The Team
Alex Romano
Founder & Pet Care Specialist
Personal History
I am a professionally trained dog caretaker, with experience in both private and online marketplace company settings. I grew up taking care of two large dogs, and I often walk, sit, and dote on my parents’ two small mutts. I am a huge animal lover (vegetarian for >18 years!) and believe that their behavior is simply a reflection of how we treat them. With this philosophy in mind I seek to treat animals with the kindness and respect they deserve.
The Science of Dog Care
I hold a M.A. in Experimental Psychology (Developmental Cognitive neuroscience), and Clinical Psychology. I am passionate about science, cognition, and the mind. I have applied these skills to my work with dogs, and am always up-to-date on the latest research on animal cognition.
The more I learn, the more I've come to understand dogs as even more highly intelligent, socially/emotionally sensitive, and clued-in than we previously believed. Not only can I apply this research to my practical methods for working with dogs, but it also has increased my compassion for them and I am much more "teamwork oriented" than a subscriber to the outdated "alpha" model of training. I pledge to always work with dogs from the stance of science and compassion!
Igor Derysh
Pet Care & Operations Associate
Igor has been a part of Pupology since 2024 and is deeply involved in the day-to-day care, operations, and heart of the business. As a consistent presence in the home, he works closely alongside Alex to help ensure every dog receives thoughtful, attentive, highly individualized care.
Before joining Pupology, Igor cared for rescue dogs with behavioral and emotional needs, an experience that shaped his calm, compassionate approach with animals. He has a natural sensitivity to canine body language and believes strongly in maintaining each dog’s routines, comfort, and sense of security.
Outside of Pupology, Igor works remotely as a managing editor at Salon Magazine, bringing a detail-oriented, thoughtful perspective to everything he does. He’s known for his patience, reliability, and love of long neighborhood walks, especially with a happy dog beside him.
Martha Fierroa
Pet Care Specialist
Martha is originally from Aguascalientes (fluent in English and Spanish) and is now based on the West-side of Fort Greene park. Having grown up around both cats and dogs, Martha has years of hands-on animal care experience with a strong focus on consistency, attentiveness, and understanding each pet’s individual routine and behavioral needs.
Martha also has experience caring for animals with a wide range of temperaments and support needs. She provided long-term advanced medical care for her own cat during cancer treatment. That experience gave her firsthand knowledge of the patience, structure, and close observation required when caring for medically vulnerable pets.
Martha is known for her calm, reliable presence and detail-oriented approach to care. Outside of Pupology, she works as an artist and designer with photography, painting, and website design; creative disciplines that have strengthened her observational skills and thoughtful attention to detail.
Ella King
Pet Care Specialist
Ella is a born-and-raised New Yorker with years of experience caring for dogs, cats, and children throughout Brooklyn. She has worked consistently as a dog walker and pet sitter and is especially comfortable caring for senior dogs and pets who benefit from a little extra patience and attention.
Warm, dependable, and attentive, Ella takes the time to get to know each dog’s personality, routine, and individual needs. She prioritizes safety, thoughtful care, and clear communication with pet parents, whether she is providing a neighborhood walk, a drop-in visit, or in-home pet sitting.
Ella serves clients throughout Fort Greene and nearby Brooklyn neighborhoods as part of the Pupology team. She looks forward to giving every pet in her care a safe, engaging, and loving experience.
Lexie France
Pet Care Specialist
Lexi grew up in the Midwest in a home filled with animals, including dachshunds She has an especially soft spot for dachshunds and loves getting to know the unique personalities and quirks of every dog she meets.
When she isn’t caring for pets, Lexi works as a barista in Williamsburg, where her warmth, attentiveness, and friendly nature help her connect with people throughout the neighborhood. She brings that same upbeat, attentive energy to her work with Pupology, making sure dogs have a fun, positive experience while staying safe and well cared for.
Whether she’s heading out for a neighborhood walk or spending time with a pet at home, Lexi is excited to build genuine bonds with Pupology’s dogs and become a familiar, trusted part of their routine.
Join Our Team!
We're always looking for new additions to the Pupology team! If you're interested in working with us fill out the survey below. We'll contact you shortly to have a phone call and discuss the position in more detail: