book or movie, spending time outside and enjoying nature, and catching a pretty sunset whenever I can. I’m also a big coffee lover and a bit of a computer geek, so you can usually find me with a coffee in hand doing something on my computer!
Brooke
Hey! I’m Brooke, and I’ve been volunteering and working at Ballypines for several years—I love spending time with dogs and being outdoors, so Ballypines is the perfect combination of two of my favorite things. At home, I have my own Goldendoodle to spoil named Penny. When I’m not hanging out with dogs, I’m a student at Hickory High School and stay busy playing soccer, field hockey, and running indoor track. I can’t wait to love on your dog here at the Ranch!
Elizabeth
Hi I’m Elizabeth! I’ve been working at Ballypines for four years, and it is by far the most amazing job ever! Although I only have cats at home, dogs are my absolute favorite! I’m currently a student at James Madison University, pursuing a Psychology degree with Pre-Occupational Therapy and Chronic Illness minors. Coming back to work on breaks and seeing all the dogs is the best!
Naomi Major
Hi! My name is Naomi Major and I have been working at Ballypines for just over a year now. Over the years, I have had five of my own dogs, dog-sat for numerous families, and am currently raising and training a puppy to hopefully be a future service dog!
Destaney
Hello! I’m Destaney, and I’ve been with Ballypines for five wonderful years. I am one of the three managers and I also take care of the daycare side and am Lead Trainer of our staff. I graduated with an associate’s degree in business administration in 2025. I have a seven year old Australian Shepherd who you might have spotted around Ballypines. He absolutely adores coming to work with me and playing with the other pups! In my spare time, I board dogs at my home and do drop in visits in other people’s homes. Ballypines has truly changed my life for the better. I couldn’t have found a more perfect job for myself, especially since I have such a deep passion for all animals, especially dogs. I’m doing exactly what I love, and I’m incredibly grateful for all the opportunities Ballypines has given me.
Maya
Hi I'm Maya! I'm a manager here at Ballypines. I've been working here since spring of 2025 after I graduated and moved home from college in Germany. My life is dogs all day every day as outside of Ballypines I walk dogs and dogsit! I also work as a dog trainer for Next Door K9 Solutions! You might see my Dutch Shepherd/Lab mix, Fred, hanging out at the barn and being a Ballypines ambassador with our boarders during playtime. He is also a service dog and loves meeting new dogs and people.
Brielle
Hi!! I am Brielle! I have been working at Ballypines since beginning of summer of 2025. I go to school at Hickory High School and I dream to be a veterinarian. Dogs are my whole world and being able to work with them means the world to me. I have a dog at home and her name is Storm. She is an American Staffordshire Terrier and she is 5 years old. Outside of Ballypines I play soccer, dogsit, and am an actress. I look forward to meeting your dog!
Gemma
Hi my name is Gemma and I’ve been working here for couple months but I started volunteering last winter! I love dogs and have a bernedoodle named Bella at home! Outside of work, I am in my school’s marching band and International Baccalaureate program!
Grace
Hi, I’m Grace! I was born in Lemoore, California, and I’ve been part of the Ballypines team since August 2025. Working at Ballypines has been such an amazing experience, and I truly love being surrounded by so many wonderful dogs every day! Outside of Ballypines, I have two Chocolate Labs of my own, Piper and Zoey, who are a huge part of my life. I’m also currently a college student while working at Ballypines, so life can definitely get busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! I’m so excited to continue being part of the Ballypines team, creating great memories, and most importantly, giving all of our amazing dogs the love and care they deserve!
Come Meet the Ballypines Team
Give your dog a day filled with friends, exercise, adventure, and plenty of tail wags at Ballypines Dog Ranch! To book now, please give us a call at 904.504.1929!