MORRIS ANIMAL INN - Key Persons
Since rescuing her first dog in 2001, a German Shepherd, Abbie has been committed to the goal of safe and positive dog socialization and training. This goal sparked her interest in learning more about the emotional behavior of dogs from puppyhood through the many stages of their lives.
Before re-joining Morris Animal Inn Abbie worked as Daycare Manager of Morris K9 Campus, where she was responsible for creating many programs which included a safe and fun off leash environment where training was incorporated into the daily routine of the many daycare dogs in her care. She worked one on one with a certified dog trainer to integrate training on-site that included a house training program and an intensive 30 day training program.
Abbie's extra curricular interests include all things dog sports related. Her current crew of pups includes two Border Collies, that excel in Agility and Dock Diving earning regional placements and titles in both sports. As well as her two rescues, a Mini-Aussie mix, and Dachshund Mix who enjoy swimming, hiking, and Fast Cat! Past dogs have achieved Canine Good Citizen and certified therapy dog status. She's also dabbled in Treiball, doggy dancing, and nosework! There is nothing she enjoys more than spending time having fun with her own dogs and learning as a team.
Job Titles:
- Pet Care Assistant Manager - Montville
In 2021, Alexa joined our Daycare and Training Department as a Daycare Counselor in Morristown. Because of her passion for dogs and previous experience in pet care, Alexa was looking for a facility that was safe and fun for the pets and staff alike. It was also important to Alexa to be part of a company that provides their staff with opportunities to learn and grow.
As the Pet Care Assistant Manager in Montville, Alexa ensures that each pet guest is thriving during their stay at Morris Animal Inn. Alexa is passionate about bonding with every dog in our care, while also making connections with our clients. She takes pride in assuring owners that we are always going to do what is best for their pet. Alexa particularly enjoys creating fun experiences for our dogs and seeing them come out of their shell as they become more comfortable and confident with us.
At home, Alexa has a 17-year-old Yorkie named Gigi, who loves to sit in the sun and be carried on walks.
Job Titles:
- Pet Enrichment Assistant Manager
Ashley joined the Morris Animal Inn (MAI) team in 2016 in the Pet Enrichment (PET) department. A big part of her day as the PET Assistant Manager is helping her team grow and come up with new ideas. She is responsible for the enrichment of the pets, trail runs, kitty stroller rides, teaser sessions and kitty playrooms. Ashley has always loved animals and wanted to work with them. She considered being a vet technician but came to MAI and realized this is what she wanted to do. What Ashley loves most about working at MAI is seeing happy pets and helping her team members flourish in their roles.
Ashley has one dog, two cats and a bunny. Amber is a 5-year-old Staffie mix, Trixie is a 2-year-old long haired cat, Buddy is a 4-year-old short haired cat and Bunny is a 2-year-old Bunny.
Job Titles:
- Pet Enrichment Assistant Manager
Christine joined the Morris Animal Inn team in 2022. She is a graduate of Delaware Valley University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Wildlife Conservation and Management. While in school, Christine had the opportunity to study abroad in South Africa and intern at the Philadelphia Zoo. She gained her management and pet care experience from working at an emergency vet office and boarding facilities, where she held various roles in daycare, training, bathing, and reception.
As the Pet Enrichment Assistant Manager, Christine is dedicated to getting to know each pet in order to cater to their specific personalities. She loves discovering which dogs like to run or play and enjoy tricks, puzzles, or brain games. Christine is proud to work alongside the caring staff at Morris Animal Inn, where everyone goes above and beyond to create positive experiences for all guests. In particular, she loves being able to bond with nervous or anxious pets, and finds it especially rewarding when a pet comes in nervous and leaves outgoing, playful, and happy. Christine values the importance of training and enrichment, whereby pets are enjoying being challenged and exercised.
Christine has a 7-year-old beagle mix named Roxy, who loves to hike, train, and work with puzzles. She also has brother and sister cats named Mason and Olive. In her spare time, Christine enjoys hiking, reading, exercising, and traveling.
Job Titles:
- Grooming Assistant Manager
After graduating from the North Jersey School of Dog Grooming in 1987, Cyndi joined Morris Animal Inn (MAI) which at the time was known as the Poodle Palace. During this time, she worked alongside Mr. Morris and his father. She loved watching Mr. Morris Sr. groom his Standard Poodle, Beau. Cyndi stepped away for a few years to oversee a successful grooming school before enthusiastically returning to MAI in 2022.
As the Assistant Manager, Cyndi oversees her team members, consults with clients about their dogs grooming needs, bathes the dogs in her care, does haircuts and whatever else is needed. She loves everything about her role, but mostly grooming Yorkshire Terriers. At home, Cyndi has three dogs including 15-year-old Yorkie Diva, 11-year-old Yorkie Chihuahua mix Izzy and 3-year-old Yorkie Milo. In her free time, Cyndi enjoys relaxing, gardening and spending time with her family and pups.
Debora joined Morris Animal Inn, July 2011. With a BA degree in Communications from Susquehanna University and MA degree in Communications from William Paterson University, Debora's mission is to build strong relationships as well as raise awareness of the high-quality pet services available that best meet the needs of dog and cat clientele. Throughout her career, she has had several years experience in Marketing, Public Relations and Communications.
Debora supports several animal shelters and rescues around the local area. Debora's love for animals brought her to Morris Animal Inn.
Erin joined the Guest Services Department at Morris Animal Inn in 2016, after graduating from Kean University. She earned her bachelor's degree in Communications, with a concentration in Public Relations. Prior to joining the Morris Animal Inn team, Erin held various management roles in the retail industry.
Having grown up an animal lover but unable to have a cat or dog of her own, Erin had always had a desire to work with animals. Her job entails overseeing our Guest Services department, where she strives to provide the best experience for our clients and pet guests. From booking appointments to the check in/out process, she loves interacting with everyone that visits the Inn. She appreciates that at Morris Animal Inn, she learns new things every day. Erin enjoys spending time with friends and family, attending concerts, and rooting for her favorite sports teams.
Joanne Morris grew up working at Morris Animal Inn under her parents' watchful eye (Walter and Marianne). She has witnessed the Inn's growth from a small ‘mom and pop' operation to the largest pet care employer in Northern New Jersey. Throughout her career, Joanne has worked to develop and improve the image of the pet care industry via a variety of pet care-related positions and professional endeavors. Joanne attended Susquehanna University and then owned and operated four highly successful Invisible Fencing dealerships over the course of fifteen years. In 2000, Joanne returned to Morris Animal Inn as Vice President to assist in its growth and development. She has had a hand in every aspect of the business, from caring for dogs and cats to assisting in the design of the expansion completed in 2008, and managing Human Resources and financial matters.
In addition to serving on the Board of Directors of the Outstanding Pet Care Learning Center (OPCLC), Joanne is co-owner and co-founder of Morris Pet Care Consulting, LLC with her father, Walter. Joanne's daughters, Emily and Ashley, and her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Tori, and Lexi, a Great Pyrenees Mix are frequent visitors at the Inn.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Executive Director
Kristen Lewis joined Morris Animal Inn in 2012 as Lodging Manager. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science from Rutgers University and her Masters Degree in Business from Centenary College. Kristen's responsibility is to oversee our Lodging department and to ensure that every pet's stay with Morris Animal Inn is beyond expectation. She has previously worked in the animal care field and brings to us a passion for the health and well-being of all furry creatures.
Kristen is the proud owner of three beautiful rescue dogs; Daisy, a Flat-Coated Retriever Mix, Gracie, a Lab Mix and a recent addition to the family, Duke, a Dalmatian Pointer Mix. All three dogs are super sweet, love to give their paw, give tons of kisses, and even go hiking and swimming. Kristen also owns two horses, Gus and Dakota. She stays involved with rescue groups Noah's Ark and OSCAR (One Step Closer Animal Rescue) because they "gave us our babies". Kristen's activities outside of Morris Animal Inn include horseback riding, physical fitness, hiking, kayaking, snowboarding, skiing and art.
Job Titles:
- Daycare & Training Assistant Manager
Lauren Malay joined the Morris Animal Inn family in 2013 in the Lodging department as a summer job. She graduated from Drew University, earning her bachelor's degree in Environmental Science and Sustainability, and Cultural Anthropology. Lauren then went on to work in the Activities department, before ultimately joining the Daycare team. She continued her education at Catch Canine Trainers Academy and moved into the role as a dog trainer within the Daycare department.
What Lauren loves most about working at Morris Animal Inn is the deep bonds between the dogs and staff, which is a result of being a positive reinforcement only facility. She is proud to be part of a company that is always growing and learning to remain the best in the industry.
When Lauren is not at work, she loves to be in nature, specifically down the shore. She also enjoys experimenting with recipes and watching movies. Having always been a dog lover, Lauren has fostered many pets over the years and hopes to add a black lab to her family.
Job Titles:
- Lodging and Wellness Manager
Lexi joined the Morris Animal Inn team in 2010 in the Activities department. After gaining experience working in Activities, Lexi moved into the Daycare department. Lexi stepped away for a few years and was thrilled to return in 2021 as the Assistant Manager of Lodging and Pet Wellness. Lexi earned her bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Saint Leo University. She is a Certified Fear Free Professional, Pet CPR & First Aid Certified, and holds her Pesticide Operator license.
Lexi has always loved dogs and had a strong desire to work with them. She loves that at Morris Animal Inn, she is working alongside others who share the same passion as her: caring for the greatest cats and dogs around! Lexi strives to create an environment that is as home-like as possible to keep every guest happy and healthy.
Lexi has a Pomeranian/Papillon Mix named Brody, a Hound Mix named Taylor, and a kitty named Lily! In her free time, she participates in agility competitions with her dog Brody, and enjoys kayaking and spending time outdoors.
Marianne Morris, owners of the Morris Animal Inn, are pleased to share their award winning legacy with their daughter Joanne Morris. Joanne, Vice President, shares in the undertaking of providing first class accommodations, flawless execution of guest services and of course providing tender loving care to all guests that come to stay at Morris Animal Inn.
Prior to joining the Morris Animal Inn family, Michell interned at the Staten Island Zoo, where she first gained hands-on experience working with animals. In 2015, Michell began working as an Activities Counselor, working part-time at Morris Animal Inn while earning both her Associate's and Bachelor's degree in Environmental Biology from Kean University.
Michell oversees the activities for pet guests, including cuddle sessions, swims, playtimes, and cardio sessions. She focuses on their emotional wellbeing, ensuring all pets feel like they're at home while they're at Morris Animal Inn.
She loves being a part of a company that takes pride in the quality of care for the animals and strives to make every day as special as possible for both staff and pets. Michell is happy to have been given the opportunity to grow and learn skills across different departments.
Michell stays active at home! She enjoys weightlifting at the gym and taking her Pitbull-Plott Hound mix, Dobby, on hikes where he can swim in any lake or pond he can find. Dobby also loves coming to Morris Animal Inn with Michell where he gets to see all of his friends!
Job Titles:
- Director
- Guest Services Director
- in 2010 As Guest Services Manager
Nancy joined Morris Animal Inn in 2010 as Guest Services Manager. With her upbeat attitude, Nancy strives to make you and your pet's experience here as positive and rewarding as possible. For her, no challenge is too big!
Nancy received her B.S. from St. Joseph's University in Business Management, her Professional Human Resources Certification, and previously worked in customer service in the retail industry. In addition, she received her Pet First Aid Certification from the Red Cross and her Pet Therapy Certification from St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center. Nancy has taught children how to safely handle and care for animals, and in 2010, she received St. Hubert's Volunteer of the Year Award. In addition to her two cats, Millie and Sabrina, Nancy shares her home with Angie, an enthusiastic Standard American Eskimo dog and retired laboratory Beagle, Gracie.
Job Titles:
- Pet Care Manager - Montville
Rachel joined the Morris Animal Inn (MAI) family in 2021 as the Assistant Lodging and Wellness Manager at the Montville location. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Ramapo College of New Jersey and is a certified Fear Free Pet Professional. Rachel is also certified in Pet CPR and First Aid. Before joining the Morris Animal Inn team, Rachel worked at a pet boarding facility and was an Assistant Manager of a pet supply store.
At MAI, Rachel combines her love of service with working directly with animals. Being the Pet Care Manager in Montville allows Rachel to oversee the overall well-being of the pets that are lodging. She strives to not only ensure that each animal is enjoying their stay, but that they are thriving while at MAI. It is rewarding to know that the lives of our pet guests are being enriched while they are staying with us.
Rachel has a dog named Luna, a cat named Sirius, and a Ball Python named Minerva. The joy of having pets inspired her to immerse herself in the pet industry. In her spare time, Rachel enjoys writing and baking gluten free treats.
Sarah joined Morris Animal Inn in 2021 as a Stylist-in-training in the Grooming department. With her many skills and confidence, she quickly moved into the Grooming Manager role. Sarah is working to build more team members as Stylists. She enjoys sharing her knowledge, skills, and passion for grooming. She is all about being a family at work and strives to have staff know it is a fun place to work, that the team is supported and trusted.
Sarah attended North Jersey School of Dog Grooming to receive her grooming certification in 2014. She has experience at a few salons over the past 8 years of her career. When she is not at work, she usually can be found at home spending quality time with her fiancé, her cat Brodi and her dog Henry.
Job Titles:
- Recruiting & Human Resources Director
After graduating from Purdue University with a bachelor's degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management, Theresa started her management career in corporate restaurants before joining Morris Animal Inn as Lodging Manager in 2007 with the desire to bring her hospitality experience into the pet care world. She was thrilled to have the chance to return in 2021 as our Recruiting & Human Resource Manager! Her mission is to get the word out to fellow pet lovers so they are aware of the amazing career opportunities that we offer and to make sure that the staff and their experience at MAI are a priority!
What she loves most about working at MAI is the company vision and support of the Morris Family as well as being part of a hard-working, dedicated staff. Making sure that the comfort & safety of the pets in our care and the trust of our clients are the driving force in everything they do is a top priority. Of course, being around the most adorable cats and dogs all day is also a nice perk!
Theresa & her husband keep busy at home with their two rescue pets, a sweet Pitbull/Chihuahua mix named Cookie and a spicy torti cat named Willow, a coop full of chickens, and an ever-expanding vegetable garden.
Walter and Marianne acquired Walter's father's pet care business, Poodle Palace, Inc., in 1978. They have grown the operation into the internationally known Morris Animal Inn.
As charter members of the Pet Care Services Association, the Morris's thoroughly understand the many issues that worry pet owners. Their constant presence at the Inn, combined with their utmost concern for our canine and feline guests, has earned them the strongest of reputations among clients, employees and peers.
Walter holds a degree in Economics from Villanova University. He co-owns, with daughter Joanne, Morris Pet Care Consulting LLC in Morristown, NJ.