Meet Our Team

Jill’s Next Door is dedicated to working with only the best, most caring, and qualified pet lovers around. We run each sitter through an extensive screening.

How do we onboard our sitters?

All of our professional pet sitters are required to submit to a thorough screening. We look for stellar references, a clean background check through our partner ACUTRAQ, pet care experience, a love for animals, strong moral compass, reliability, excellent communication, and more. All of our sitters are insured and bonded through our partner, Business Insurers of the Carolinas.

We only work with the best, vetted individuals and hold them to a very high standard! We offer sitter resources, pet care videos and slides, knowledge tests, lead sitter shadowing, etc. We make sure that all sitters are 100% prepared to take on solo assignments to provide you with the best pet care.

JILL MERJESKI, PROFESSIONAL PET SITTER, CEO

Hi, all! I am originally from Philadelphia and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Saint Joseph’s University and continued my education earning a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology from West Chester University. I worked in the higher education sector before turning my passion for animals into a full-time career and a successful pet sitting company.  I have been in pet care for about seven years, gaining so much knowledge and expertise in the industry. In addition to running the day to day operations of the business, I am very involved in the community and pet advocacy.

LEARN MORE ABOUT JILL HERE.

LORI WELSH, JND PROFESSIONAL PET SITTER

Hi! My name is Lori Welsh and I’ve been an animal lover and dog owner for as long as I can remember. My brothers and I were raised with dogs, birds, and gerbils. I promise to safely care for your pets, and treat them like my own. I was a professional pet sitter in Alexandria, Old Town, Virginia, and my fiancé and I have been in Boca Raton for two years. I recently retired from a corporate career in the beverage industry, so I can devote all my time to taking excellent care of your pets, and giving offer you peace of mind. I have competed in triathlons for 16 years and am an Ironman finisher so I can certainly run with your energetics dogs!

WATCH LORI’S INTRODUCTION VIDEO HERE.

DREA MAGALHAES, JND PROFESSIONAL PET SITTER

Hi! My name is Dré! When I travel, nothing is more important to me than the safety and wellbeing of my fur babies. My goal as your pet sitter is to make you feel that your pets are safe and cared for. I was born and raised in NJ with family that supported my love of nature and animals. We’ve had many pets: dogs, cats, hamsters, rabbits, turtles, hedgehogs, tree frogs, monitors and bearded dragons. I have 2 long haired mini-Dachshunds and a Bengal cat. I will treat your pets as if they are my very own!

WATCH DREA’S INTRODUCTION VIDEO HERE.

ROCHELLE CRUNK, JND PROFESSIONAL PET SITTER

My name is Rochelle Crunk. I live in Delray Beach but I am originally from Michigan. One goal I implement in my life is to make sure that every life I come into contact with or care for feel more love, happiness, comfort, and a feeling of wellness and content. I’ve had the opportunity to love and care for many animals, including dogs, cats, and other small animals. I have also had the opportunity to participate in volunteer work and foster care for dogs. I am looking forward to meet you and your pet and love them just like family!

WATCH ROCHELLE’S INTRODUCTION VIDEO HERE.

Raquel Bastos, JND PROFESSIONAL PET SITTER

Hi! My name is Raquel Bastos, I am a Wildlife Biologist specializing in Zoology. I have more than 10 years of experience in medium and large environmental projects, acting as a consultant and specialist researcher in the herpetofauna area. I’ve worked on the field with wildlife, installed traps in strategic areas, performed transects around bodies of water, collected specimens, and developed reports on present species. Working with pets, taking care of domestic and exotic animals, is a great chance to do something that I really care about. You can be sure that I will perform with love and care as I have done with all my experience in Zoology. I look forward to meeting you! 

WATCH RAQUEL’S INTRODUCTION VIDEO HERE.

SYDNEY HUDAK, JND PROFESSIONAL PET SITTER

Hi! My name is Sydney. I reside in Boca Raton, and I am currently a junior at Florida Atlantic University. I am getting my bachelor’s degree in communications. I love animals and have had a passion for them ever since I was little. I have a Golden Doodle of my own and he is my absolute best friend! I assure you that I will get the service you need done efficiently and responsibly. Your pet will be in great hands with me! I have experience with pet sitting many different breeds/animals with Wag! and Rover for over two years, have done volunteer work at the humane society, and have worked in Pet Therapy, as well. I am looking forward to enjoying the time I get with your pets!
 

WATCH SYDNEY’S INTRODUCTION VIDEO HERE.

ANGELINA SIGAL, JND PROFESSIONAL PET SITTER

Hi! My name is Angelina and I also go by Angie. I live in Boca Raton, and I currently attend Florida Atlantic University as a sophomore. I am studying Management of Information Systems. I work at an elementary school as an Aftercare Counselor where I work with 6-7 year old’s. I love working with children– and not only that– but I absolutely adore animals and have such a love for them. I have a standard poodle and she’s my best friend, she makes my day every day! I have been a member of an Animal Shelter Club where I donated food and pet grooming supplies, caring for the pets. I have experience pet sitting in my community responsible for cat duties and dog walking, and I am always here to help! I promise that your pet will be cherished and cared for as if they were my own; and I look forward to it!!
 

WATCH ANGELINA’S INTRODUCTION VIDEO HERE.

Melissa Wygant, JND PROFESSIONAL PET SITTER

Melissa here! After living in NYC for 20 years, my husband and I happily traded the concrete jungle for the sunny beaches of South Florida, settling into beautiful Delray Beach. While my background is in design and strategy, my true passion is caring for animals. As a cat parent myself, I understand the anxiety of leaving pets home alone. My goal is to provide top-notch care so owners can feel confident while they’re away. When I’m not caring for your pets, you’ll find me collecting shells and exploring local wildlife—so many reptiles!
 

WATCH MELISSA’S INTRODUCTION VIDEO HERE.

Anastasia (Asia) Forgitano, JND PROFESSIONAL PET SITTER

Hi! My name is Asia. I am originally from Massachusetts where I received my degree in Marine Biology. I moved to Florida to pursue a career in Zookeeping. I am currently a full time zoologist, providing care for an array of exotic animals. I get to work closely with owls, alligators, porcupines, and large tortoises to name a few. But spending my time with animals doesn’t end when I get home. I also have three ferrets, a hedgehog, and a parakeet that I get to call my own. My passion is animals, domestic and exotic.  And I strive to provide the best for any animal that I have an opportunity to care for and spend time with. And if you have an exotic pet, I’m your girl! 
 

WATCH ASIA’S INTRODUCTION VIDEO HERE.

BRIAN MCGARY, JND WEBMASTER

Brian joined the Jill’s Next Door team in 2019 and manages the website hiccups and any problems that may surface; ensuring the functionality, navigation, and overall performance that meets our clients’ needs. Brian is also President of Sitetastics, a digital marketing agency specializing in websites, SEO, PPC, and analytics. Brian resides in Sunrise, Florida with his daughter Riley, his pup Dakota, and his kitty Mittens that he adopted from Jill’s Next Door Feline Alliance Program.  

UMAIR SALEEM, JND WEBSITE MANAGER

Umair joined the Jill’s Next Door team in 2023 and manages our website development and design. Umair has developed 250+ websites and has over 100 satisfied clients. He has many years of experience in complete website design and development using WordPress, Wix, Square Space, and Weebly. His focus is on branding, WordPress theme customization, and plugin configurations. He also works closely with online stores using e-commerce functionality, hosting, and domain configuration. He offers website security with website malware removal and the prevention of future security services. Umair can be reached at uslive128@gmail.com and Whats App +92 300 7352138 if you are interested in his services.

TONY SAKAL, JND FELINE ALLIANCE RESCUE MANOR (F.A.R.M) PROPERTY OWNER

Tony Sakal is an established feline caretaker who maintains multiple feral cat colonies in Palm Beach County. Tony works in conjunction with several local rescues with the goal of reducing the feral cat population by TNR. Tony also owns and operates a farm, where kitties who are injured, unadoptable, or elderly call home. Through a successful fundraiser created by JND Feline Alliance program, Tony has built a catio to shelter vulnerable cats from predators. Tony offers feline procurement, transportation, medical care, and immeasurable knowledge of feline welfare.

BRANDY MARTIN EVERINGTON, JND FELINE ALLIANCE COORDINATOR & RESCUE LIASON

Introducing Brandy Martin Everington, Jill’s Next Door Feline Alliance Program’s Coordinator & Rescue Liason! Brandy is a star animal rescue advocate who is partnered with several rescues in Palm Beach and Broward Counties. She facilitates the overall process of adoptions and implements best practices and matchmaking skills to find kitties forever homes. Not only does Brandy herself foster animals, she also performs periodic check-ins with adoptive families and resolves issues to prevent returns. Brandy is active in regular adoption events around south Florida and is our head liaison to veterinary clinics, rescues, and shelter.

MANDY PLATO, JND FELINE ALLIANCE VOLUNTEER

Mandy was our beautiful volunteer who generously donated her time, energy, and love to the kittens fostered with Jill’s Next Door Feline Alliance Program. Mandy’s focus was in kitten socialization–which is a crucial component in kitten development and adoption preparation. Mandy came to JND from California Paws Rescue in Palm Desert, CA, and specialized in canine socialization, transportation, and service dog training with Florida’s Big Dog Ranch and DC DOGOS. Mandy passed away suddenly in 2021. She will forever be known for her rescuing and loving spirit.

ISABELLA, JND ADMINISTRATIVE CATSISTANT

Meet Izzy, Jill’s Next Door’s Administrative Catsistant! Izzy loves helping out with paperwork, but hates the noisy printer and thinks it is out to get her, much like the mean vacuum. Izzy specializes in eating too much, waking mommy at 4am, and being so cute. She–along with her sister–was a foster fail, because her mommy Jill fell in love with her. Now, she is put to work and does an amazing job supporting Jill’s Next Door unconditionally! 

WATCH IZZY’S INTRODUCTION VIDEO HERE.

JULESY, JND CUTE AMBASSADOR

Meet Julesy! Julesy doesn’t do much to benefit Jill’s Next Door, although she does monitor our pesky foster kittens; quickly swatting them into place if they get too close to her. She also loves secretly judging you from afar. Since she annoys quickly, we don’t give her much to do except be so cute on a regular basis. She, along with her sister, was a foster fail, because her mommy Jill fell in love with her! We love having her around and seeing what she is annoyed with next! 

WATCH JULESY’S INTRODUCTION VIDEO HERE.