Nick Langley
Owner & Operator
Nick Langley grew up a maverick with entrepreneurial DNA. Raised by a single mother, he was a latch-key kid who had a special bond with his dogs. Nick learned at an early age that dogs have the power to heal through their companionship, loyalty and unconditional love.
Nick’s passion for animals led him to serve as the Board President for Spay and Neuter Kansas City, a nonprofit dedicated to ending animal homelessness. Utilizing his financial and business savvy, he helped the nonprofit grow to a nearly $2 million organization in just three years.
Nick is a vision-driven leader dedicated to improving the lives of both pets and their owners. With more than 21 years of experience in the financial services industry, he combines his passion for animals and business expertise to continually improve the organization and meet the changing needs of clients.
He is a graduate of Avila University and the Securities Industry Institute at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Nick is an award-winning business leader and spent the majority of his career at Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc., where he oversaw business development, strategic planning and relationship management.
Stacie Langley
Co-Owner
There is a quote by the late Gilda Radner: “I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me, they are the role model for being alive.” This saying personifies Stacie perfectly. She joined the Pooches team in January 2020 and immediately became an integral part of the business. Her can do/will do outlook on everything she encounters, mixed in with endless positivity and compassion for everyone, has been embraced by both staff and clients.
Stacie grew up in a small town in western Kansas and graduated from KU with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She spent several years as a travel nurse and worked as an oncology nurse for 20 years. She has a passion for health, wellness and vitality in people as well as pups.
Stacie loves being a part of Pooches because of the amazing staff who she continually learns from on a daily basis. The best part of her day is spending time with the dogs, watching them play with their friends and just enjoying life. (Petting the dogs and getting extra hugs throughout the day is ultimately the favorite perk of the job!)
Stacie feels it is very important to do what she can to give back to others. With this in mind, her goal is to continue to build community involvement with area small businesses and dog rescues. She enjoys working every single day beside her husband and to grow as a small business owner.
Mary Sellaro
Director of Training & Education
Mary Sellaro joined Pooches Paradise as the Director of Training in 2012. A former dog daycare owner, she has been training dogs since 1990. Mary teaches obedience training in group and private lessons, from puppy level to advanced, and helps pet owners train dogs with behavior and aggression issues.
Mary is a certified American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen evaluator and has been the temperament test evaluator for the Children’s Mercy Hospital Pet Pal Program and Pets for Life, Inc. She also developed and implements the Kansas City Retired Greyhounds as Pets (KCREGAP) training program to rehabilitate former racing dogs in preparation for adoption.
Mary is a recurring guest and canine behavioral consultant on Talk Radio 710 KCMO and Hot Talk 1510 KCTE. She is a regular contributor to MetroPet Magazine and a published author on canine behavior and training in numerous pet-related publications.
Samantha Harris
Resort Manager
Samantha’s interest and love of dogs drove her to explore options and seek an education in the pet industry. She completed her goal and graduated from Animal Behavior College with certifications in both the Veterinary Assistant and Dog Training Programs in 2012. In 2015, Samantha accepted a front desk receptionist position with Pooches Paradise. She worked her way up to Front Desk Manager, and although she enjoyed this position immensely, her passion pulled her towards working directly with the dogs. Samantha became part of the kennel staff and was soon promoted to Kennel Shift Supervisor.
Dog behavior and training continued to be a primary source of interest for Samantha. She began attending training classes with resident Pooches trainer, Mary Sellaro. Based on her background, knowledge and handling skills, Samantha was chosen to take part in the Apprentice Dog Trainer Program. She completed the 2-year apprenticeship and is highly involved in group classes, behavioral evaluations, and one-on-one training. Samantha was a natural fit to become a member of the Behavioral Team.
Samantha is an invaluable asset to the day to day operations and future of Pooches Paradise. She is cross-trained and has the ability to perform any role within the business. She has blazed a trail for herself to learn, grow and succeed from the moment she began her career with Pooches in 2015.
When she is not at Pooches, Samantha enjoys spending time with her daughter and family, going to the park and having quality time at home. Samantha’s 4 legged children include Hercules, a shepherd mix, and a cattle dog mix named Rooster. Samantha’s future goal is to share in making Pooches Paradise the best home away from home for our pups and their families.
Amy Lopez
Senior Behavioral Trainer
Pooches Paradise has had the advantageous opportunity to have Amy Lopez in their employ since October of 2013. Amy has a long standing love for dogs as her mother was an independent dog rescuer throughout her childhood and teen years. She grew up surrounded by and handling dogs of various sizes and temperaments, including feral and aggressive rescues. Amy’s natural affinity for dogs led her to choose a career path in that direction and she has been working professionally with dogs for the last 12 years throughout the Kansas City area. Throughout the years, Amy has developed an excellent rapport with people and a proficiency for training and assessing staff members in dog body language and handling. These skills, along with her experience and background, made Amy a natural fit for a newly created position (for her) at Pooches Paradise- Senior Behavioral Trainer. In her spare time, Amy loves to hang out with friends, family and her beloved 12 year old rat terrier mix-Minnie, reading, bowling, watching movies and playing video games.
The Pooches Paradise Behavioral Team was specifically formulated in response to the need:
- For ongoing development of staff canine behavioral education and training
- To lend focus and insight for behavioral concerns and resolutions
- To create a comprehensive Temperament Test structure-including proficient assessment skills
Pooches Paradise takes the need for your dog’s mental enrichment and positive behavioral balance while in our care very seriously. We believe in not only providing physical stimulation and exercise but to place importance on your dog’s state of mind, behavioral displays and our ability to effectively determine their needs and provide resolutions where possible.
The members of the behavioral team have a combined 70 years of experience and are carefully chosen based on knowledge, handling and both human and dog communication skills. We strive to communicate with our clients and portray a genuine picture of your dog’s experience with us. Our goal is to be a partner in your dog’s well being and provide advice as well as guidance through the course of your relationship with Pooches Paradise.
Nick Langley
Owner & Operator
Nick Langley grew up a maverick with entrepreneurial DNA. Raised by a single mother, he was a latch-key kid who had a special bond with his dogs. Nick learned at an early age that dogs have the power to heal through their companionship, loyalty and unconditional love.
Nick’s passion for animals led him to serve as the Board President for Spay and Neuter Kansas City, a nonprofit dedicated to ending animal homelessness. Utilizing his financial and business savvy, he helped the nonprofit grow to a nearly $2 million organization in just three years.
Nick is a vision-driven leader dedicated to improving the lives of both pets and their owners. With more than 21 years of experience in the financial services industry, he combines his passion for animals and business expertise to continually improve the organization and meet the changing needs of clients.
He is a graduate of Avila University and the Securities Industry Institute at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Nick is an award-winning business leader and spent the majority of his career at Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc., where he oversaw business development, strategic planning and relationship management.
Stacie Langley
Co-Owner
There is a quote by the late Gilda Radner: “I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me, they are the role model for being alive.” This saying personifies Stacie perfectly. She joined the Pooches team in January 2020 and immediately became an integral part of the business. Her can do/will do outlook on everything she encounters, mixed in with endless positivity and compassion for everyone, has been embraced by both staff and clients.
Stacie grew up in a small town in western Kansas and graduated from KU with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She spent several years as a travel nurse and worked as an oncology nurse for 20 years. She has a passion for health, wellness and vitality in people as well as pups.
Stacie loves being a part of Pooches because of the amazing staff who she continually learns from on a daily basis. The best part of her day is spending time with the dogs, watching them play with their friends and just enjoying life. (Petting the dogs and getting extra hugs throughout the day is ultimately the favorite perk of the job!)
Stacie feels it is very important to do what she can to give back to others. With this in mind, her goal is to continue to build community involvement with area small businesses and dog rescues. She enjoys working every single day beside her husband and to grow as a small business owner.
Mary Sellaro
Director of Training & Education
Mary Sellaro joined Pooches Paradise as the Director of Training in 2012. A former dog daycare owner, she has been training dogs since 1990. Mary teaches obedience training in group and private lessons, from puppy level to advanced, and helps pet owners train dogs with behavior and aggression issues.
Mary is a certified American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen evaluator and has been the temperament test evaluator for the Children’s Mercy Hospital Pet Pal Program and Pets for Life, Inc. She also developed and implements the Kansas City Retired Greyhounds as Pets (KCREGAP) training program to rehabilitate former racing dogs in preparation for adoption.
Mary is a recurring guest and canine behavioral consultant on Talk Radio 710 KCMO and Hot Talk 1510 KCTE. She is a regular contributor to MetroPet Magazine and a published author on canine behavior and training in numerous pet-related publications.
Samantha Harris
Resort Manager
Samantha’s interest and love of dogs drove her to explore options and seek an education in the pet industry. She completed her goal and graduated from Animal Behavior College with certifications in both the Veterinary Assistant and Dog Training Programs in 2012. In 2015, Samantha accepted a front desk receptionist position with Pooches Paradise. She worked her way up to Front Desk Manager, and although she enjoyed this position immensely, her passion pulled her towards working directly with the dogs. Samantha became part of the kennel staff and was soon promoted to Kennel Shift Supervisor.
Dog behavior and training continued to be a primary source of interest for Samantha. She began attending training classes with resident Pooches trainer, Mary Sellaro. Based on her background, knowledge and handling skills, Samantha was chosen to take part in the Apprentice Dog Trainer Program. She completed the 2-year apprenticeship and is highly involved in group classes, behavioral evaluations, and one-on-one training. Samantha was a natural fit to become a member of the Behavioral Team.
Samantha is an invaluable asset to the day to day operations and future of Pooches Paradise. She is cross-trained and has the ability to perform any role within the business. She has blazed a trail for herself to learn, grow and succeed from the moment she began her career with Pooches in 2015.
When she is not at Pooches, Samantha enjoys spending time with her daughter and family, going to the park and having quality time at home. Samantha’s 4 legged children include Hercules, a shepherd mix, and a cattle dog mix named Rooster. Samantha’s future goal is to share in making Pooches Paradise the best home away from home for our pups and their families.
Amy Lopez
Senior Behavioral Trainer
Pooches Paradise has had the advantageous opportunity to have Amy Lopez in their employ since October of 2013. Amy has a long standing love for dogs as her mother was an independent dog rescuer throughout her childhood and teen years. She grew up surrounded by and handling dogs of various sizes and temperaments, including feral and aggressive rescues. Amy’s natural affinity for dogs led her to choose a career path in that direction and she has been working professionally with dogs for the last 12 years throughout the Kansas City area. Throughout the years, Amy has developed an excellent rapport with people and a proficiency for training and assessing staff members in dog body language and handling. These skills, along with her experience and background, made Amy a natural fit for a newly created position (for her) at Pooches Paradise- Senior Behavioral Trainer. In her spare time, Amy loves to hang out with friends, family and her beloved 12 year old rat terrier mix-Minnie, reading, bowling, watching movies and playing video games.