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Our Dedicated Team
Aschley Kezeske
Owner & Head Trainer
Aschley opened the doors to Ruffgers in 2012 as a training complex. Her passion for dogs began when she was 15, and she began competing in dog agility with the family dog, Bear. It was by the requests and insistence of her clients that she expanded her services in 2016 to include day care and boarding. She was adamant during this expansion that things be done a very specific way, and through this philosophy of comfort combined with structure, Ruffgers evolved into what it is today.
Breanna Sell
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Breanna joined Ruffgers in June of 2019 with the intention of picking up part-time work while attending FGCU, but quickly became a much larger asset to the team. After demonstrating her passion for animals, clients, and team members, as well as a mastery over the operations of our facilities, she has assumed the role of our Chief Operating Officer. Bre ensures all Ruffgers’ campuses are operated according to our protocols and procedures, and that all our guests receive the highest levels of care.
KAYLA LEIBMAN
DIRECTOR OF CLIENT RELATIONS
Kayla entered a Ruffgers facility for the first time not as an applicant, but as a client. It was her passion for dogs that influenced her decision to apply for a job with us! From her first day, it has been a great fit. Kayla works with our guests’ parents to ensure we are delivering the highest levels of care to them. Kayla is a Florida native from Ft. Lauderdale. Something interesting about Kayla is that she went to college on a softball scholarship, making her very popular during games of “fetch”.
Gina Feldman
General Manager - Ruffgers Stuart
Gina Feldman brings with her 15 years of leadership experience in store operations and customer satisfaction. Gina is a sports enthusiast (Coach Gina as we may call her). We’d challenge anyone to try to match her college football knowledge. Most would think she’s been with us for years, but that coaching mentality works hand-in-hand with the team environment of Ruffgers. Despite her love for sports, we really know deep down her passion is her dog, Shadow. She could talk for hours about sports, but days about Shadow.
ZACH BATCHELDER
GENERAL MANAGER - RUFFGERS BONITA
Zach’s story with Ruffgers starts like many others; as one of our caretakers. However, we quickly learned he had a lot more to offer. He graduated from our trainers’ program very swiftly, and became our Bonita Springs trainer. When the position for General Manager of the Bonita Springs Campus opened up, he anxiously applied to fill that role, and months later, we’ve come to learn just how lucky Ruffgers is to have Zach. Outside of Ruffgers, Zach likes to spend time with his 10 year old chihuahua, Ringo, and playing sports. One fun fact about Zach is he previously was a preschool teacher; likely where he learned his high degree of patience.
KAILEE RICTOR
ASSISTANT MANAGER - RUFFGERS BONITA
Kailee is our Assistant Manager, serving the guests of our Bonita Springs Campus. Kailee has found a “happy place” at Ruffgers, as dogs are her passion. She has 3 dogs of her own, which are her whole world. Her passion and love for dogs translates into the care and attention she provides to her guests. Not only does Kailee love our guests, she has a great appreciation for the Ruffgers team, who work closely together to take care of our guests. In her spare time, Kailee enjoys playing volleyball, which she does at the club level at FGCU.
TAYLOR TOMS
TRAINER
Taylor came to Ruffgers looking for a college job, but also wanted to work with dogs, as this was her passion. Her interest in working with dogs started when she volunteered at a shelter. Since joining Ruffgers, Taylor has graduated from our training program, and is now our Bonita Springs Trainer. Although she loves all the dogs she works with, she has a soft spot for pit bulls and bulldogs. She has two rescues, Theo and Apollo, and hopes one day to operate her own shelter.
VASI PANAGIOTOPOULOS
GENERAL MANAGER - RUFFGERS NAPLES
Vasi started out with Ruffgers as many of our “stars” do, in the back of the house caring for our guests. From early on she exhibited a level of care and efficiency that wildly benefited our guests. She often tells us that because dogs love unconditionally, they deserve the same love and care in return. Vasi moved to Florida from New Jersey about 5 years ago, to pursue higher education and enjoy Florida’s beautiful weather. Upon graduation she decided to join the Ruffgers family to pursue her dream of being able to work with dogs. Since joining our team, it’s been clear she loves what she does, and our guests love her! Vasi was identified as having the leadership qualities that tend to excel at Ruffgers, which is why she accelerated quickly into her current role as our General Manager of our Naples Campus. Outside of work, she enjoys taking care of her two own fur babies, as well reading, cooking and watching films.
BREANA BANOS
TRAINER
Breana joins the Ruffgers’ family with 3 years of dog training! She has been involved with animals her entire life; even growing up with a farm in her backyard. That is where she found her passion for working with dogs. Although Breana came to Ruffgers with dog training experience, we’ve continued to learn her potential, passion, and patience. She works with many of our day care and board and train dogs, and has begun training her own classes. Outside of Ruffgers, Breana likes to make art!
TAYLOR RIEMENSCHNEIDER
Trainer
Taylor finds great reward in working with dogs and their owners. She can see the difference it makes when an owner is able to understand their dog, as much as the dog understands their owner. Taylor chose to join the Ruffgers team because she loves what we stand for: positive reinforcement training! She is passionate about caring for dogs, and really all animals, including the mice that lived in the barn where she grew up in Wisconsin. A fun fact about Taylor is she is fluent in sign language (human and dog). 🙂
SUSAN BONNESS
(In Loving Memory)
Trainer
Ruffgers was blessed to have Sue as a part of our family. With over 40 years of experience, Sue changed the lives and relationships of countless dogs and their respective owners throughout Southwest Florida. Sue will forever be a part of the Ruffgers family, and will live on in our hearts and everything we do at Ruffgers.