Meet Our Team
Shannon Casto
Co-Founder, Waggie Pet Zone
Shannon has been passionate about dogs and training from a very young age. Growing up in a dog training household, she helped socialize puppies and teach early obedience—skills that sparked a lifelong love for developing well-mannered companion pets. In 1990, she founded K9 Kindergarten in College Station, where she taught group and private classes while continuing to learn from top trainers and seminars. After earning her degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Management from Texas A&M in 2000, she began to see the need for a premier pet care facility in the Brazos Valley and, with the support of her parents’, Joseph and Dorothy Mikeska, they created what is now Waggie Pet Zone. Today, Shannon is proud to lead a dedicated team and to provide a safe, caring, and enriching environment for pets while their owners are away. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her husband Adam, daughter Leighton, their dogs Millie and Billie, and their horses Dudley, Dusty, and Queenie.
Amanda Curtis
Manager/Trainer
Amanda has been part of the Waggie Pet Zone family since early 2017. She first joined the team as a part-time kennel technician, where she quickly discovered her passion for working with dogs and serving their families. Today, she serves as the manager and dog trainer, focusing on ensuring that both canine guests and their owners have the best possible experience. One of the things Amanda values most about Waggie Pet Zone is the incredible community that has been built. She believes they have the best clients, and building lasting relationships with them has been one of the most rewarding aspects of her career. Whether she is supporting the staff, helping a dog learn new skills, or guiding families through the boarding process, Amanda loves being part of something that makes such a positive difference. Outside of Waggie Pet Zone, Amanda’s life stays busy and full. She shares her home with three wonderful dogs—Axel, Verde, and Otis—who keep her on her toes and remind her every day why she loves this work so much. She also enjoys coordinating weddings, serving in children’s ministry, and spending time at the gym. Health and nutrition are passions of hers, though she admits she’s not perfect all the time!
Rosalyn Garcia
Master Canine Training & Behavior Specialist
Rosalyn has been a dedicated trainer at Waggie Pet Zone since October 2022. She graduated Starmark Academy for Professional Dog Trainer’s intensive program to become a Canine Training and Behavioral Specialist in 2020. After graduating, she was offered an internship position at the Academy and she gladly accepted. Following her internship, she was immediately offered a teaching position which she held until she had her daughter and moved back to College Station. During that time, she secured her Master Canine Trainer and Behavior Specialist certificate. Since 2015, Rosalyn has been active in the Assistance Dog industry, working as a Service Dog Puppy Raiser (raising 1 pup from 8 weeks until it was paired with its final handler) and an apprentice trainer for one organization and as an administrative assistant at another with her end goal being to know everything (from holding the leash to filling out grant applications) about the non-profit Service Dog industry. As a family of veterans, it was clear to her early on that dogs can help people, especially veterans with severe PTSD, in a way that humans can’t, thus igniting her interest in Assistance Dogs. As both a Combat Medic and an Operating Room Technician in the military, Rosalyn’s love of human medicine easily transferred over to dogs. She greatly enjoys helping dog owners learn about basic and advanced pet first aid and lifesaving CPR techniques. In her down time, Rosalyn enjoys competing in agility trials, teaching old dogs new tricks, participating in nose work club with her dog Chips, and spending time with her family. Her passion to help owners clearly communicate with their dog through proper timing, consistency and motivation is contagious and she believes that an unbreakable bond can be built through proper training, exercise, touch/massage, and confidence building.
Kami Lopez
Groomer
With more than nine years of experience, Kami Lopez is a passionate and certified dog and cat groomer dedicated to helping animals look and feel their best. She joins the Waggie Pet Zone team after more than four years with Boomtown Groomers. Kami specializes in breed-specific cuts, gentle handling, and personalized care for pets of all shapes and sizes. She believes that grooming is not just about a pet’s appearance, but also their health and comfort. Whether a pet needs a simple bath or a full grooming makeover, her goal is to create a calm, safe, and positive experience. She treats every animal with the same patience, kindness, and love she would give her own. When she’s not helping furry friends, Kami enjoys spending time outdoors, hunting, and watching her son play sports. She is also deeply committed to her community, volunteering as a firefighter, a Little League board member, and a church camp counselor.
Brittany Rushton
Groomer
Brittany Rushton brings over 11 years of experience in the grooming industry to Waggie Pet Zone. She began her career in the College Station and Robertson County areas before relocating to Florida, where she spent two years teaching at grooming academies—helping to train and inspire the next generation of professional groomers. Brittany is passionate about providing quality care and building lasting relationships with both pets and their owners. Outside of the grooming salon, she enjoys spending time with her kids, exploring new adventures, and diving into a good book from her ever-growing personal library. She’s also an avid photographer who loves capturing meaningful moments for families in her community.
Jessica Pfiester
Animal Care Manager
Jess has been part of the Waggie Pet Zone team for 6.5 years and brings both passion and experience to her role as Animal Care Manager. Originally from Carrollton, Texas, Jess’s love for animals started early—she raised show goats in high school, completed a veterinary assistant course and internship, and now volunteers with her therapy dog, Kalliope, visiting schools and nursing homes. Her favorite part of working at Waggie Pet Zone is building meaningful relationships with clients—both the two- and four-legged kind. Jess is inspired by a lifelong love of animals and takes joy in improving their lives, as well as the lives of their owners. At home, Jess’s household is full of furry, feathered, and scaly friends: Meeko (11yo Anatolian Shepherd), Kalliope (2yo German Shepherd mix), Apollo & Artemis (2yo Domestic Shorthair cats), Percy (7yo Holland Lop rabbit), Nimbus (3yo Chinchilla) and Typhon (2yo Ball Python). Outside of work, Jess enjoys camping, hiking, reading, and expressing her creativity through art. She also has a thriving indoor plant collection that keeps her home as lively as her pet family.
Claire Huddleston
Manager
Originally from Missouri, Claire has been part of the Waggie Pet Zone team for the past two years. Before joining us, she gained over five years of hands-on experience working at a local kennel, which helped fuel her passion for animal care and inspired her long-term goal of working in the veterinary field. What Claire enjoys most about being at Waggie Pet Zone is the sense of family among the team and how everyone truly shares a love for animals. Her favorite part of the job is getting to know the pets in our care while also building strong bonds with their families. At home, Claire is a proud dog mom to two four-year-olds: Koe, a goofy and lovable Great Dane who never turns down a cuddle, and Diesel, her sweet Australian Shepherd who’s equally snuggly. Outside of work, Claire enjoys spending time with her friends, attending church, and making memories with her two “fur babies.”
Edward Stocker
Veterinary Technician
Edward joined Waggie Pet Zone in March 2023 and is currently studying Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M, with plans to attend veterinary school next fall. Originally from Dallas, he also volunteers with Aggieland Humane Society’s spay/neuter program.
Inspired by his late yellow Lab, Lucy, Edward enjoys helping both people and pets every day at WPZ. He’s also a proud dog dad to Swift, a scruffy mutt who never tires of a good game of fetch. Outside of work and school, Edward can be found cheering on the Aggies during college football season or working on the daily mini crossword. Fun fact: he has a twin brother at TU!
Halle Manwarren
Kennel/Veterinary Technician
Halle has been with Waggie Pet Zone for a year and brings a wide range of animal experience—from volunteering with her veterinary organization at Texas A&M and working on a horse farm, to traveling abroad to care for sea turtles. Originally from Midlothian, TX, she loves giving extra attention and affection to every pet she meets. At home, Halle has two family dogs, Harley the German shepherd and Houston the boxer mix, who always greet her with the best welcome-home hugs. Fun fact: she was once a certified EMT!
Aisling Perkins
Senior Kennel Technician
Aisling has been a part of the Waggie Pet Zone family for the past six years, bringing both passion and experience to her role as a Senior Tech. Originally from College Station, TX, she has always had a natural love for animals—whether it’s the tiniest lizard or the largest elephant. Her journey with animals started early, growing up alongside her golden retriever, Daisy, who inspired her lifelong dedication to caring for pets. Outside of work, Aisling fosters and rescues kittens, making a difference in the lives of animals who need it most. At Waggie Pet Zone, Aisling’s favorite part of the job is helping pets feel safe, comfortable, and loved while their families are away. She understands how nerve-racking it can be to leave a beloved pet in someone else’s care, and she goes above and beyond to form bonds that ease both pets and their owners. When she’s not working, Aisling spends time with her seven rescue cats—Toothless, Grimm Reaper, October Moon, Luna, Aspen, Freya, and Evie. She’s also a big fan of all things nerdy, from anime and video games to creating art. And if you ask her favorite time of year? Without a doubt—it’s Halloween!
Logan Longworth
Kennel/Veterinary Technician
Logan joined Waggie Pet Zone in May 2025 and brings a strong passion for animal care. Growing up in Richmond, Texas, Logan began working as a veterinarian technician assistant in high school, fueling a lifelong love of helping animals. At Waggie Pet Zone, Logan enjoys working with pets and being part of our supportive, pet-loving community. At home, they have a Domestic Long Hair cat named Minny and two dogs back in Texas—a husky and a teacup yorkie. Outside of work, Logan loves drawing, baking, cooking, and spending time with friends. Logan’s compassion, energy, and dedication make them a valued member of our team.
Lillian Clark
Kennel Technician/Reception
Lillian joined Waggie Pet Zone a little over a month ago and is originally from Arkansas—Woo Pig! She has worked with animals for nearly six years, and her passion for pets started with volunteering from a young age. She loves seeing pets happy and comfortable at WPZ and appreciates the welcoming, caring environment created by the staff. At home, Lillian cares for three dogs—Jax, Revy, and Miss River—who love hiking, swimming, and socializing. She’s also an avid gardener with a large collection of plants and flowers. Outside of work, Lillian enjoys planting, cooking, reading, spending time outdoors, and decorating her home.
Ava Robson
Kennel Technician
Ava joined Waggie Pet Zone this school year and is originally from Houston, TX. She has experience volunteering at animal shelters and completed a 3-month internship at a veterinary clinic. Ava loves the joy and companionship animals bring and enjoys working alongside the diverse and supportive WPZ team. At home, she has two beloved cats—Albus, a Russian Blue, and Chunks, a tabby, who she affectionately calls her “soulmates.” Outside of work, Ava enjoys Aggie gamedays and being active in her women’s organization.
Kayelee Rochelli
Kennel Technician
Kayelee joined Waggie Pet Zone in 2025 and is originally from College Station. She has hands-on animal care experience through her volunteer work at TMR Rescue, a donkey rehabilitation facility. Inspired by her dream to give every animal the best chance at life, Kayelee loves being part of the friendly and supportive team at WPZ. At home, she has two dogs—Lola, a redbone coonhound adopted with her family, and Rosie, a catahoula she’s had since childhood. She also spends lots of time with her grandparents’ pets, including a mini Australian shepherd, a rescued pit bull, and two horses. Outside of work, Kayelee enjoys spending time with friends and family. A fun fact about her—she played soccer for 12 years and even made her high school varsity team as a freshman!
Sofia Briones
Kennel Technician
Sofia joined Waggie Pet Zone six months ago and brings hands-on experience working with horses as well as volunteering at the Aggieland Humane Society. Originally from Dallas, TX, she was drawn to animals by their undeniable cuteness and loves the supportive environment and team at Waggie Pet Zone. At home, she has a calico cat named Lulu, who starts each day with a spirited breakfast demand. Outside of work, Sofia enjoys reading, hitting the gym, and savoring her love of coffee.
Kylie Breland
Kennel Technician
Kylie joined Waggie Pet Zone recently and has quickly fallen in love with both the team and the pets she cares for. Originally from Montgomery, TX, she is currently a student at Texas A&M and has always been passionate about working with animals. She brings hands-on experience from a small animal and exotic clinic, as well as a doggie daycare facility back home. Kylie shares her life with Rooster, her lab-pit bull mix adopted from Aggieland Humane Society, who she calls “simply perfect.” Outside of work, Kylie enjoys working out, fishing, attending church, and spending quality time with friends and family. She loves the opportunity to help animals feel loved and comfortable while in Waggie Pet Zone’s care.
John White
Kennel Technician
Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, John has been a part of the Waggie Pet Zone family
for 9 months and brings a ton of energy and care to every shift! He has years of hands-on experience working with dogs, having spent 3 years at Pet Paradise Resorts while completing his undergrad at NC State. John has always been an animal lover —especially after adopting his own dog, Kulu, a spirited Treeing Walker Coonhound. He says the best part of working at WPZ is spending his days playing with and caring for the dogs, which never fails to brighten his day. Outside of work, John is a master’s student at the Bush School of Government and Public Service, graduating this May! When he’s not hitting the books, you can find him on the soccer or softball field, playing intramural leagues with his grad school friends.
Fun fact: John somehow manages to juggle being a grad student, a kennel tech, and a dog dad — and still has time to enjoy life (and a good game of fetch with Kulu)!
Hannah Randolph
Kennel Technician
Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Hannah has been bringing her love for animals to Waggie
Pet Zone for 5 months. She has hands-on experience volunteering at a Wilson County no-kill shelter and shadowing at Deason Animal Hospital, which gave her a solid foundation in animal care. Hannah says the best part of working at WPZ is getting to see and play with all the dogs and cats — a highlight of her day every day! She’s also a proud cat mom to two funny and energetic kitties she adopted from Aggieland Shelter. Fun fact: Hannah grew up in Las Vegas! Outside of work, she enjoys taking dogs on “doggie day outs” from shelters and spending time helping animals get some extra love and exercise.
Join the Team!
Come work for the premier pet care facility in Aggieland! Flexible hours, educational opportunities, and a team-oriented, welcoming atmosphere are just some of the benefits our employees enjoy. No experience? No problem. We train from the ground up and look to promote from within. You can learn beginning canine behavior, administration skills, how to assist with basic medical procedures, and animal handling techniques that will serve you both professionally and personally.
Are you a hard worker and a quick learner and love working with pets? Download our application and email it to info@waggiepetzone.com! If you are currently a student, please attach a copy of your school schedule along with the application.
