Get to know the incredible individuals who bring passion, expertise and dedication to everything we do. Our team is more than just a group of professionals; we’re a tight-knit family united by a shared love for animal welfare. Each member brings a unique set of skills, experiences, and personalities that contribute to our collective success and the exceptional service we provide to our customers.
From the moment I won my first dog show at the age of 10 with my Great Dane, Tara, I knew my life would be forever intertwined with dogs. Growing up with spaniels, I realised early on my deep love for dogs and animals, which became the cornerstone of my career. This passion didn’t just stay a hobby; it snowballed into the thriving business that Crossroads is today, encompassing a training school, kennels, daycare and a hydrotherapy centre.
As a qualified trainer, hydrotherapist and PAT dog assessor now, I’ve come to understand the critical importance of recognising and catering to the individual needs and preferences of each dog under my care. My vision for Crossroads has always been clear: to create a space where everyone is welcome, whether you have a puppy or a dog with more challenging behaviours. I’m here to help and provide clients with the opportunity to live happy and fulfilling lives with their canine companions.
I’ve been a professional dog groomer for many years, and I absolutely love it.
There’s something genuinely special about working with dogs every day—it’s as if I’ve found my calling. Just when I thought my career couldn’t get any better, Steve came along with a vision that would expand my horizons. He wanted to create a sanctuary that included a dog training centre, a hydrotherapy unit, dog daycare, and a grooming parlour. That was 17 years ago, and here I am, still thriving in a job that brings me joy every single day. Working here has been an incredible journey, filled with love, challenges, and the undeniable satisfaction that comes from doing what you love.
I’m Elle, an award-winning dog trainer at Crossroads Resort and the owner of Clever Canines Ltd. Alongside my training work, I run the daycare centre and oversee daily operations at Crossroads, working closely with both dogs and their owners to ensure a safe, supportive, and well-managed environment. With a Master’s degree in Psychology, my approach is rooted in a deep understanding of behaviour, canine and human alike.
My role allows me to blend evidence-based training with hands-on operational leadership, ensuring consistency in care, communication, and welfare across the resort. I’m passionate about understanding what shapes behaviour, from individual temperament to environment and learning history, and using that insight to support dogs and guide owners with clarity and confidence.
You’ll often find me accompanied by my energetic cocker spaniel, Pippa. I have a particular passion for working breeds and driven dogs, helping owners better understand the motivations behind common behaviours and strengthening the bond between humans and their dogs through practical, compassionate guidance.
I always knew from a young age that I wanted to work with animals. As a child, I grew up always having a family pet – guinea pigs, rabbits, a cat, and a few dogs over the years, and I really enjoyed horse riding until my early teens. I have my own dog who loves our family adventures but equally enjoys his stay at the kennels when we are unable to take him with us.
As I was approaching the end of school, I decided I definitely wanted to pursue a career with animals. So, I applied for an Animal Welfare course at college and got myself a part-time job at Crossroads to go alongside my studies. After completing two years at college, I stayed on to do my Higher National Diploma and also obtained my degree in BSc Applied Animal Studies.
When I finished my education, I was still unsure of what area within the Animal Sector I wanted to pursue. However, after being offered a full-time position at Crossroads, I never looked back. Due to my love for the job and dedication, I started off as a kennel assistant and worked my way up to Deputy Manager. The fact that I get to work with dogs makes it feel like a hobby, and I consider myself very lucky to have this job!
Since I can remember, I have always wanted to work with animals. I have had a variety of small pets, including guinea pigs, hamsters, and rabbits, as well as small and medium breeds of dogs. Throughout my education, I carried out work experience in both a veterinary hospital and a pet shop to help me gain experience and insight into working with animals that were not my own.
In 2015, I graduated from Northampton University with a Distinction in FdSc Applied Animal Studies. As the course was based at Moulton College, I was able to gain experience with an even larger variety of animals, including larger breeds of dogs. Shortly after completing my course, I saw a job opening at Crossroads and was lucky enough to join the team. Within a year, I was promoted to Deputy Head Animal Carer.
2024 will be my 9th year working at Crossroads, and I thoroughly enjoy being part of such a friendly and welcoming team. However, the best part of the job has got to be meeting and making friends with all the dogs that come to stay with us!
Introducing the one, the only, the fur-tastically cheeky member of our team: Brie! With a wag of her tail and a gleam in her eye, Brie is the undisputed chief equipment tester. From tennis balls to climbing frames, she puts each item through its paces with unparalleled enthusiasm.
Brie is also a master cuddler. When she’s not busy causing chaos in the fields, you’ll find her curled up on someone’s lap, soaking up all the love and attention she can get. So, if you ever find yourself in need of a good laugh or a warm snuggle, just look for Brie.
Our resident Ginger Ninja, the smallest four-legged member of our team! When she’s not out in the fields, she serves as our Deputy Equipment Tester, putting all things climbable and sniffable through rigorous quality control. Her dedication to snack discovery is unmatched, often leading her on epic quests across each of our paddocks.
But don’t let her adventurous spirit fool you; Pippa’s true superpower lies in her award-winning puppy dog eyes and spaniel ears. Known to melt the coldest of hearts, she can negotiate an extra treat (or two) from even the most unsuspecting team members. Whether she’s lounging in her bed or giving the equipment a run for its money, Pip embodies the spirit of mischief that keeps our team smiling.
Ever since I was little, I have known that I wanted to work with animals. I have always had dogs myself, having owned four at one point: a German Shepherd, Husky, Yorkshire Terrier, and a medium crossbreed, along with a lovely ginger cat who lived to the ripe old age of 26.
I have been with Crossroads for 16 years now, starting shortly after Eve and Steve took over, and worked my way up from the bottom to now being Head Animal Carer. For three years, I assisted with Steve’s training classes, allowing me to understand a variety of breeds and how to handle them. With 16 years’ experience, I have learned a huge amount of different ways to help animals in our care find the kind of home-from-home where they feel safe, secure, and ultimately have fun.
It’s always nice to see the dogs excited to come into the kennels ready for playtime with us, and a familiar face is always a welcome sight. I don’t see Crossroads as a job but as a family; my team is amazing, and we treat every animal in our care as if they are our own, learning and adapting to all their little quirks and needs. My work never feels like a job; it feels more like getting up and sorting out the family, and I feel very lucky to do what I do.
After a few years in the hydrotherapy industry, I spent some time visiting various dog sanctuaries around the world. So many of the dogs I met could have benefited hugely from the hydrotherapy we provide here.
I find hydrotherapy to be incredibly rewarding – meeting a dog post-surgery and seeing them progress through their recovery is amazing.
With a springer spaniel myself, I know how easy it can be for dogs to cause an injury through day-to-day excitement. This drives my passion for preventative hydrotherapy, offering low-impact exercise and reducing the risk of future joint issues.
Hi, I’m Lorna.
I’ve always been surrounded by small animals, especially dogs, throughout my life. I volunteered at my friend’s canine hydrotherapy centre, where I learned how to enjoy fun swims with my own dogs. I also enjoy assisting my friends during dressage competitions.
I have a passion for rescuing dogs, particularly those with behavioural issues. I enjoy the challenge of transforming them into more socialised and well-behaved pets.
After 20 years of working in catering, I’m now living my dream job of caring for dogs all day.
Working with animals has always been my passion since I was young. Each one has such special personalities and characteristics, which I find incredibly fun and fascinating to learn about—a joy I am lucky enough to experience here.
I have worked in various animal-related careers, but this one is my favourite by far. Everything from the staff to the environment, and seeing how happy the dogs are to be here, makes me happy to be here too.
I have loved animals, especially dogs, my whole life. They have always been my favourite animal. I have a 14-year-old golden Labrador called Daisy, who is my best friend, and I can’t imagine life without her.
Taking care of dogs is such a rewarding job, and knowing that they are happy and feel safe with us puts a smile on my face every day. I put my all into looking after the dogs to ensure that owners can relax, knowing their dogs are in good hands.
Working with animals was something I knew I wanted to do from a young age. I have owned both dogs and cats throughout the years and couldn’t imagine life without them.
I have been working at Crossroads since 2019 and have enjoyed meeting and caring for the dogs that come to stay here. I feel fortunate to have a full-time job working with animals and have gained a lot of experience with dogs during my time here.
I also attended Moulton College, which allowed me to gain experience with a wider variety of animals, such as reptiles.
I have always been passionate about animal welfare. I have grown up with dogs my whole life and currently have an American Bully. I love big breeds and believe I will always own one—they are so misunderstood yet incredibly loving, and I will always be an advocate for them. At work, I always aim to make every dog feel safe, comfortable, and loved while they are away from home.
I take pride in being patient and attentive, and I enjoy building trust with both the dogs and their owners. I love my job, and it is an honour to work here.
I’ve loved animals from a young age and have always been surrounded by them. At home, I have several pets who bring me a lot of joy, including my cat, Misha, and my dog, Jasper.
I completed both my studies and work experience at Tiggywinkles Animal Hospital, where I gained hands-on experience caring for and rehabilitating wild animals. After finishing my course, I wasn’t entirely sure which animal-related career path to pursue.
Crossroad Kennels gave me my first real job in the field, and I’m very grateful for the support and kindness I’ve received from everyone here. I genuinely enjoy working at the kennels and have become well acquainted with many of our regular dogs.
Being able to do work I truly enjoy is a wonderful bonus.
