JAN VAUGHAN
Owner
Hometown- Nashville, TN
I’m proud to be a 4th generation Nashvillian. We are a rare breed. I have been an animal lover as long as I can remember. Only a few years in my life, did I not have a pet. I feel so blessed that I get to do something I love. I started Happy Pets in 2008, as a very part time job. It took several years, but in 2015 it became a reality, as God pushed me out in faith to do this full time. I am very fortunate to be able to work with a great team of sitters. I feel we’ve been a mutual blessing to one another. My most treasured things are being called “Mom” by son Chris, and “Nana” by grandson Beckham. I’m also a cat mama to rescues, Ricky Ricardo & Hazel (a boy).
ATHENA KOUMANELIS
Hometown- Nashville, TN
Born and raised in Nashville, I have always called this beautiful city home. I left for four years to study music business at the University of Miami, but I always had plans to return to Music City. I graduated in May of 2020 and have been back in Nashville since. For as long as I can remember, cats have had my heart. When I was little, I got my lovely kitty, Butterscotch, who is now 14 years old and thriving! My admiration for pets has only grown over the years, and I love meeting animals of all kinds. I joined Happy Pets in 2021 I’m and super excited to be a part of this amazing team!
BARBARA LANGDON
Hometown - Jacksonville, IL
I earned a degree in Business Economics from a small Christian liberal arts college in Jacksonville, IL and worked in the corporate world until I started my own Design Business which I successfully ran until 2000. I have also worked as project manager and sold real estate over the more recent years in Colorado, Montana,
Mexico, and Illinois.
I moved to Nashville from Chicago in 2008 and have been semi-retired since. I learned about Happy Pets and thought I would enjoy doing this job as a part-time job. After being hired and working with Jan, the owner, I find this job very rewarding by helping pet owners feel comfortable and confident their precious pets are well cared for, while they are away.
I am pictured with my 11 year old rescue, Sebastian. I know how important
these precious animals are to us and enjoy being there for our clients pets.
BRANDON LORCH
Hometown - Houston, TX
I was raised in Texas and can't remember a time that I didn't have a pet. I was lucky to grow up around all kinds of animals at my grandparents' cattle ranch. I have a fondness for all animals and enjoy making special connections with each of them. I moved to TN with my wife in 2013 and we love it here; it's beautiful and so many places to walk around. When I'm not taking care of pets I'm busy doing home improvement sales, cooking, hiking, and weekly I do equestrian therapy for those with special needs. Giving back to the community with animals is a double win for me.
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CAROLINE VINCENT
Hometown - Manchester, GA
I grew up in rural Georgia, but Nashville has been my home for over 20 years. I’m a mom to two smart and funny human kids and live with my husband and family in South Nashville.
When I’m not pet sitting or walking dogs, I write and manage grants and projects for nonprofits, businesses and creatives all over the U.S.
I’ve loved animals since I was a kid. I can’t think of a time when I’ve been without a pet or two. I currently have a black lab rescue, Rosie, a shepherd mix rescue, Lucy, and a cat named Wolfie, who is very dog-like. I also have a few aquatic creatures. I love taking care of animals and especially love a good dog walk or hike.
I look forward to meeting you and your furry family!
COURTNEY BASAK
Hometown - Franklin, TN
I was born and raised in Franklin, but I call Nashville my home.
I grew up in a pet-friendly household, loving on and caring for dogs, cats, fish, a rabbit, and even a hermit crab; so to say I’m an animal enthusiast is an understatement. I am a firm believer that time spent with an animal is time well spent.
I also have a great passion for fitness, therefore walking and interacting with dogs (especially the energetic ones) is very much right up my alley.
Working for Happy Pets is a blessing, since I don’t have a fur-baby of my own, I get to love and care for your pets. I’m very grateful to Jan for this opportunity and I’m looking forward to meeting you and your four-legged pals soon!
DEIDRE PHILLIPS
Hometown- New Boston, MI
I lived in Michigan for my first 21 years. When Doug and I married, we lived in PA and OH but always wanted to live in the south. We moved to Nashville in 2011 and haven’t looked back. I had pets growing up and by the time Doug and I were married a year we had our first puppy. We’ve had wonderful pets ever since. I lost my one-in-a-million dog in June and miss him terribly. I love pets of all kinds and enjoy working with local rescues. Being in the Happy Pets family is perfect for me to help pay for my kids college and Jan is a wonderful blessing!
DONNA WINSTON
Hometown - Milford, NE
I was born and raised in Nebraska, but have spent my entire adult life in Texas and Tennessee.
I am a 10 year veteran bridal stylist at David’s Bridal in Cool Springs. I am also a teaching assistant in Special Education in the Williamson County School System. I love to cook, sew and relish time with family and friends.
I have been married to my husband, Russell, for 29 years and we have two adult sons, one lives in Atlanta and the other in Tupelo.
Shortly after moving to Tennessee, we added a handsome tri-colored, Australian Shepherd named Kodi to our family. Kodi brought so much fun to our lives. Even when spinal weakness impacted the use of his rear legs, Kodi was still happiest out walking the neighborhood in his doggie wheelchair. Since Kodi's passing in 2018, I have wanted to be a "dog mom" again. Happy Pets gives me the opportunity to love on furry friends once again. I am excited to be part of this team!
JESSICA HILL
Hometown- Naperville, IL
I have lived in Nashville since 2001, and have my own fur-niece Birdie at home. I have made a full-time career out of my love for animals. I have been in the veterinary healthcare industry since 2007, working with veterinarians all over Middle Tennessee, the United States, Canada, and Australia. I enjoy every opportunity I have to see all of the Happy Pets on my walks and overnight visits. Every pet is unique and special, and bring me so much joy! I look forward to meeting you and your fur-babies in the future.
KATIE NEWMAN
Hometown - Hershey, PA
I have been living and working in Nashville since 2004, and have been happily working for Happy Pets since 2015. I spend the largest part of my day caring for my husband, Jay, my 2 elementary school age boys, Roger (Rabbit) & John (Rooster), our toddler son Lazarus & our pittweiler, Zbo. I also run my own small business, The Mothershp Wellness Co. where I provide a range of holistic wellness products. The work I do with Happy Pets is a huge bright spot in my day. I have been able to make some long lasting relationships with some of our furry friend clients!
LINWOOD REGENSBURG
Hometown - Richmond, VA
Lived in Nashville for more than a decade now. I’ve spent most of my adult life as a touring musician. Was a member of a band “Those Darlins”. I work as a session musician, and also instruct at the Southern Girls Rock Camp each summer. When I’m not working in music, I enjoy playing basketball & am a running aficionado. I am always grateful to lend a hand with the four-legged friends of Happy Pets where I started working in 2016. I recently became a new dad to “Francis”, a Siberian Husky.
LORI YORK
Hometown- Whittier, CA
My husband Carl and I have made Nolensville our new hometown. I was born and lived all over California interspersed by years spent in Indiana, Connecticut, Oklahoma and Melbourne, Australia. I am a retired aerospace engineer who has always managed to have a pet wherever I lived, even if I had to borrow one! I have been fortunate to work for Jan since the fall of 2016 and one of my great enjoyments is taking care of your pets like they were one of my own.
LUCIA IZZOLO
Hometown- Palm City, FL
Raised in Florida and moved to Nashville last year. I was taught to love and admire all animals, and our dogs were always treated like another member of the family. We have had five Golden Retrievers during my lifetime, and have two right now, Honey and Cosmo, who live with my parents.
In 2016, I went to college at the University of Miami and now I attend law school at Belmont University. I’m on track to have my J.D. in 2024.
Living in Nashville means I can only see my Goldens on holidays, so working for Happy Pets has filled a piece of my heart. It never feels like work to take care of your animals. In February, I adopted a kitten, Atticus, and that began my obsession with cats.
I greatly look forward to meeting you and your furry friends!
TAMMIE SCOTT
Hometown- Collinwood, TN
I spent my childhood around farms. My dad had a family farm and with that business, saved money to pay for a college education for his 3 children.
After graduating high school, I attended MTSU (Murfreesboro). After graduation there I began my career with Walgreens which lasted 30 years. I had a variety of management positions & worked in 5 different states.
I have recently retired from Walgreens and moved back to Spring Hill. I wanted to work with animals and the opportunity arose with Happy Pets. I started in 2022. It’s been a wonderful experience to meet & work with the clients & their pets.
VICKY PISTONE
Hometown- Crescent, IA
I spent my first 6 years on my grandparents farm growing up with all types of animals. My first pet was a piglet, much to my Grandfather’s dismay. I have traveled extensively and had the opportunity to go to school & live in Florence, Italy for 5 months. I moved to Kansas City where I met my husband and we moved to Nashville in 2012.
I retired from my work in a law office and now take care of my husband, Tim and our 3 pets. German Shepherd, Koda, and cats, Picasso & Grace Slick. I wanted to work with animals and the opportunity to work with Happy Pets came up. It has been a wonderful experience to meet and work with the clients and their pets.
