Our Team.

Michael first got to know Brooklyn through the eyes of his rescue pup, Willy. Together during their daily walks, they met many pups in the surrounding Prospect Park neighborhoods and quickly saw a need for dog walking services. And so he decided to make a career change from a special needs teacher to the owner of Parkside Pups. Michael’s years of experience with dog walking, pet sitting, and training made him the right person for the job. Being a dog parent himself, Michael understood the importance of caring for a customer’s pup as if they were his own...all while ensuring reliability, safety, and fun of course!

 

Michael approaches dog care with kindness and with a positive attitude towards learning. He is a believer in consistent positive reinforcement, treat motivation, and creating a calm learning environment. Together with his team of dog walkers, Parkside Pups provides a personalized experience for each pup and their owners.

 

When Michael is not walking or training pups, he enjoys hiking, biking, playing the drums, and spending time with his wife and baby boy, Charlie. Of course, wherever Michael is, you can find Willy right by his side!

Philippe joined the Parkside Pups team in early 2025 and now serves as Communications Supervisor, keeping the lines open, the schedules straight, and the tails wagging. In this role, he manages day-to-day coordination and communication, ensuring everyone—from pups to people—stays happy and in sync.

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A lifelong dog lover raised with two miniature dachshunds and a rotating cast of friends’ pups, Philippe understands that patience, care, and light-heartedness go a long way in any pack.

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With a decade of experience in marketing and communications, he brings a blend of clarity, rhythm, empathy, good humor, and follow-through—equal parts spreadsheet and squeaky toy. Whether he’s smoothing out schedules or stepping in for a last-minute walk, his mission is simple: happy dogs, happy humans, no loose ends.

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When he’s off the clock, you might find him behind the decks at a DJ gig—still reading the room, still moving tails. Philippe is proud to be part of the Parkside Pups team, making every walk (and every wag) a great one for dogs and their humans alike.

With over a decade of experience working with dogs, Cleo brings a wealth of knowledge, patience, and passion to the Parkside Pups team! From helping energetic pups learn their manners to working with dogs facing more complex behavioral challenges, Cleo believes every pup deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

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Before joining Parkside Pups in November 2025, Cleo built an extensive career in canine training, behavior management, and animal care. He previously served as Manager of Dog Care for the American Kennel Club's (AKC) Canine Retreat, where he oversaw dog handling teams across six locations, developed training programs, and helped establish safety and care standards.

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Throughout his career, Cleo has conducted over 150 canine behavior evaluations and developed expertise in everything from obedience and leash training to behavior modification and puppy development. His approach focuses on understanding each dog's unique personality, building trust, and strengthening the bond between pups and their humans.

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As a Field Supervisor and Dog Trainer at Parkside Pups, Cleo enjoys sharing his expertise with both our team and clients. Whether he's helping a pup overcome a training challenge, mentoring a fellow walker, or enjoying a stroll through Brooklyn, Cleo brings a calm, caring, and positive approach to everything he does!

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Grant has been an animal lover for as long as he can remember. Growing up alongside his two furry best friends, Nina, a sweet little cockapoo, and Jasper, a big black cat, he developed a lifelong appreciation for animals of all shapes and sizes. Whether spending time with his own pets or exploring the city's many zoos, Grant always felt right at home around animals.

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That passion eventually turned into a career caring for dogs and cats throughout New York City. As a Field Supervisor at Parkside Pups, Grant brings patience, kindness, and a genuine love for animals to every interaction, helping ensure that each pup receives the attention, care, and fun they deserve.

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Grant is also pursuing a degree in wildlife biology, with hopes of making a positive impact on the lives of animals not just in New York, but around the world.

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When he's not spending time with his four-legged friends, you can find Grant playing shows with his band, studying, camping, or sharing a few laughs with friends.

With a passion for creativity, connecting with people, and of course, dogs, Layla brings a unique blend of energy and enthusiasm to the Parkside Pups team! As our Field Supervisor and Marketing Coordinator, she combines her love for animals with her background in advertising, public relations, and content creation to help make every pup's experience a great one, both in person and online.

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A recent graduate of the University of Tampa with a degree in Advertising and Public Relations, Layla has always enjoyed finding creative ways to tell stories and bring people together. At Parkside Pups, she puts those skills to work through photography, social media, and engaging content that captures the personalities of our furry friends and the people who care for them.

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What Layla loves most about Parkside Pups is the genuine connection between our team, our clients, and their pups. Whether she's out in the field making sure our four-legged friends are happy and well cared for or behind the scenes capturing the perfect pup moment, she brings creativity, care, and a positive attitude to everything she does.

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When she's not spending time with the Parkside Pups pack, you can find Layla exploring the city, finding new sources of creative inspiration, or enjoying time with friends, family, and her favorite furry companions!