Meet the Team!
Family Dog Walkers (FDW) is staffed by a wonderful team of hard-working humans who share a passion for animals and the outdoors. The quality care of our canine clients is top priority, along with communicating and collaborating with one another in a healthy, happy and sustainable manner.
Thanks very much for showing interest in our team, I’m Winter Williams, a lifelong dog lover and proud Oaklander (since 1992) who is ethical, sporty, goofy and authentically supportive of my clients and crew (canine and human alike). My ex-husband and I co-founded FDW in 2012 so that we could be more present for our teenagers and quickly discovered we had a knack for helping dogs be healthy and happy. Since becoming the sole owner-operator in 2016 I’ve adapted FDW’s structure and services a few times, evolving with circumstances of the times and always with sustainability in mind. COVID presented the most recent opportunity, which I never could have navigated without the support of my special crew of helpers (including my loving dogs Ella and Buddy).
In my spare time I produce quality vibe live music events through my other business Winter Williams Presents and am an active Board Member for the Montclair Village Association. My hobbies include bike riding, traveling, camping, backpacking, listening to and learning music, curating playlists, dancing, gardening and spreading joy whenever/wherever/however I can. A few other noteworthy things about me are that I’m a graduate of dog*biz Dog Walking Academy (2016), Leadership Oakland (2002) and UC Berkeley’s Department of Ethnic Studies (1995).
Pack Leader / Owner
We help Winter weekly to ensure dogs are having the best time they can in our care. This includes on-leash walking, reinforcing positive behaviors (including socialization) and supporting the redirection of less desirable behaviors. We also help with cleaning-feeding-transporting dogs, maintaining the facility, landscaping, social media, billing, shopping and an assortment of other tasks that help keep things running as successfully as possible..
Crew
Mia (Pack Captain & Operations Manager)
Hi! I’m Mia! I worked as a pet professional for 6 years before joining Family Dog Walkers in 2020 to help care for dogs and maintain our outdoor facilities. I have an immense passion for all animals and the outdoors. Pets can be our family, best friends, support system, and motivation. Being able to enrich their lives through giving them time outdoors and showing them the love they deserve is extremely rewarding. I am a graduate of dog*biz Dog Walking Academy (2018) and have experience working with dogs who have faced trauma and were coping with aggression. In my free time I make and sell my art and jewelry and spend time with my roommates and our pittie Spaghetti.
Chloe (Pack Captain & Groundskeeper)
Hello! My name is Chloe. I'm from Oakland, and have been working professionally with animals for about 6 years, specializing in small animals and reptiles, and have been living with dogs most of my life. Spending time with dogs is endlessly joyful and entertaining, and I enjoy enriching our lives together with outside adventures and play.
I'm fascinated by animal behavior and strive to learn more about the complexities of their world.
When I'm not working, I enjoy gardening, live music and exploring trails with my 2 dogs Arlo and Riley.
Kenedi (Pack Captain)
Howdy! My name is Kenedi and I joined the Family Dog Walkers team at the end of 2021 as a floater to fill in when people needed time off and help out on busy days. Since then I’ve worked on and off and had a few different jobs outside of FDW, but I always seem to come back since I fell in love with these dogs from the beginning! I feel very lucky that I get to see all their different personalities and build friendships with them. Any time I don’t work for a while, I always return overjoyed at how the dogs still remember their old buddy, and it’s like no time passed at all:) I get to learn a lot about the best ways to engage and enrich pups from my coworkers and Winter who are the best teachers I could ask for and are always sharing their knowledge with me.
Outside of helping out at FDW, I enjoy recording/playing live music with my roommate, playing tug-of-war with my household dog/best friend Spaghetti (and her infamous “Mingo”), and taking care of my two pet turtles Sherm and Turtle Jessica Parker.
Jessica (Pack Captain)
Hi my name is Jessica! Me and my husband have been living in the Bay Area for 2 years now, but I’m originally from Utah. You could probably guess, but I LOVE dogs!! I have been working with dogs for years and am experienced with dogs from all different backgrounds and temperaments, including reactive and strays. I have a bachelors in Anthropology and am working towards being a dog trainer.
I love the outdoors, my family, and am an avid weightlifter. I’m a nerd about anime so you know who to talk to if you need a good nerd out! I’m so happy to be with FDW and all your loved doggos!
Our Culture!
At Family Dog Walkers (FDW) we’re committed to cultivating an environment that respects everyone involved: our two and four legged clients, as well as our team members. We are dedicated to making sure all beings are acknowledged, respected, and cared for.
A good day at FDW is when we feel safe to be our most authentic and healthiest selves. We don’t always hit the bullseye, but we try. We’ve learned over time, the more authentic we are, the more we can bring to the table and can look out for each other.
