Meet the Team

KIARA

Kiara has loved dogs for as long as she can remember. Growing up with Newfoundlands, there was no escaping the hair, drool, and sheer joy that comes with them—and she wouldn’t have had it any other way. When she turned 18, the first decision she made as an adult was to get her own puppy, and that’s when her love for dogs went from being a hobby to a full on passion and lifestyle. She fell in love with training, enrichment, nutrition, and building strong bonds with dogs based on fun, play and communication.

At 19, Kiara started working at Mind My Lead, learning how to manage groups of dogs, balance their personalities, and take care of all the behind the scenes work that keeps a daycare running smoothly. After completing the National Dog Trainers Federation Dog Training & Behaviour course in 2021, she left Mind My Lead to focus on walking and training more challenging dogs, honing her skills even further.

In 2025, when the opportunity came to take over Mind My Lead, Kiara couldn’t say no. She’s passionate about helping dogs and their owners understand each other, providing enriching outlets, and making sure every dog lives their best, happiest, most fulfilling life.

COOPER

Cooper is our resident jack of all trades, always ready to jump in wherever he's needed. Having grown up surrounded by dogs of all shapes and sizes, he’s developed a natural understanding of canine behaviour and a calm, confident way with every dog he meets. You’ll often spot him cruising around town in the daycare van for pick ups and drop offs, or lending a hand around the facility wherever he’s needed most. The dogs adore his easygoing energy and goofy sense of fun.

And, of course, we can’t talk about Cooper without mentioning his sidekick, Rigatoni the Borzoi. At just six months old, Rigatoni is already known for his long legs, dramatic flair, and love of zoomies. He’s keeping Cooper on his toes and teaching him plenty about the joys (and chaos!) of raising a puppy.

NICKI

Mind My Lead was founded by Nicki, a lifelong dog lover and qualified trainer who turned her passion into a purpose. After volunteering in Indonesia to improve animal welfare and leaving the corporate world to work with dogs full-time, she created Mind My Lead — a safe, enriching space for dogs to play, rest, and grow with confidence.

In 2025, Nicki decided to pass the reins to Kiara, trusting her to continue Mind My Lead’s mission with the same care, heart, and dedication that started it all.