Our team

David is an experienced dog trainer with a background in K-9 police and military dog work. Originally from Israel, he relocated to the D.C. area in 2015 to further his expertise at the prestigious Highland Canine School for Dog Trainers. During the intensive 480-hour program, David mastered a range of training techniques—from positive reinforcement to balanced methods—and gained additional certifications in canine nutrition, first aid, and CPR.

​

Since then, David has worked with thousands of dogs of all breeds, ages, and temperaments, focusing on developing trust, confidence, and clear communication between dogs and their humans. He’s also shared his knowledge through specialized seminars for police and military handlers across the country.

​

David founded Paw by Paw with one mission in mind: to create real, lasting change for dogs and their families. His training style is calm, practical, and results-driven, always tailored to the unique needs of each dog-human team. Whether he’s working with a reactive rescue or guiding a new puppy through its first commands, David brings patience, expertise, and heart to every session helping clients build a better bond with their dog, one paw at a time.

Leena is Paw by Paw’s Director of Operations and the backbone of our day-to-day flow. After three years as our Facility Manager, she now oversees the systems and structures that keep our team running smoothly, from managing staff schedules and client communications to ensuring everything behind the scenes aligns with our mission of exceptional care.
 

With a strong foundation in pet care, Leena brings years of experience in the pet retail industry and a background in front desk operations at a busy daycare and boarding facility. She’s certified in dog and cat nutrition through the U.C. Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and continues to be a go-to source for pet wellness advice.
 

Leena has been dog sitting for many years and is known for treating every furry friend like family. Her own dog, Bones—a lovable pit bull—is often the recipient of her signature head scratches (which she generously offers to Paw by Paw pups too).

Since 2017, Jesse has been immersed in the world of dog training. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Anthrozoology and earned his Obedience and Behavioral Modification certificate from Highland Canine School for Dog Trainers. His diverse experience includes roles at Petsmart, Petco, K9s for Warriors, and Beaches Animal Clinic, where he served as a kennel tech and vet tech trainee. 

​

Growing up in Rockville, MD, Jesse has always been surrounded by dogs. His current companion, Gizmo, is a lovable golden doodle, and he fondly remembers his childhood dogs, including an Akita and three poodles.

​

Jesse's goal in dog training is to ensure that every dog owner can fully enjoy life with their furry friends and communicate effectively with them. He is passionate about Paw by Paw because it goes beyond a typical dog training company, demonstrating genuine care for clients and a commitment to making dog ownership a joyful experience.

​

Fun fact: In addition to his expertise in dog training, Jesse has also trained fish, birds, reptiles, and small mammals.

Alissa, one of our Doggie Day School Experts first found her calling working at a local dog daycare facility, where she supervised over 100 dogs daily for five transformative years. 

​

Her dedication and enthusiasm led her to embark on a unique training journey. From training a service dog, she transitioned to nurturing her own mixed breed dog, showcasing her commitment to understanding and communicating with our four-legged friends.

​

Fueled by an unyielding passion for animal behavior, Alissa's mission is to forge enduring bonds between dogs and their owners through the art of obedience training. 

Rowan, a lifetime animal lover, and certified trainer helps dogs of all ages reach their full potential at Paw by Paw’s Doggie Day School.

 

Rowan is passionate about animal care and education and has earned certificates in pet first aid, CPR, and boarding. He loves rescue dogs, especially his American Staffordshire Terrier, Candy.

 

At Paw by Paw Dog Training, Rowan strives to create a stronger bond between our pet parents and their pups through agility classes, private lessons, and Doggie Day School.

Madison grew up in Rockville, MD, where she developed a deep love for dogs through pet sitting for friends and family. Her own furry companions include A'ella, a pit bull mix who adores car rides, and Moxy, a playful pit bull who loves splashing around in creeks. Since getting her first dog at 12, Madison has maintained a passion for canine companionship.

​

Madison is dedicated to helping owners of rescue dogs who exhibit behavioral challenges due to their past experiences, aiming to bridge the gap of understanding. She was drawn to Paw by Paw for its warm and welcoming environment, where everyone, including owners, dogs, and trainers, are encouraged to learn and grow.

Growing up in Queens, New York, Radiance was always surrounded by animals: cats, a dog, a bunny, fish, and birds, creating what felt like a small zoo at home. This early connection to animals sparked a deep interest in canine behavior, which led her to pursue a Bachelor of Technology in Animal Science from SUNY Cobleskill.

​

Radiance now shares her life with Shiloh, a 12-year-old Yorkshire Terrier who loves beach adventures. Her passion for dog training comes from a desire to understand the “why” behind behavior and to help families build better communication with their dogs. She’s especially driven to support owners in overcoming training hurdles they never thought possible.

​

Radiance was drawn to Paw by Paw for its wide range of opportunities—from therapy and emotional support training to nosework—and loves being part of a team that empowers both dogs and their people to thrive.

Meet Taylor, Paw by Paw's talented groomer with a genuine love for animals and over a decade of experience providing top-quality grooming services. Taylor’s journey began with her dog, Smokey, a beloved schnauzer, who inspired her to master grooming techniques that she now brings to all her furry clients.

​

Taylor’s grooming expertise includes everything from bathing and trimming to personalized styling and breed-specific cuts. Whether you're looking for a classic look or something new, Taylor has the skills to make every pet look their best! Her clients rave about her attention to detail, empathy, and outstanding customer service. Taylor loves building relationships with pets and their families, helping them keep up with regular grooming routines and at-home care tips to ensure every pet stays happy and healthy.

​

Her passion shines through in every groom, as Taylor’s top goal is to ensure every pet goes home feeling pampered, loved, and understood!

Melanie is a dedicated and passionate member of the Paw by Paw team, working as a Trainee Reservation Specialist. Born and raised in Rockville, Maryland, Melanie has always been surrounded by dogs, fostering a lifelong love for our four-legged friends.

​

Currently a student at the University of Maryland, Melanie is fortunate to combine her academic pursuits with her love for dogs. She finds joy in working at Paw by Paw, where the family-like atmosphere and genuine care for both clients and staff create a truly special environment.

​

At home, Melanie shares her life with Max, her 6-year-old German Shepherd. Max has a unique fondness for being brushed by the vacuum, adding a touch of humor to their daily routine. 

​

Melanie is thrilled to be part of the Paw by Paw team and looks forward to contributing to the exceptional service and care that defines the organization.