Robert Greene
Operations Manager
Robert has been a lover of all animals since an early age! His interest in animals grew with his first family dog Sandy. She was his best friend from a young age that continued into adulthood. His interest for the intelligence and friendship that dogs provide grew as well. He started working as a kennel tech in Florida at a large dog and cat boarding facility. He quickly grew with them and became their front desk manager and questioned how working with animals like this could even be a job, it felt more like a hobby!
After traveling to Austin on vacation, he decided this was the place he wanted to live! With that he relocated with his cats Timmy, Toothless, and Cathulu. Knowing a kennel was where he belonged, Robert applied everywhere, searching for the space that he felt the most comfortable. Soon finding Jackie's Play & Stay and meeting with the team, he knew this was the one. Since then, he has been with the company for more than 2 years, growing and teaching new staff how special a kennel could be and passing that first-hand experience on to others. He can be seen roaming around the kennel and loving all the dogs, or his own crazy boy Kota all the time.
Angelica Manzo
General Manager
Angel grew up in a family of animal lovers, constantly surrounded by various species of animals. There was not a time that her childhood home didn't have a few pets. She was given her first dog, Daisy at 2 years old who was her best friend for the following 14 years. Her first pets once she left home, were her cat Jordan, and her dog Riley, and they have been her whole world for the past 9 years.
Graduating from UTEP with a degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology, Angel would have never imagined being where she is today. Despite always wanting to work with animals she held back from following her dream. After falling in love with Austin during a weekend visit, she relocated with her two fur babies and girlfriend. It was the perfect place for a dog mom! While searching for jobs she discovered a job listing for Jackie's Play & Stay and just knew she had to apply. It was the best decision she could make and not only does she love coming to work, but so does her pup Riley who has made lots of friends in the process!
Drake
Assistant Manager
Drake started his love and obsession with animals from a young age. He had a lot of various pets growing up, or as many as a military family lifestyle would allow, but always had an affinity for dogs! Throughout his childhood he spent time volunteering at various shelters, or even petsitting for extra summer money, just to spend more time with pups. With that, his passion for taking care of pups grew, but got put on the back burner when he went off for his Associates in Criminal Justice.
After some schooling, Drake couldn’t shake the feeling that he needed to go back to working with animals. He began looking for places around, eventually landing himself an interview here at Jackies for a Kennel Tech position nearly 40 miles away from where he was currently living in San Marcos. He fell in love with the dogs, as well as the unmet passion the other team members had for animals as well, and knew this was where he belonged.
He moved his Fiancé, along with his troop of pets to Austin, and has been with the Jackie’s crew ever since. Joined usually by his pups Sage and Aspen, you can most often find him spoiling the other pups around the facility with cuddles and baby talk aplenty!
Jenn Llamas
Assistant Manager
Jenn always had a love for dogs. Growing up watching her dad train the police dogs, she knew she always wanted to work with dogs. Out of high school she went in the opposite direction and went into elderly care.
After some time taking care of humans, she left to be a stay-at-home mom to her 2 kids. At the point she knew she was missing the company of dogs! She then took a job at a boarding and daycare facility as a kennel tech. Quickly climbing the ranks there, she became the manager and ran the facility for a couple of years. She sadly left there to go to the dog grooming academy.
After grooming for 3 years, she decided she wanted to go back to a kennel. She landed herself a job interview at Jackie’s for a kennel tech. She then was hired as a lead kennel tech. She just fell in love with the pups and the employees here at Jackie’s.
Liz Carrales
Lead Kennel Tech
While growing up, Liz has always had pets around. Although most pets they have had were reptiles, they have always had a deep love and passion for their dogs. After getting Hank, their current pet, the love for dogs only grew. He is a big handful but definitely worth it! Being born and raised in Austin they have always been around the dog park culture. Working with animals seemed like the next best step.
Throughout high school, Liz has always worked with dogs, preparing them for their future in animal care. They are currently at ACC finishing their requirements for a Veterinary Technician Certification and volunteering at APA when they can. They are always excited to go to work in the morning and spend every second around dogs. Working with and taking care of animals will always be their biggest passion.