Staff Bios
Jillian 
Peters-Mazarella
Hi! I’ve been with MetroBark since it first opened its doors in May of 2002. I first came to MetroBark as a potential client for my dogs but after I walked through the door I was soon asking for a job application. I was told they had no employment available but I said I would be back the next day to volunteer my help hoping that one day soon a position would open. I was asked to join the team 2 weeks later and have been playing with dogs ever since. On July 1st 2006 I became the proud new owner of MetroBark! This was a dream come true for me as MetroBark and all its furry clients have become my heart and soul. I am truly blessed and enjoy everyday I get up and come into MetroBark.
I currently live in Olmstead Falls with my husband Tony, my 1 year old daughter Lucia and our 3 dogs Samson, Delilah and Poppy. Thank you to all my family, friends, wonderful staff, past, current and future clients for their continued support over the years, MetroBark would not be here without you!
Wags and Licks,
Jillian
Jackie
Hi! I’ve been with MetroBark since 2006 the same year I became a certified dog trainer. I’ve always been an animal lover which is proven by my large pet family. I have 3 cats: Big Girl 10yrs, Alf 8yrs and Max 7yrs. And my 3 dogs: Bubba my 1st dog a 7yr old border collie mix with his Canine Good Citizen and we have earned our Rally Obedience level 1 title. I also have 2 husky’s Juneau my 11 year old rescue and Nanuk my 2 year old baby.
I have to admit that I have the best job in the world getting to spend my days filled with dogs!
Amanda
My name is Amanda and I joined the Cleveland Metrobark team in March of 2009. I have been a lifelong resident of Cleveland and graduated from Case Western Reserve University in the Fall of 2008 with my B.A in History. My work with dogs began in 2006 when I became a foster home for Marilyn’s Voice and continued through my college career as a member of CWRU’s animal rights campaign, C.A.R.E.S, and as a volunteer at the Cuyahoga County animal shelter in Valley View, OH. Arriving at Metrobark in the middle of the day and having dozens of wagging tails scramble to greet me serves as a constant reminder that I am truly lucky to be able to consider this work
Jen
Jen has been employed at MetroBark for the past five years. She loves bringing her black lab Mabel to work with her and spending quality time with all the MetroBark pups. Jen attended Ohio State University and has a BS in wildlife management which she greatly puts to use every Monday at MetroBark! Jen lives in Lakewood with her husband Sean and 5 year old daughter Ava.
Jessica
I’m Jessica and I live in Mentor with my dog Benji and his feline partners in crime, Morris and Peanut. I was born in Arizona and attended Oberlin College in Ohio, after which I moved to Chicago and worked at a daycare and boarding facility there for a year. I have owned dogs since the day my parents brought me home from the hospital. I intend to continue working with animals while furthering my education so that I am able to one day open an animal sanctuary for dogs and horses that will also function as a therapeutic farm for children with varying developmental disabilities. Being able to spend my days with a bunch of fun loving and happy dogs is something I am very grateful for, which makes Metrobark the perfect place for me!
Les
I’m Les and I live in Parma with my wonderful wife of 33 years Cindy and my two boys Smoke and Gunther. I was born in Hungary and moved to Canada when I was 9 yrs. old, and ten years later moved to Cleveland, OH. Before arriving at Metrobark in March of 2009, I worked with horses for 34 years and was the Leading Apprentice Jockey of Ohio in 1974. I rode in approximately 2,000 races, winning about 200 of them. As a lifelong animal lover, my job at Metrobark is a perfect fit.
Brian
I’m Brian and I currently live in Cleveland, although I grew up in Marion, OH. Prior to coming onboard at Metrobark in early 2010, I worked at a horse stable in Rocky River where I did anything from cleaning stables to feeding the horses and making sure they had everything they needed. My family had dogs when I was younger, and I always had an interest in working with animals, which is part of the reason my job at Metrobark is a perfect match for me. The great dogs are what lured me into Metrobark, but a fun and caring staff makes the job even more enjoyable for me.
