Our Story

The idea for BARK started as a sketch on the lid of a to-go box. My brothers and I were at lunch with Dad when he told us about an unmet need in the Bradfordville community. Dad is a veterinarian and my parents have run an animal hospital in Bradfordville for more than 30 years! So he saw firsthand the need for a high-quality lodging and daycare facility in this community.

That's where I come in. Thanks to my parents' profession, I’ve had a strong connection to animals since before I was born. I’ve had dogs and cats my entire life. It's safe to say that pets are in my blood.

Scruffy & Drew_1
Though we always had dogs, the first one I called mine was a little stray that we found when I was about 8 years old. I begged my parents to let me keep him, we nursed him back to health, and he became my best friend. I named him Scruffy because that’s exactly what he was. And he was the best friend a little boy could want. He shared the bed with me until I went off to college. And when my parents called to say that it was time to let him go, I booked a flight home right away to say ‘goodbye.’

Now I have little ones of my own, and we have a black lab named Bo who is so patient and so sweet with them. He truly is a big teddy bear. When they were infants, he'd get down on the floor with them for tummy time. When they started crawling, he'd lay there and be their jungle gym. And as toddlers, he endured the ear-pulling, tail-tugging, and paw-stomping with hardly a whimper.

It is for the Scruffy’s and Bo’s of our community that I want BARK to be a special place. Every little boy’s and girl’s best friend should have a life as fulfilling as Scruffy and Bo have made mine.

This is the BARK story, and I am excited to write the next chapter with you!
Drew Steverson
Co-Founder & Resort Manager

 

Meet Our Leadership Team!

 

 

 

 

Drew

Resort Manager

 

 

 

 

 

Christinea

Lodging Manager

Christinea grew up all along the East Coast thanks to her dad’s Navy career, and she has loved animals for as long as she can remember. With eight years in the pet industry, she has made Tallahassee her home since 1999 and treasures life with her three children, two grandchildren, and six fur-babies! In her spare time, you can usually find her soaking up every moment with her grandkids, scuba diving, hiking, or enjoying any kind of water activity. Christinea is Pet CPR and First Aid certified!

Ashli

Client Relations Manager

Hi, I’m Ashli Clemons, a small-town girl from South Florida with a big passion for people and creating meaningful connections! With over seven years of experience in retail management, I’ve developed a passion for connecting with people, building strong relationships, and creating memorable customer experiences. 

I’m dedicated to making every guest feel welcomed, cared for, and part of our community. Whether it’s answering questions, resolving concerns, or simply sharing in the joy of our amazing animal experiences, I love being a bridge between people and the unforgettable adventures we offer.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time at the beach with my daughter, exploring new local spots, and enjoying nature as much as possible. I can’t wait to meet you at BARK and help make your visit a special one!

Courtney

Daycare Manager

Hi! I’m Courtney, a lifelong dog lover and the Daycare Manager at BARK. My journey with animals started long before this role—Growing up always having furry friends, fostering rescues, or simply spending every spare moment around dogs, caring for them has always come naturally to me.

Taking over as Daycare Manager has been an exciting step. I’m passionate about creating a safe, stimulating, and fun environment where every pup feels at home. I believe in positive reinforcement, structured play, and building strong bonds with both our four-legged guests and their humans.

Whether it’s a high-energy playgroup or a shy pup who needs a little extra TLC, I’m here to make sure every tail is wagging!