Meet Our Team

2026 Pet Sitter of the Year Finalist

Meet Our Animal Assistants

Founder & Head Animal Assistant

MiKayla Anders

MiKayla grew up just down the road from Rolling Hills Zoo. By the time she could volunteer, she was spending every spare hour with the animals — first as a Junior Zoo Keeper at Rolling Hills, then through hands-on work at the Sedgwick County Zoo and a Salina doggy daycare. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Environmental Studies from Kansas Wesleyan University. The classroom was never going to be enough. In 2018, MiKayla founded Adventures In Pet Sitting with one rule: pets are happiest at home, in their own bed, on their own food, on their own schedule. No kennels. No boarding. No exceptions. The reason was simple — there was a need in this community, and most Salina families did not even know in-home pet care was an option. MiKayla is a CPPS — Certified Professional Pet Sitter through Pet Sitters International. She is Pet First Aid + CPCR Certified, Disaster Relief Certified, and was named one of five finalists for PSI’s 2026 Pet Sitter of the Year — globally. She has also served as Secretary and Treasurer of BNI Salina Business Builders for two years and is a proud member of the Salina business community. Eight years in, MiKayla is still the one who answers your call, runs your Meet & Greet, and shows up at your front door — alongside a small, hand-picked team of triple-certified Animal Assistants. She brings a biology degree, a zoo background, and an Indiana Jones-meets-Adventures-in-Babysitting energy to every visit. Your pet is in the best possible hands.

Marketing Manager, Animal Photographer, and fill-in Animal Assistant

Aaron Adam Anders

Aaron Adam Anders has called Salina home for the past 12 years, but his adventures with animals started long before that! His first four-legged sidekick was a Beagle named Abigail, whom he showed through 4-H, helping spark a lifelong appreciation for working with animals. Since then, his animal adventures have included dogs, cats, horses, cattle, and pigs—so he is no stranger to paws, hooves, slobber, fur, or a little dirt! Aaron also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Communications Management from Pittsburg State University, with minors in Business Administration and Communications with an emphasis in photojournalism.

Aaron has been part of the Adventures In Pet Sitting journey since the very beginning eight years ago and currently serves as AIPS’s Marketing Director while also jumping into hands-on Adventures with our pets. He loves turning visits into experiences through walks, games of fetch, sniff-and-find challenges, outdoor exploration, and plenty of individualized TLC. And there is a good chance your Adventurer may get to practice their modeling skills along the way! Aaron combines his professional photography background with his love for animals to capture those goofy grins, action shots, curious expressions, and picture-perfect moments that let Loyal Adventure Clients share in the fun even when they cannot be there.

Behind all that fun is a serious commitment to keeping every Adventurer safe. Aaron has completed his double certification through Pet Care Team Training in Pet Care and Pet First Aid + CPCR and is also certified in Emergency Preparedness. His training gives him additional knowledge to recognize potential concerns, respond appropriately when something unexpected happens, and make health and safety a priority while still creating an Adventure pets can enjoy.

When Aaron is not behind the camera or out Adventuring with AIPS pets, you will probably find him woodworking, working on graphic design, camping, exploring the outdoors, or—unsurprisingly—taking more photographs. His easygoing personality and creative side carry right into his approach with animals. Loyal Adventure Clients can expect someone who is ready to get down on the floor for playtime, head outside for an exploration, find a new way to make enrichment exciting, and capture some fantastic memories along the way. Aaron has been helping build the AIPS Adventure from the beginning, and he continues looking for creative ways to make it bigger, stronger, and even more exciting for the pets and people who join us!

Event Coordinator, Fill-in Animal Assistant

Deidra Johannes

From Texas roots to more than 55 years of calling Salina home, Deidra Johannes has always had animals woven into her story! Her lifelong love for them has included everything from a Chihuahua named Snuffy and a Lab named Gunner to—believe it or not—a skunk! Her adventures with animals started young, including one unforgettable childhood escapade involving baby skunks escaping into a neighbor’s basement and a very unexpected visit from animal control. Along with a lifetime of animal experience, Deidra holds degrees in Criminal Justice and Psychology with an emphasis on Addictions from Kansas Wesleyan University.
For eight years, Deidra has been bringing her warmth, experience, and love for animals to Adventures In Pet Sitting, making her one of our long-standing Animal Assistants and a familiar face to many of our Loyal Adventure Clients. She has a special place in her heart for small dogs and loves discovering what makes each Adventurer feel safe, happy, and right at home. Whether she is handing out some extra TLC, keeping a favorite routine on track, encouraging a hesitant Adventurer, or baking up special treats, Deidra believes even the smallest moments can turn an ordinary visit into a great Adventure.
Adventure is fun, but safety always comes first! Deidra has completed her double certification through Pet Care Team Training in Pet Care and Pet First Aid + CPCR, giving her additional training to recognize concerns, respond during emergencies, and provide knowledgeable professional care. She is also continuing her education by working toward her Animal Disaster Relief Certification, adding even more skills to her Adventure toolkit so she can be ready to help pets and their families when the unexpected happens.
When Deidra is not out Adventuring with her four-legged friends, you may find her enjoying music and theater, sewing, painting, creating ceramics, or spending treasured time watching her grandkids and great-grandkids grow. After more than five decades in Salina, she has deep roots in the community and loves being part of the families AIPS serves. Loyal Adventure Clients can expect a warm smile, plenty of patience, a caring heart, and someone who is ready to learn all those little quirks that make their pet one-of-a-kind. For Deidra, every wag, purr, happy dance, and new friendship is another Adventure worth celebrating!