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.
Stephen Stinnet
Resort Manager
Stephen Stinnett is Pooches resident aggressive dog trainer and was recently promoted to Resort Manager where he is responsible for all daily operations within Pooches Paradise. An eclectic, old soul, he is a stoic leader and has been with us for over 8 years. During that time he has apprenticed under Mary Sellaro and has continued to study the intricacies of dog behavior and psychology. He has developed a niche training specialty focusing on aggressive temperament and an adjunct business that he continues to grow. Stephen enjoys hanging out with his 9 year old pit bull, Hank. When Hank isn’t helping Stephen with his training lessons, you may see them sipping on lattes at their favorite café, Filling Station. One thing he wishes all dog owners knew is the dangers and risks of taking your pups to public dog parks, which is one of the many reasons why he loves the safe environment of Pooches Paradise.
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.
Stephen Stinnet
Resort Manager
Stephen Stinnett is Pooches resident aggressive dog trainer and was recently promoted to Resort Manager where he is responsible for all daily operations within Pooches Paradise. An eclectic, old soul, he is a stoic leader and has been with us for over 8 years. During that time he has apprenticed under Mary Sellaro and has continued to study the intricacies of dog behavior and psychology. He has developed a niche training specialty focusing on aggressive temperament and an adjunct business that he continues to grow. Stephen enjoys hanging out with his 9 year old pit bull, Hank. When Hank isn’t helping Stephen with his training lessons, you may see them sipping on lattes at their favorite café, Filling Station. One thing he wishes all dog owners knew is the dangers and risks of taking your pups to public dog parks, which is one of the many reasons why he loves the safe environment of Pooches Paradise.
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.