Laura, Operations Manager. After 16 fabulous years with K9 Tailshakers, Laura’s been a cornerstone of our furry family, watching our tails wag and paws dance as we’ve grown! Laura can be seen bouncing around K9TS making sure K9TS has all the pieces to our puzzle for our amazing services! Laura is 3rd party tested by PACCC as a Certified Professional Animal Care Manager, IBPSA Trained, Certified in Infectious Disease Management and a Graduate of GSU (3.9 GPA) with a BA in English, Minor in Education + 30 hours and endorsements in Psychology, Sociology, Speech and Theatre. We hit the jackpot with Laura on our team as she is the glue to our amazing puzzle that holds every department together with a beautiful smile!

Meet Amy, Assistant Manager! She's been put to the test by the PACCC and proudly wears the badge of a Certified Professional Animal Care Provider. Plus, she’s aced the IBPSA Canine Care Provider and Canine Care Specialist exams, and is Pet Tech Trained in First Aid and Rescue Breathing. Over the last 4 fabulous years, Amy's dazzling smile and friendly vibe, bring a smile to us all! The K9TS Team won big with her on board! Oh, and did we mention she’s a Devry University grad, just shy of a 4.0 and made the Dean's List? Talk about a triple threat! Amy's dedication to the care of our team and clients in our care is bar none the best!

Jessica, Marketing and Events Coordinator, has spent the past 4 fabulous years sharing her heart, creativity, and passion with the K9 Tailshakers family. Once an Alumni extraordinaire, Certified Trick Trainer and Certified in Infectious Disease Control and Management through IBPSA Hero's for Healthy Pets, she now shines as our Marketing & Events Coordinator, keeping tails wagging and clients smiling every single day! From planning fun activities and events to sharing educational tidbits, treats, and sneak peeks of your pups in action, Jessica is the reason K9 Tailshakers feels so connected. Have you seen the K9TS App? That is Jessica! Interactive, and full of life! We’re beyond lucky to have her spirit, talent, and love for dogs (and their humans!) on our team.

Kayla, Enrichment Lead, has been wagging tails at K9 Tailshakers for a whopping 12 fabulous years (brief leave during Covid) working and mastering almost every department of K9 Tailshakers! This gal is a true wizard of doggy delight, serving up a smorgasbord of brain-boosting fun and body-busting activities that keep our furry friends sharp and aware! Kayla's been put to the test by the PACCC and proudly wears the badge of a Certified Professional Animal Care Provider and is Certified in Canine Fitness and Certified Canine Trick Instructor. In addition Kayla is tested and Certified by IBPSA as a Canine Care Provider, Canine Care Specialist, Pet Tech First Aid and CPR trained and received her Certification in Infectious Disease Control and Management through IBPSA Hero's for Healthy Pets! Phew, Kayla is a STAR!

Sarah - Trainer, Safety Supervisor, and Certified Veterinary Technician on staff, basically a superhero in scrubs and sneakers! Sarah first joined the K9TS family back in 2012, helping train and CGC-certify tons of amazing foster pups then moved on to the Veterinary Technician Field. After gaining years of experience in Emergency & Critical Care Veterinary Medicine & work at Fox Veterinary College she returned to K9 Tailshakers in 2024 bringing with her a whole lot of expertise, calm-under-pressure energy, and heart. A proud grad of the Vet Tech Institute at Fox College, Sarah combines her medical know-how with top-notch training skills to keep every dog in our care safe, happy, and thriving. We’re beyond thrilled to have Sarah back on the K9TS team! Our dogs (and humans!) couldn’t be in better hands!

Kim, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science with a concentration in Equine Science from Southern Illinois University works in various departments of K9TS, most recently working in our Alumni Training Department. Kim, for two years at K9 Tailshakers, continues to bring both professionalism and a deep-rooted passion for animals to her role. We were lucky to have Kim join our team with a strong background in animal care, including years spent working with both dogs and horses. Kim ensures every client interaction is handled with efficiency, warmth, and attention to detail. Her diverse experience includes everything from farm management to canine training. Kim is always ready to support the team wherever needed, making her a valued and versatile member of the K9 Tailshakers family.

Katie, has been withK9 Tailshakers since 2023 and quickly became known for her professionalism, positive attitude, and welcoming smile. A PACCC Certified Professional Animal Care Provider and Pet Tech First Aid & Canine Rescue Breathing trained professional, Katie demonstrates an unwavering commitment to safety and excellence in every aspect of care. A lifelong animal lover, she brings both passion and experience to her role. Having worked across multiple departments including Daycare, Enrichment, and Boarding. Katie has developed a comprehensive understanding of canine care and behavior. For over a year, she has excelled as Kennel Lead, maintaining a clean and safe environment where every dog can thrive. Her dedication to each guest’s well-being shines through in her daily work. Katie has a special fondness for the boarding department, treating every dog as if they were her own and ensuring they receive the same love, attention, and comfort they would at home.

Enrique Gomez is the Head Dog Trainer at K9 Tailshakers, where he specializes in developing confident, balanced relationships between dogs and their owners. Since 2019, Enrique has applied his deep understanding of dog psychology and ethical e-collar training to help clients communicate effectively and compassionately with their dogs. His approach emphasizes educating owners to recognize their dogs’ unique temperaments, needs, and behaviors, empowering them to build lasting trust and confidence. Inspired by his childhood St. Bernard and his first German Shepherd, Lola, Enrique transformed a lifelong love of dogs into a meaningful professional calling. Today, he continues to guide owners through the joys and challenges of dog ownership with empathy, patience, and a genuine commitment to understanding every dog as an individual. Enrique has earned an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts, is just a few credits away from an Associate’s in Science, from Moraine Valley and also completed his EMT certification. His commitment to continued learning mirrors the dedication he brings to every training session.

Tori, with over nine years of hands-on experience working with animals, brings both skill and heart to the K9 Tailshakers team. A former Animal Control Officer and seasoned animal handler, she has developed an exceptional understanding of animal behavior, safety, and care across all kinds of species and situations.

Tori’s calm, confident presence helps dogs feel secure and understood from the moment they meet her. Whether she’s greeting new guests, managing playgroups, or lending a hand wherever needed, her mix of technical know-how and genuine compassion shines through. She’s dedicated to making every dog’s day a safe, positive, and tail-wagging experience! P.S. the dog in the photo is a dog Tori remembers from her former years in Animal Control who a client of ours rescued! When Tori started, her heart was thrilled to see her passion for helping animals come full circle with a dog she helped rescue living the good life with loving parents, and being spoiled at K9 Tailshakers! (dog is pictured with Tori)

Cindy has devoted her life to caring for animals. Her journey began in high school at a veterinary clinic, where she assisted doctors and worked hands-on with a wide variety of animals, including exotics. That early experience sparked a lifelong commitment to compassionate, knowledgeable care. With over a decade of experience in animal control, Cindy developed extensive expertise in local laws, public safety, and disease prevention. She has also been a professional groomer for more than 25 years, and she genuinely enjoys helping animals look and feel their best.

Cindy’s diverse background has given her a deep understanding of both the medical and behavioral needs of pets. She takes pride in providing care with exceptional skill, attentiveness, and heart. making her a valued and trusted member of our team.

Sydney, Training Manager, has over 13 years in the pet care industry and nearly 8 years formally training dogs. Sydney brings a thoughtful, individualized approach to every dog she works with. Her philosophy is simple: no two dogs are the same, and their training shouldn't be either. While many thrive with balanced techniques, others benefit from a more positive approach and Sydney adapts accordingly. Passionate about both dogs and people, Sydney also thrives in her leadership role, motivating her team to grow, collaborate, and provide the best care possible. Sydney holds certifications in canine and human CPR and pet nutrition and she is currently working toward earning certifications through IACP.

Sandy, for the past four years, has been working her magic in all things K9! As our go-to guru for Accounts Receivable, retail management, and spreadsheets galore, she keeps K9 Tailshakers running smoothly behind the scenes. Sandy also keeps our software systems up to date, and is the first to jump in when technical issues arise with our software, truly our in-house problem solver! Her sharp attention to detail, organizational skills, and love for both dogs and data make her an indispensable part of the team, helping ensure everything (and everyone!) stays on task and in sync.

Adam, a Structured Daycare Provider, for the past incredible year, has shown dedication which rivals that of a seasoned veterinarian. With boundless compassion, Adam dove headfirst into his role, capturing the hearts of every pup in his presence. He is currently embarking on courses with the International Boarding and Pet Services Association and has completed his Canine Pet Care Provider Certification and is working towards his Canine Care Specialist Certification. His positive energy and genuine love for animals make him an invaluable asset to our team, and we are excited to see the incredible impact he will continue to make in the lives of the pets and their owners. Adam is right where he is meant to be embarking on a career with dogs!

Tom has been an integral part of K9 Tailshakers for over six fabulous years, serving in our Accounting Department and as our Human Resources Manager. Tom works closely with our accountant to ensure all financial reporting is accurate, organized, and up to date keeping K9 Tailshakers’ books in excellent shape. In his HR role, Tom is a dedicated employee advocate, acting as a vital liaison between team members, management, and ownership. He provides essential resources, manages employee benefits, and supports a positive and professional workplace culture. Tom’s attention to detail, reliability, and commitment make him a cornerstone of the K9 Tailshakers team. If you ever see Tom he is always smiling and happy bringing happiness to our team!

Naomie is passionate about animals, creativity, and community service. With a high school diploma, some college experience, and EKG certification, she has built a strong foundation in both academic study and hands-on learning. She brings over 10 years of experience in the pet industry, where she has developed extensive skills in animal care, customer service, and building positive relationships with both pets and their people.

A lover of red pandas and French Bulldogs, Naomie shares her home with five beloved dogs. In her free time, she enjoys baking, drawing, crafting, and reading. She is also active in her community and regularly volunteers at her local food pantry. Dedicated to continued growth, Naomie hopes to return to school to complete her BA and is always seeking opportunities to expand her knowledge, especially in animal behavior. Naomie is a valued member of our Enrichment Daycare program, and we are grateful to have her as part of our team!

Sara brings years of grooming and animal-care experience to her role as an Enrichment Provider. A devoted mother of two, she approaches every dog with patience, attentiveness, and genuine expertise. Sara is dedicated to engaging each dog’s mind and body through thoughtful, individualized enrichment activities designed to promote confidence, calmness, and joy. Her professionalism, enthusiasm, and passion make her a truly valued member of our team. You’ll also often see Sara helping clients at pickup and drop-off—bringing your dogs up to you in the evening or walking them back for you in the morning with her signature warm, friendly smile.

Austin works as a K9 Care Specialist at K9 Tailshakers, where he is responsible for ensuring the comfort, safety, and overall well-being of every dog in his care. With a calm presence, Austin helps create a safe and structured environment where dogs can thrive. He takes pride in maintaining clean, organized areas, supporting enrichment activities, and giving each dog the individualized attention they need.

Austin enjoys continuing to learn more about dog behavior and care. His dedication, patience, and reliability make him an essential part of the K9 Tailshakers team, and the dogs adore him just as much as the staff does.

Callie is a senior at Lincoln-Way Central High School and has been a valued member of the K9 Tailshakers team for over a year. She loves spending her days surrounded by the awesome dogs who come through the doors each day. At home, Callie has two German Shepherds—Dash (5) and Blitzen (4)—who fuel her passion for animal care. After graduation, she plans to attend the University of Indianapolis, where she hopes to join the triathlon team, continuing her lifelong involvement in swimming and running. Callie intends to major in Exercise Science and work toward her doctorate to become a dietitian or athletic trainer/physical therapist, with a minor in Spanish. She also hopes to volunteer or work at a nearby animal shelter during college, driven by her love for animals and desire to help them wherever she goes.

Ben is a senior at Lincoln-Way West High School with a passion for learning and leadership. He is an active member of the Mathletes Club, Student Council, and History Club, where he enjoys collaborating with others and exploring new ideas. Outside of school, he plays guitar at School of Rock, which allows him to express his creativity and connect with others through music. He strives to balance academics, extracurricular involvement, and artistic growth as he prepares for the next chapter of his education. You can find Ben in our Kennel area and also running dogs in the evenings after school. Ben is hard working, compassionate with animals and we are lucky to have him on our team!

Serena has spent the past year as part of the K9 Tailshakers team, where she blends her love for animals with compassionate, hands-on care. Outside of the kennel, she works full-time at Fox College in Career Services and also supports the school’s Pet Adoption Committee. At home, she is devoted to her 3-year-old Lab mix, Boo, who she proudly calls her soulmate. Her long-term goal is to adopt senior dogs and give them a loving, comfortable place to enjoy their golden years.

Jack, a Senior at Lincoln-way Central, has been around K9 Tailshakers since he was a baby! Jack who has helped periodically through his teens is now officially part of K9 Tailshakers! We are incredibly lucky to have him as he is calm, reliable, compassionate and loves the dogs! Jack also is passionate about Welding and possibly sees a future in the welding Industry.

Madison is a dedicated member of the K9 Tailshakers team and a proud dog mom to two pups Chloe, the princess of the house, and Leo, the lovable troublemaker with an undeniable soft spot for her. When she’s not living her best life with the dogs at K9 Tailshakers, Madison is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in nursing with the goal of becoming a registered nurse. She hopes to work with children or in labor and delivery, where she can bring her compassion and steady calm to families in their most important moments. In her free time, Madison enjoys reading, painting, and expressing her lifelong love of music. She’s been singing since she could talk, and creativity has always been a big part of who she is. Her blend of warmth, patience, and artistry makes her a natural fit for both animal care and her future in nursing.

Aiden is a dedicated student at Lincoln-Way Central High School who brings exceptional compassion, love, and care to the K9 Tailshakers team. He demonstrates a maturity and calm presence that dogs naturally gravitate toward. Whether he’s supporting the care team, assisting with daily routines, or offering comfort to pups, Aiden approaches every task with patience and genuine heart. He takes pride in giving each dog a positive, safe experience and is always willing to lend a helping hand wherever it’s needed. His reliability, kindness, and eagerness to learn make him a valued part of the K9 Tailshakers family.

Danny plays a vital behind-the-scenes role at K9 Tailshakers, supporting the team wherever he is needed most. Whether he’s picking up supplies, running essential errands, stepping in as a morning runner, or covering shifts when staff are out sick or on vacation, Danny is always ready to help. His calm, steady presence brings ease to even the most energetic dogs, and his natural sense of humor keeps the team smiling through even the busiest days. Danny’s reliability, kindness, and laid-back nature make him an invaluable part of the K9TS family.

Jennifer is a valued member of the K9 Tailshakers support team, where she manages reservations, verifies vaccinations, answers phone calls, and warmly greets clients each day. Known for her bright smile and friendly conversations, she brings a joyful, welcoming energy to every interaction. In addition to her work at K9 Tailshakers, Jennifer is a full-time student pursuing a career in counseling and a devoted mother to her three beautiful children, whom she adores. Her compassion, positivity, and dedication shine through in all she does.