Originating from Titusville, only after getting a short taste of life in Virginia, Melissa ended up in Sarasota purely on a whim. She had visited her friend in the area several times before realizing it was just the change she needed and welcomed her new life and opportunities with open arms. According to her, she’s always been passionate about mountain life but claims to have stayed a Florida girl.

Melissa knew during her first tour of Bayside that this would be the place she calls her forever home. Boasting an incredible twenty years of experience in the animal industry, she brought a plethora of wealth in knowledge to our team. She worked specifically with Greyhounds in racing, training, and boarding. Before moving to Sarasota she was even a proud contributor to the team of Greyhound Pets of America – Central Florida Branch. Working with animals, especially dogs, has always been her passion and she wouldn’t have it any other way. We are grateful she found us and to have spent the last eight wonderful years with her.

She now resides happily on the Suncoast with her 3 dogs; Jake, a lab mix whom she found abandoned at Bayside in 2015, Buttercup, a sassy little retriever mix rescued from the Humane Society of Sarasota, & Finn, a mix from the Humane Society of Sarasota that she refers to as a likeness of Master Splinter from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Melissa loves to laugh, if you see her, stop to say hi or share a funny story!

Originally from Nashua, New Hampshire, Evan moved to Florida with his family when he was 8 years old. Growing up, Evan lived in a home with 3 German Shepherds which sparked his love and passion for dogs! At the age of 17, he started working with Bayside Pet Resort as a Pet Pal and 8 years later has become our Facilities Director. After spending so many years with the dogs at Bayside, it was only right for him to have his own. Evan rescued a German Shepherd Black Lab mix, Atlas, when she was abandoned at 3 months old. Atlas is now a daycare regular and enjoys nothing more than spending her days with her friends and dad at Bayside Pet Resort!

Introducing Alyssa, our Marketing and Events Director! In 2019, Alyssa made the move from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to Florida in pursuit of fresh opportunities aligned with her degree. Alyssa proudly holds a Business Management degree from Wilmington University.

Growing up on farms, Alyssa was surrounded by animals and developed a deep passion for caring for them. With years of experience as a competitive horseback rider and a member of 4H, Alyssa has a wealth of knowledge about animal care and welfare.

Although animals have always been a part of Alyssa's life, her dedication to helping dogs began with her heart dog, Ivy Lee. Despite Ivy Lee’s passing in 2023, Alyssa continues her canine advocacy work in her memory. Currently, Alyssa’s heart is devoted to her two dogs, Doc and Kye. Doc, the Dachshund, and Kye, the Australian Cattle Dog, are often found by Alyssa’s side, either playing in her office or enjoying daycare with their furry friends.

As a dedicated animal lover, Alyssa brings her passion and expertise to her work at Bayside Pet Resort. Whether she is working directly with the pets in our care or working in her office, Alyssa is committed to providing the highest level of care and attention to each and every animal.