Our Staff

Chrissy: President & CEO (pictured with Elmer)


Over 30 years of animal-handling experience

Animals have always been a huge part of Chrissy’s life, whether they were her own or those she took care of in various other positions involving animals such as an internship at The Flushing Meadow Park Zoo working with bears and other wild animals.  Although Chrissy then started a career in the entertainment field working at NBC and Paramount Pictures in Manhattan, animal positions always appealed more to her than the cut-throat corporate world.  She soon found herself back with animals - this time at a commercial horse farm on Long Island. See Full Bio

Ricky: Vice President (pictured with Lucy)

Over 12 Years of Animal Handling Experience

Ricky is an extremely important part of Chrissy’s Castle of Critters and is key in handling all aspects of the business, including animal care, computer tech, finances, all-around fix-it guy, etc., etc.   Ricky does it all !!  He is Chrissy’s right-hand man, and has her back at all times.  Ricky was with us from the start, and has been a paramount figure in our Sodom Road relocation project as well.  We have no idea what we would do without him and all he does to keep Chrissy’s Castle running smoothly!

 

Valerie: Facility Operations Specialist
(pictured with Spike)

Over 9 years of Animal-Handling Experience

As Chrissy’s daughter, Valerie has been exposed to all walks of animals since the day she was born, and although she’s still just a teenager, Valerie is one of our toughest and most experienced animal handlers (don’t let her size fool you!).   Valerie is also extremely enthusiastic - always eager to help with whatever care our animals need, whether it’s feeding, exercising, babysitting, cuddling - you name it - Valerie is always up for the task!  Her energy is endless and we are so lucky to have Valerie and her wonderful love for animals with
us!

Leanne: Equine Specialist
(pictured with China Girl)

Over 12 years of Animal-Handling Experience

Leanne has been an employee of Chrissy’s Castle of Critters for many years, initially working as a horse groom in Chrissy’s personal barn.  She then graduated to being one of our top animal handlers for off-premises jobs as well as running the New York location during the Summer of 2007 when Chrissy was at the Indiana facility.  Leanne is a “Jack-of-all trades,” juggling all sorts of animal assignments including overnight house-sitting, off-premises assignments, and filling in at the Brewster location, caring for both canines and equines.  She is always on call, and a truly dedicated, hard worker.  We have no clue what we
would have done without her all these years!

Travis : Animal Handler
(pictured with Bella)

Although Travis is one of our newest handlers, don't be fooled - he learned all aspects of animal handling very quickly, initially starting in our barn with horses, then moved on to dogs and even chickens! He came to us with a vast amount of experience (having worked at Animal Kingdom with reptiles and fish as well), so we were very fortunate to gain his skills, knowledge, and hard work. Travis juggles many differant tasks and animals here at Chrissy's - one of the few we have on staff that can care for all animals, not just one specialty. Travis has 3 cats at home and is a true animal lover. He has been a great addition to our staff!

 

Elmer: Pit Bull - Chrissy's Personal Dog

Official Ambassador to doggie guests

5 Years of Animal Socialization Experience
(because he’s only 5 years old!)

Elmer is definitely a favorite amongst the canine guests that come to our facility.  He is always friendly and eager to help all of our animal friends feel comfortable in their home away from home.  He is the first dog all of our return guests look for when they initially arrive for their stay, because he is the one familiar canine face that is always here each time they come.  Elmer’s start in life was a very rough one - cruel teenagers poured hot glue on his front paws when he was only 4 weeks old.  He was violently shaken to purposely keep him from sleeping and was attacked and bitten by other dogs (again - this was at only 4 WEEKS OF AGE!).  They did other awful things to him as well, but thank goodness an angel was watching over him, stole him from the teenagers, and brought him to a rescue group.   When he arrived he was barely clinging to life, malnourished, exhausted, and his wounds badly infected.   Chrissy saw Elmer’s sad story on the internet and knew she had to have this puppy so she could give him the happy life he deserved.   The scars on his front paws still remain, but judging from the overwhelming love in Elmer’s heart, you would never guess what a horrible experience he had as a tiny puppy - he has forgiven and loves both humans and animals alike, despite what was done to him.  The entire staff at Chrissy’s as well as our animal guests just love this happy little guy with the sunny disposition.  Yes, Elmer is a Pit Bull, and yes, we at Chrissy’s have a soft spot for the Pit Bull breed - one of the most loyal, affectionate, and majestic breeds out there, yet sadly the most abused and misunderstood