Woof Pack was born from a belief in better dog care. Rooted in Boone, NC, we provide enrichment-first services that prioritize the emotional and physical well-being of every pup. We proudly champion rescue values and work to build lifelong bonds between dogs and their people.
Melissa Helms (fondly known as Mel) is Woof Pack’s fierce and compassionate pack leader. A Winston‑Salem native turned Appalachian State alumna, Mel found her forever home in Boone—and forge‑fired her life’s work caring for the dogs who brighten ours. With nineteen (yes, 19!) dogs and a cat of her own, she’s fluent in every wag, woof, and sigh—and knows firsthand that pack dynamics aren’t just buzzwords, they’re family culture.
Mel’s approach is built on empathy, education, and earned trust. She’s on a mission to empower both dogs and people—which means ditching dominance tactics in favor of compassion‑charged structure, enrichment, and communication-first methods. Beyond the classroom, Mel walks the talk: Woof Pack remains staunchly rescue-forward, partnering with local shelters and investing her expertise into gift‑class fundraisers and specialized training (like sign-language classes for the deaf pup community) .
Whether she’s guiding pups through their first sit or coaching confident service-dog teams, Mel’s voice is equal parts playful sass and heartfelt smarts—with each tail she nurtures one wag at a time.
Kelly Watkins brings warmth, intuition, and a dash of bunny-parent wisdom to her role as Woof Pack’s Boarding & Daycare Manager. Originally from the Triangle area, Kelly made Boone her home in 2021 and graduated from Appalachian State University in December 2024 with a degree in Psychology and a concentration in Human Services.
Though she doesn’t currently have a pup of her own, Kelly co-parents two beloved bunnies—and channels her lifelong love of animals into every tail wag she supports. With over a year of paws-on experience at Woof Pack, she now helps lead daily operations with compassion, structure, and a deep respect for each dog’s individual rhythm.
Whether she’s organizing playgroups, ensuring safe snoozes in boarding dens, or sneaking in well-earned belly rubs, Kelly is a steady and joyful presence who helps every dog feel seen, safe, and celebrated.
Morgan Riddle is a lifelong animal advocate with a heart for rescue and a sharp eye for pup care. Originally from Atlanta, GA, she’s now a student at Appalachian State University pursuing a degree in Marketing—while spending her days elbows-deep in tail wags and joyful chaos at Woof Pack.
Morgan began working with shelter dogs at just 14 years old and hasn’t looked back since. She continues to volunteer with local rescues whenever she’s home in Atlanta and dreams of fostering a pup of her own here in Boone soon. Until then, her three dogs back home happily hold the title of road trip regulars when it’s time to visit the mountains.
With a deep well of experience, a soft spot for second-chance pups, and a no-nonsense work ethic, Morgan is a trusted part of the pack ensuring every dog feels safe, loved, and seen.
Anna Hiller brings heart, humor, and a lifelong love of animals to her role as a Pet Attendant at Woof Pack. Originally from Charlotte, she’s called Boone home for the past two years while pursuing a degree in Sociology at Appalachian State University.
Nicknamed the “dog whisperer” by her family as a kid, Anna grew up side-by-side with a protective Great Dane and a lovable Beagle who taught her everything about canine connection. Though she’s currently a proud cat mom, her dog-first instincts are second nature—and she brings that same attuned energy to every pup she meets.
Whether she’s supervising playgroups, soothing nervous newbies, or celebrating every zoomie, Anna is a steady, playful presence who helps each dog feel right at home in the pack.
Sophia is currently a senior at Appalachian State University, where she is pursuing a degree in Biology with a concentration in Evolution, Ecology, and Environmental Science, along with a minor in English. Originally from Charlotte, she moved to Boone in 2022 to continue her education and quickly found her place in the local animal-loving community.
Her passion for working with animals began over seven years ago while volunteering at a zoo camp, and she has been drawn to animal care ever since—including raising a pet bunny of her own. Sophia has experience working at multiple dog daycare facilities, where she discovered her love for caring for pups and supporting them while their families are away.
With a thoughtful, compassionate approach and a deep appreciation for each dog’s unique personality, Sophia is excited to be part of the Woof Pack team and looks forward to building connections with both dogs and their humans.
Ainsley has called Boone home for nearly two years and is proud to be part of the mountain community. After moving frequently growing up, she found a true sense of home here in the High Country—and with it, a space to pursue her lifelong love of dogs.
Her passion for pups started early, and while she doesn’t currently have a dog of her own, adopting one is high on her list for the future. In the meantime, she’s fully embracing her childhood dream of working with dogs every day.
Ainsley brings warmth, enthusiasm, and a genuine love for every dog she meets, treating each one like her own and making sure they feel safe, seen, and celebrated as part of the pack.
Libby moved to Boone in September 2025, drawn by the mountains and her love of hiking—and quickly found a place that feels like home. With a lifelong passion for animals, she has spent much of her life working with and caring for them in various settings.
Her connection to animals runs deep, and she brings a calm, appreciative energy to every pup she works with. Libby is grateful to be part of the Woof Pack team, where she gets to continue doing what she loves while supporting dogs in a safe, enriching environment.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Kaydence Moutafis brings empathy, structure, and serious doodle devotion to her role at Woof Pack. Originally from New Jersey, she moved to Charlotte six years ago before settling in Boone in 2022. She’s currently pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice at Appalachian State University, with minors in Social Work and Sociology—fields that reflect her heart for both people and pups.
With her Goldendoodle sidekick Maverick by her side (a nearly two-year-old bundle of energy and fluff), Kaydence understands the deep bonds we share with our dogs. Her connection to animals runs deep, and she thrives in the rhythm of the pack—tuning into every tail wag and quirky personality.
Whether she’s guiding group play or giving one-on-one attention, Kaydence creates a calm, caring environment where every pup can shine.
Laura Joslin is Woof Pack’s resident enrichment guru—a science-minded dog devotee with nearly seven years of experience in animal care. A recent graduate of Appalachian State University, Laura holds a degree in Biology with a concentration in Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Science, plus a minor in Statistics (aka: she’s got data and dog smarts).
She shares her life with a four-year-old Akita/Shepherd mix who rules the roost and joins her on mountain hikes and lake dips whenever possible. Laura brings both academic insight and real-life pup parenting to her role, designing enrichment that keeps tails wagging and minds working.
From sensory play to confidence-building games, Laura helps make every dog’s day at Woof Pack mentally stimulating, physically active, and emotionally rewarding.