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. Before joining Family Dog Walkers in 2020, I spent six years working with animals, from pet care to caring for horses and sheep. I have an immense passion for all living beings and the outdoors. Pets are more than companions—they’re our family, best friends, emotional support, and motivation. Having the opportunity to enrich their lives through time outdoors, building trust in new situations, and showing them the love they deserve is both incredibly rewarding and a true privilege.
I am a graduate of the dog*biz Dog Walking Academy (2018), attended classes with the Dog Training Internship Academy (2024), and have experience working with dogs coping with fear and aggression.
In my free time, I make and sell art and jewelry. I love going on adventures my pups Spaghetti and Carl, and spending time snuggled up with my cats, Oscar and Tobiko.
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)
Hi! My name is Kenedi and I’ve been a part of the Family Dog Walkers team since I moved to Oakland in 2021. I’ve always had a great love for animals and the outdoors, but getting to be immersed in the lives of specifically dogs has been hugely rewarding and has grown into a strong passion of mine since then. I think there is something very special about the bond that can form between dogs and humans, and getting to explore that with so many unique dogs as well as observe their dynamics with each other continues to bring me a strong sense of connection and joy:)
Outside of FDW I enjoy playing guitar, making art, and exploring nature
I also offer the following private services: Weekend hikes (on or off leash)
In-home pet sitting
Handy-person services such as painting, general maintenance/repair, or other projects (feel free to inquire, I am open to all sorts of things!)
(916) 849-6599 Smithkenebi33@gmail.com
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!
I also offer the following private services:
walking (Berkeley/Albany),
day hikes,
social media management
in client home pet/house sitting
e-mail jessicajanicehall@gmail.com for more info
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.
