Meet the KIWIdogz Team
The people who make every day special for your pup
Cindy Batten
Owner
Cindy grew up on a working dairy farm in Glen Mills (the countryside of Delco ;) ). She had the kind of upbringing where animals aren't a phase, they're your entire day. She was the little farm girl out there mucking stalls, hauling buckets, and handling whatever needed handling, then spending her free time outside playing in the pond, catching frogs, and bringing home the occasional wild animal that needed help or just couldn't be left alone. Later, her family raised horses, and Cindy was hands-on with all of it: horses, dogs, barn kittens, and everything in between. That's not a hobby background. It's a lifetime of real-world animal experience and instincts you can't learn in a course.
Before stepping fully into animal care as her career, Cindy spent years in emergency medicine as an EMT and working in the ER. That work builds a specific kind of calm. You stay steady when things are chaotic, you read situations quickly, and you make smart decisions under pressure. But even during those years, she never stopped being the person people relied on with their animals. She was boarding dogs for friends, helping with behavior and health issues, and caring for the dogs who needed someone with extra patience and understanding.
What sets Cindy apart is the kind of instinct that comes from a lifetime of hands-on experience. She reads body language early, knows when a dog needs space versus structure, and makes the right call before stress turns into a bigger problem. Over time, she's become the "call Cindy first" person—a trusted resource when a dog is sick, anxious, unsettled, or just needs someone who really gets them. Her medical background shows up in health and emergency situations too, giving owners a steady advocate in the moments that matter most.
At KIWIdogz, Cindy creates an environment built on clear routines, calm energy, and genuine care. Dogs settle in, feel safe, and actually relax. And for you, it means honest communication, practical guidance, and real peace of mind knowing your dog is with someone who's been doing this their whole life!
Patrick Hurley
Lead Trainer & Operations Manager
Expertise: Training, Daily Operations, Behavior Support
Patrick leads training and helps oversee daily operations to keep the facility running smoothly. He's known for calm leadership, consistency, and a practical training approach that helps dogs build confidence and better manners. Patrick works closely with the team to maintain structure throughout the day and make sure each dog is set up for success.
Sam Kelleher
Manager
Expertise: Playgroup Management, Team Leadership, Customer Support
Sam helps manage daily flow, staffing, and the pace of the playgroups so dogs stay safe and engaged. She's detail-oriented, steady under pressure, and great at communicating with both the team and pet parents. Sam's focus is making sure every day runs clean, organized, and on schedule.
Paul Hogan
Manager
Expertise: Dog Handling, Group Supervision, Safety & Fit
Paul supports the floor team and helps keep playgroups running safely and smoothly throughout the day. He's attentive, reliable, and especially strong at spotting when a dog needs a break or a different group match. Paul helps maintain a calm, structured environment that keeps dogs happy and staff supported.
Janene Caponigro
Groomer & Manager
Expertise: Grooming, Handling & Comfort, Scheduling & Operations
Janene is the steady hand behind both great grooms and smooth days. With a decade of experience at KIWI, she knows every corner of the facility and nearly every pup and parent who walks through the door.
She's known for gentle handling, clean, consistent results, and a calming presence that helps nervous or first-time grooming clients settle in. Behind the scenes, Janene keeps the schedule running on time and ensures a seamless flow between daycare, boarding, and grooming—so every visit feels easy, organized, and well cared for.
Why Our Team Makes the Difference
At KIWIdogz, we believe that the people caring for your dog matter just as much as the facility itself. That's why we've built a team that genuinely loves what they do—people who understand dog behavior, recognize when a pup needs a break, and know how to keep play safe and engaging all day long.
Our team brings years of hands-on experience working with dogs of all sizes, temperaments, and energy levels. They're trained to manage group dynamics, prevent issues before they happen, and create an environment where every dog feels comfortable and cared for. And because they work here every day, they get to know your dog's personality, quirks, and preferences—making each visit feel personal and familiar.
When you trust us with your dog, you're trusting a team that treats your pup like family. We're here to answer your questions, give you peace of mind, and make sure your dog has the kind of day that leaves them happy, tired, and ready to come back.