Every great camp runs on heart, and at Stay Golden Dog Camp & Retreat, ours comes from the incredible humans who care for your pups like they’re part of their own pack. From morning roll call to evening tuck-ins, our Camp Counselors are here to keep tails wagging, paws playing, and bellies full of treats.
Think of us as your dog’s adventure guides — leading games in the Barkyard, serving up bedtime snacks by the “campfire,” and making sure every camper feels safe, loved, and right at home. Each member of our team brings their own unique skills, big hearts, and plenty of belly rubs to the job.
🐕 Come meet the friendly faces who make every stay at camp unforgettable!
🌲 Meet Your Camp Counselors🌲
Happy Tails. Happy Trails. Happy Campers.
🏕Camp Director
Jessica Golden
Dog mom to Chewbacca, Sadie, and Oke, Jessica is the campfire heart behind Stay Golden. What began as her own trail of love for dogs soon blazed into a passion-fueled adventure—building a safe, cozy, and adventure-filled campsite for pups of every breed and personality. Since pitching the first tent for Stay Golden, Jessica has worked tirelessly to create a place where dogs can
roam, rest, and recharge, and where their humans can feel confident they’re in the best hands.
As the camp director, Jessica guides every part of the Stay Golden experience—from making sure each four-legged camper gets first-class care, to leading the incredible “counselor” team that helps bring her vision to life. Whether it’s daycare, boarding, or enrichment activities, Jessica’s mission is to make Stay Golden a camp where tails wag and spirits soar.
When she’s not tending to her pack, you’ll find Jessica curled up with a good book in her hammock or wading along the riverbank with her pups. Her dedication, love for animals, and hands-on approach make Stay Golden more than just a kennel—it’s a happy campground where every dog is family.
🌲Camp Supervisor
Shira Jesse
A proud dog mom to Dipper, Gaia, and Fenyx, Shira has been part of the Stay Golden campsite since June 2022. As our Camp Operations & Communications Manager, she’s the one making sure camp life runs smoothly both on the grounds and online.
On the operations side, Shira oversees the daily flow of camp—from coordinating the counselor team and managing schedules, to ensuring every four-legged camper is safe, comfortable, and getting the best care possible. She’s the behind-the-scenes guide making sure the trails are clear, the cabins are cozy, and every pup’s needs are met.
On the communications side, Shira runs our “camp bulletin,” sharing snapshots of the fun, love, and adventure that happen here every day. She keeps our Stay Golden family connected by posting adorable pup portraits, highlighting special campfire events, and making sure important updates reach every camper’s human.
Her organization, creativity, and love for animals make her an essential part of our camp crew.
⛺ Pack Leader
Kelly Woods
Proud pup parent to Marley, Kelly has been part of the Stay Golden campfire circle for years, often lending a hand behind the scenes during our big holiday camp events before officially joining the team as a Camp Counselor in May 2024. By January 2025, she had earned her ranger badge and
stepped into her role as Kennel Coordinator—now overseeing the comfort, safety, and tail-wagging happiness of our daycare and overnight campers. From fluffing up sleeping bags to making sure every pup’s “camp itinerary” is just right, Kelly ensures our four-legged adventurers feel at home on the trail. She also helps guide the reservation process and assists campers’ humans, making sure every stay—from drop-off to pick-up—runs as smooth as a calm river.
Her care, attention, and can-do spirit make her a trusted guide on every dog’s camping adventure.
🔥Camp Counselor
Vanessa Lankford
Vanessa joined the Stay Golden family in November 2025 and has quickly become an invaluable part of our team. As a
Camp Counselor, she helps ensure every boarding camper receives the love, attention, and personalized care they deserve while away from home.
Vanessa plays a key role in keeping our
evenings and weekends running smoothly,
making sure each dog's needs are met and every camper feels safe, comfortable, and cared for. Her reliability, strong work ethic, and genuine passion for animals make her someone both our team and our clients can count on.
Whether she's providing extra cuddles, supervising playtime, or helping maintain the flow of daily operations, Vanessa's dedication to our campers shines through in everything she does. We are proud to have her as part of the Stay Golden family.
🔥Camp Counselor
Devin Smith
Devin has been a valued member of the Stay Golden family since May 2025. As a Camp Counselor, he helps ensure every boarding camper receives exceptional care, attention, and comfort throughout their stay.
Working alongside the rest of our camp team, Devin plays an important role in keeping evenings
and weekends running smoothly while making sure each camper's individual needs are met. His dependable nature, positive attitude, and commitment to providing excellent care help create a safe and enjoyable experience for every dog that stays with us.
Whether he's supervising campers, helping with daily routines, or lending a hand wherever it's needed, Devin consistently goes above and beyond for both our dogs and our team. His dedication and hard work make him an invaluable part of the Stay Golden family.