GABRIELLA LEITE Founder of Zen Animals and Creator of Vira Lata Pet Remedies
Hi, my name is Gabriella. I created Zen Animals with the hopes of being a progressive and innovative member of the pet industry. I love animals because they live in the moment and they “keep it real.” I think we all can learn from and appreciate their wisdom, and I wanted to create an environment where that philosophy was celebrated.
Although I studied Anthropology at NYU, I have always been an entrepreneur. When I was 20 years old, I created a line of all natural skincare and herbal health remedies. That background, in addition to my passion for wellness and health, gave me the desire to incorporate these types of products and lifestyle into the pet industry.
Zen Animals is the first Holistic Pet Spa in Brooklyn. We make our own bathing products and spa treatments in-house using my all natural recipes and I have a retail line of the same products. From the food we carry, to the products we use, we have your pet’s health and wellness in mind. I love being creative in my business and inventing spa services and products that my clients will love and which will truly benefit our pets.
I strive to provide amazing customer service by having warm and caring relationships with my clients. I also love my team, and am passionate about running my business with love and friendship, while creating an amazing environment for my staff, clients and pets who visit us. Most days you can find me with my young daughter Talia.
JOVAN NYACK, Bathing, Animal Handling + Spa Specialist
Hi, my name is Jovan and I am a professional bather at Zen Animals. I have been working here for 2 years now, and take my work very seriously. I also love to have fun with all my little doggies, even the big ones 😁. As a bather, I am specialized in bathing, fluffing, shave downs, paw and sanitary shaves, nail clipping, plucking of the ears and also expressing the anal glands of a dog 🐕. I love to make my customers have a smile on their faces after their dog has have a clean bath and their fur smells so good, that they can snuggle all night with their pets. It makes me happy to see others happy and this is why I love the job that I do at Zen Animals.
Michael mcIntosh Bather + Daycare + Boarding handler + HOLISTIC SPA SPECIALIST
Hi I’m Michael and I started volunteering at Zen Animals 1 year ago. Overtime , my interest for dog grooming grew and now I’m a Zen bather/daycare handler. I’m here to deliver fast and trusty service to you. Hope to see you soon !
EBBER DOS SANTOS, Senior Groomer, Grooming Instructor + Competition Level Groomer
With over 20 years in the Industry, Ebber is a true Pro at his craft. He is pasionate about expositions and showing dogs and has competed professionally. He has also owned grooming salons in Brazil, and is also a grooming instructor.
MONICA DEANDRADE Manager + senior receptionist
Monica is known for her warm smile and loving affection for our dogs. All our clients know and love Monica. She is always willing to listen to special instructions and needs. She is super attentive, reliable and trustworthy. She has been a part of the Zen Animal family since 2018.
KIRUBELL YOHANNES Head of training department / FOUNDER, HEAD TRAINER & BEHAVIORIST AT KIBA K9S
After wrapping up his B.A. in Economics FROM THE KING’S COLLEGE in 2021, KiRUBELL partnered with GABRIELLA and opened up the KIBA K9s Training Lab at Zen ANIMALS. This partnership brought WORLD-CLASS TRAINING, BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION, AND REHABILITATION SERVICES to CLIENTS WITH PET, SPORT, AND WORKING DOGS throughout nyc.
KiRUBELL has been directly mentored and certified by 2x NVBK World Champion Bart Bellon & NePoPo® co-founder Michael Bellon. He is currently one of only 500 NePoPo® Gold Graduates worldwide (and one of just 200 in the United States). KiRUBELL has directly trained with and learned from some of the greatest pioneers in the dog training industry, including but not limited to: renowned avant-garde Dr. Helmut Raiser, 2x IGP world champion Ivan Balabanov, 2015 WUSV world champion Debbie Zappia, and more.
HE IS ADDITIONALLY ONE OF ONLY TWO NY-based certified INSTRUCTORS for the Animal Behavior College in Santa Clarita, California. His responsibilities include the preparation and training of graduating seniors for the applied training requirements of their Canine Obedience Dog Training (CODT) certification. This accredited program is recognized by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), and the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (NADOI).
Ashley Mui, BATHING + animal handler + HOLISTIC SPA SPECIALIST
Heyyy my name is Ashley, I’ve been working with Zen Animals for about a year now , I specialize in bath which includes doing the nails, cleaning of the ears, sani shave a paw shave, and the bath ofc lol. I’ve learned so much since working here in such a short time not only from my peers but also from all my furry friends. I just hope to continue learning as a grow with the Zen team.
Amber duran-morSe, reception + ANimal handler
Hi my name is Amber. I work reception here at Zen Animals. When coming in I’m happy to greet all clients and have an open ear to any special instructions. I enjoy the company of animals as well as making sure they are well taken care of! I plan on being a vet in my near future and working with all the fur babies has taught me a lot. So make sure you come on in for your babies to experience an amazing spa day here at Zen animals with lots of love and hugs!
AMORE ARZON RECEPTION + SOCIAL MEDIA + RETAIL
Heyy everyone my name is Amore. I ended up at Zen Animals through summer youth last year & been apart of the team ever since. I love animals so working with dogs + cats just feels like a perfect fit ! When your fur babies are here at Zen I will do my best to make sure they are comfortable & feel at home !
DAMON VANDABLE DAYCARE + MANTAINENCE + CUSTOMER SERVICE
DAMON IS PASSIONATE ABOUT ANIMAL HANDLING + BEHAVIOR. HE HAS ALWAYS HAD A CONNECTION AND ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE WITH ANIMALS AND ENJOYS USING THAT SKILL IN HIS WORK.
DERRICK SWABY DAYCARE + MANTAINENCE + CUSTOMER SERVICE
YOU CAN FIND DERRICK SMILING AND DANCING IN THE DAYCARE. HE LOVES HIS DAYCARE DOGS LIKE FAMILY AND IS VERY AFFECTIONATE. HE LOVES THROWING BALLS FOR HIS DOGS AND TAKING CUTE PHOTOS + VIDEOS.
Alexandra munoz, Reception + virtual receptionist
Hi , my name is Alexandra . Alexa for short :) Fun Fact I started in Zen Animals doing summer youth . I started In daycare and bathing and worked my way to reception. I started to have such a deep love for dogs and loved taking care of them . I love reaching out to clients so they can have the best experience at Zen .