SwissRidge Staff
I’d like to introduce you to my incredible team of caring and dedicated staff. I truly couldn’t do what I do without them.
At SwissRidge, I feel so fortunate to be surrounded by such passionate animal lovers and skilled individuals. Their support makes it possible for me to raise so many happy, healthy, and well-socialized puppies. I know both my dogs and my business are always in the best hands with this team.
Now, I invite you to meet them in their own words below.
Mellonie
Receptionist for training
I’ve worked for SwissRidge for well over a decade and I’m your first point of contact. I provide administrative support at SwissRidge. My job includes answering phone calls and emails, booking flights, organizing all paperwork, booking appointments and making sure all client’s needs are covered from the day they contact us until they get their pup and afterwards.
I’ve held other customer service/receptionist jobs in the past, but none has been as fulfilling as this one. The best part of my job is interacting with future and existing members of our SwissRidge family. I love helping families find their newest furry friend.
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Working for a committed professional like Sherry, and being around cute pups and beautiful dogs top off my list of why I enjoy my job.
I have had dogs most of my life, and there’s nothing like the love and companionship of man’s best friend.
Rachael
Receptionist for training
I’m in charge of collecting all the training reports from the trainers and sending them out to owners who have enrolled their puppies in our imprint program.
I have a long history of loving animals, my two passions are horses and dogs. I am so proud to be a part of SwissRidge! I have a few furry friends at home, pictured is my rescue Joey. I also have an Australian Shepherd, a SwissRidge Golden Retriever, two horses, and cows.
I enjoy going on hikes with my dogs and giving them lots of love.
Heather
Kennel Manager
I have been the Manager at SwissRidge since September 2023. I came to SwissRidge with close to 20 years of management experience within both health care and mental health settings.
I have always had an abiding love for animals and a deep understanding of the human/animal bond. I have volunteered as a foster home for dogs with a local Humane Society, and I have also provided in-home dog boarding privately.
My personal experience with dogs is substantial, I have lived with dogs my entire life, and during the last 30 years I’ve always had multiple dogs at a time. Currently, I am blessed to be the parent of two beautiful Golden Retrievers.
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Working at SwissRidge is a dream come true for me. There are the puppies of course, but it is also such a pleasure to be part of the care team for the parents as well. These parents are so affectionate, playful, friendly, and intelligent. Giving each and every one of them a kiss and a hug, and making sure they are all happy and healthy, is a responsibility I do not take lightly!
Nina
Nursery Manager
I was born and raised in Indonesia and have traveled all over the world before settling in Canada. Before working with animals, I worked as a chef.
My love for animals truly began when I received my first SwissRidge dog, whom I named Bima. That experience opened the door to an incredible opportunity to join the SwissRidge team and I’ve been here for almost 10 years.
Today, I have a very versatile role at SwissRidge. I run the nursery, caring for the moms, puppies, and nursery staff. I also train puppies in the imprint program and help look after some of the farm animals on the property. I absolutely love my job and feel so grateful that I get to spend every day surrounded by animals!
Sam
Social Media Specialist
Working at SwissRidge has truly been the most fulfilling experience of my life. As the social media specialist and marketing coordinator, I’ve been able to combine two of my greatest passions: animals and digital marketing.
My proudest accomplishment to date is graduating from Wilfrid Laurier University with an Honours degree in Communication Studies, complemented by a minor in Digital Media and Leadership
I’ve been surrounded by dogs and horses for as long as I can remember, so when the chance to join SwissRidge came along, I knew it was exactly where I was meant to be. As most of my coworkers know, If I could, I’d spend every moment on the property… watching the dogs grow, being near the horses, and capturing the magic of it all.
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What makes SwissRidge truly special isn’t just the animals, it’s the people. The love, care, and dedication we pour into every relationship, every project, and every puppy are what make us more than just a team. We’re a family. And I feel so grateful to be part of it.
Leija
Groomer
I’m the groomer here at SwissRidge. I first joined the team as a kennel attendant in 2020, and in 2023 I stepped into my current role as groomer.
I’ve always had a passion for working with dogs and a love for the grooming process. Back in high school, I completed my co-op at a small grooming salon in my hometown, where I spent hours watching and learning as the groomer gave pups their “glow ups.”
In 2023, I graduated from a professional pet grooming course, where I spent months studying the fundamentals and hands-on techniques of grooming. Now, I get to put that training into practice every day, making sure all the pups and dogs at SwissRidge look and feel like superstars.
Dana
Puppy Midwife (overnights) and Driver
I joined SwissRidge kennels in 2019 and it’s been a blast! I’ve learned so much about caring for dogs and their puppies. I am so grateful for the opportunities here. I am currently working the overnight shift whelping puppies and also as the driver bringing dogs to and from appointments. I get to see puppies grow and develop into the perfect fur-friend for their forever family, knowing how much joy they’ll bring. It is wonderful being the one to welcome them into the world and watch them develop.
My love of animals began as a child. I began riding horses at the age of 9, and have had my own horse since age 15. At home I also have two dogs of my own (a Bernedoodle from SwissRidge and a Bernese Mountain Dog who is used in the SwissRidge breeding program) and a Siamese cat who is 18.
Makayla
Nursery Attendant
Some dogs leave paw prints on your heart. Mine left a trail that shaped everything I do. My passion for this work began with my childhood dog, who taught me patience, the power of gentle guidance, and how much love can transform a life. Those early lessons stayed with me, ignited my passion, and now guide the way I raise my puppy Nova and care for the dogs here at Swissridge. Working with this team as a Kennel Attendant lets me see firsthand how much thought, care, and attention can shape a dog’s world. This work has deepened not only my love for animals, but also my passion for veterinary medicine. To me, Swissridge has become more than just a workplace, it’s one big family! Every day here reminds me that this is exactly where I’m meant to be, surrounded by coworkers I love and dogs who teach, inspire, and fill my heart in ways I can’t put into words.
Sophia
Nursery Attendant
I’ve always loved animals and begged my parents for a dog all the way up until middle school when they finally caved and brought one home.
Even after that, I couldn’t get enough and started asking for a second furry friend. My parents said no, but working at SwissRidge has more than made up for it. Now I get to spend my days surrounded by amazing personalities and fluffy faces, and I couldn’t be happier. I truly love working here with all the dogs and the wonderful staff.
Alyssa
Nursery/Kennel Attendant
I’ve been working at SwissRidge since 2021, and it’s truly become a second home. I grew up on a farm, so caring for animals has always been a big part of my life. At work, I split my time between the nursery and working closely with the dog parents, making sure every pup gets the care and attention they deserve. What I love most about my job is knowing the dogs are well taken care of. It’s not just work, when everyone including the dogs are so friendly.
Chanler
Kennel Attendant
A veterinary assistant graduate from Seneca college, and big time animal lover! I have been so lucky to be an employee here at Swiss Ridge since the fall of 2023. I genuinely look forward to coming into work everyday to care for and spend time with all of our amazing dogs (the staff are great too!). When I am not spending my time with these cuties, you can find me at home relaxing with a good book & cuddling my own fur babies, gardening or landscaping. I am so grateful to be a part of the SwissRidge family and have definitely found my furever home here!
Rachel
Kennel Attendant
I am currently in Animal Biology at the University of Guelph, hoping to soon apply to Veterinary school. My love for animals started from a very young age and my dream has always been to work with them someday. When I first started working here, I immediately fell in love with not only the dogs, but the job itself.
Working at SwissRidge has been such an amazing experience because I have learned so many things, as well as created so many bonds with the dogs and staff. It is such an awesome feeling knowing that I get to care for the dogs and their pups before they get sent off to their new family!
Macy
Kennel Attendant
I’ve loved animals for as long as I can remember, and working at SwissRIdge gives me the chance to spend my days surrounded by dogs. I enjoy building trust with each dog and making sure they feel at home. Working as a kennel attendant has taught me so many new things, and has made working at Swissridge an amazing opportunity.
Melissa
Kennel Attendant
I have always been a big animal lover, and I’ve had the chance to work with them in different ways over the years. I’ve worked as both a grooming assistant and a veterinary assistant, where I learned hands-on skills in animal care and handling. I also volunteered at Wishing Well Animal Sanctuary, which gave me even more experience caring for animals in need. At home, I have two dogs who I absolutely love and adore, and they inspire me every day to give the same care and attention to every pet I work with. I am very passionate about creating a safe, loving, and positive environment for the dogs here at Swissridge!
Cassandra
Kennel Attendant
I’ve worked with animals for many years, including as a veterinary assistant and technician, and caring for dogs has always been a true passion of mine. At SwissRidge, I love getting to know each dog’s unique personality and making sure they feel safe, happy, and loved while in our care. When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time outdoors and embracing my country-girl side. Working with animals isn’t just a job for me—it’s something I truly love, and I feel grateful that I get to do it every day at SwissRidge.
Nicole
Kennel Attendant
I’ve always had a passion for animals and grew up with dogs my whole life. I have a dog of my own named Zoey, she’s my everything, my little fur child. Going to work each day is such a joy because I get to see all the dogs at the kennel. I also love the staff, managers, and owner. Everyone is so positive, supportive, and helpful. It’s truly an amazing place to work!
Lucas
Head Trainer and Turnkey Trainer
People used to ask me to recommend training services for their dogs, and I would make half-hearted referrals, knowing that excellent trainers are very hard to find. Then fate threw me into the path of the best trainer I have ever met…who now happens to be my partner in life. (I know, almost too good to be true, right?!)
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Lucas, the resident SwissRidge dog behavior expert, is a truly gifted trainer and I am constantly learning from him.
Here are the official words from the man himself!
Dogs are my passion. I have loved being around them ever since I was a child. My mom says I was constantly bringing stray cats and dogs into our house in Poland, and Sherry says I’d fill the house with rescues now, if there was room for them. It’s true! I can’t stand seeing a homeless, unloved or abandoned animal. My greatest joy in life is rehabilitating dogs that others have given up on, and finding new homes for them.
I started formally training dogs at the age of 18, working with security companies to train protection dogs. Learning from whom I considered the best trainers in the world, I began my journey in developing an efficient training program tailored for the pet dog. Working with spacial pressure, micro body language, and markers. I began to develop my unique training style for owners and the demanding environments the pet dog faces.
Over the course of my career, I have trained dogs, ranging from Chihuahuas to Presa Canario. I was a breeder of the Cane Corso (Italian Mastiff). Perhaps it is their slow, trusting nature that intrigues me. What I love about them is their loyalty, and willingness to protect their home and family with their life. They are naturally soft with children and can sense danger with incredible intuition. They are large, powerful dogs, but make wonderful family pets when properly trained. Four of my dogs appeared in the movie Pompeii.
I get so much satisfaction in rehabilitating dogs like Pit Bulls and Mastiffs because when they do get out of hand, they can be very dangerous. Yet the results of training are transformative. It literally saves lives; people may tolerate a nippy Shih Tzu, but they won’t keep a volatile Pit Bull in the house for too long.
Now, as trainer at SwissRidge, I have had hands-on experience with many Doodles. As I noted in Bernedoodles: A Head to Tail Guide, these are not difficult dogs to train. They tend to be very bright, might be a bit stubborn, and are usually sensitive.
The SwissRidge training program has evolved over the last two decades. I look forward to being able to help more dogs and their families for many years to come. In the meantime, you can learn more about current services under Training.
Like Sherry, my work is also my hobby. But I do find time most days for my other passions: singing and song-writing. I also keep fit by practicing Brazilian jujitsu, hiking, biking, running, and body building. When Sherry and I escape from the kennel, I enjoy traveling and immersing myself in different cultures.
Kelsey
Puppy Imprint Trainer
I’ve loved dogs for as long as I can remember. All my school projects and speeches were on something to do with dogs. When I was 16 I started working at a golden retriever kennel. I worked closely with the dogs and puppies there. They asked me to do basic leash walking with the puppies and teach them to sit. This is what initially sparked my love for training. Since then I have worked with and trained many puppies as well as rescue dogs. I have worked in kennels and managed doggy daycares. I have also volunteered for the dog team at humane societies and fostered rescue dogs. Around 2018 I finally found my dream job training SwissRidge puppies. It’s hard not to fall in love with every pup who comes through our doors. I love watching their little personalities grow. They put smiles on our faces daily as we get to witness them explore the world around us, learning new things every day.
Keira
Puppy Imprint Trainer
I started at Swissridge in 2019 and as someone who knew from a young age that my passion was for animals, fell in love with caring for and learning to understand and work with dogs. Swissridge offered me the opportunity to expand and apply this knowledge as an imprint trainer, as well as training off leash dogs as Lucas’s apprentice. There is nothing more rewarding than catering to each dog’s unique set of strengths and weaknesses to help them to become their best selves for their forever families. Dogs and horses alike, I could not have found a better career for myself and a better place to practice as this passion and appreciation is prominent throughout the entire Swissridge staff and family.
Katie
Puppy Imprint Trainer
Ever since I was young animals have always been a big part of my life, from family pets to horseback riding I always knew I wanted to pursue a career working around animals.
Since working at SwissRidge I have gained so much valuable experience to help me in the future. This position has made me sure I want to work around animals. I love working with all the dogs and seeing these amazing puppies go to there furever homes!
Agnes
Puppy Imprint Trainer
I have been a trainer at Swissridge for over 11 years, working with tinies, minis, and standard doodles of all kinds and I truly love them all. My passion for training began with my very first dog, a mini poodle, who blessed my life many years ago with 12 wonderful years. She sparked the lifelong love and respect I have for dogs, and laid the foundation for the work I do today. Since then, I’ve been blessed to share my life with a couple of wonderful Bernese Mountain Dogs and a Swissridge Doodle all from Swissridge and each of them deepening my love for dogs and reminding me every day why this work is so meaningful.
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Swissridge is unlike any other. The level of care, dedication, and genuine love that goes into every dog and puppy is truly unmatched. It is a privilege to be part of the Swissridge team, especially because I’ve seen firsthand the exceptional effort that Sherry puts into every aspect of the kennel. Her commitment extends not only to the puppies, but also to the people who work with them. She is always available to guide, support, and share her expertise, and her dedication to the wellbeing of every puppy is extraordinary. No expense is ever spared to ensure that each furbaby has the very best start in life.
One of the most rewarding parts of my work is watching the puppies grow and learn. Each milestone from building confidence to mastering new skills is a reminder of how special this work truly is. Training, to me, goes beyond teaching commands; it’s about creating a bond that leaves an indelible mark on both the puppy and the trainer.
Being part of Swissridge means being part of something truly meaningful. SwissRidge is an organization built on love, care, and excellence. I am proud to contribute to its mission and grateful for the opportunity to help nurture and guide these puppies during such an important stage of their lives.
Michael
Puppy Imprint Trainer
I have been working with either dogs or horses for over 20 years, and as a dog trainer, I believe learning never stops. Every dog I work with teaches me something new, and I’m always expanding my knowledge to give each dog the best training experience possible. I stay up to date with the latest training methods, attend workshops, and study canine behavior so I can keep growing right alongside the dogs I train. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide variety of dogs, from energetic puppies just starting to learn about the world around them, to older dogs in need of guidance and structure. My experience as a dog trainer has taught me that every dog is unique, and helping them reach their potential requires patience, consistency, and a understanding of canine behavior.
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I have worked 8+ years with SwissRidge puppies. What I love most about my job is setting a solid foundation for each puppy before they go to their new homes. I’m able to teach them early skills such as crate training, basic commands, socialization, and confidence building. This not only makes the transition smoother for their new families but also gives the puppies the best start in life.
What makes this work so rewarding is knowing that I’m shaping a dog’s future right from the beginning. Puppies are like sponges, they are eager to learn, and guiding them during these formative weeks creates positive habits that last a lifetime.
Working alongside SwissRidge, I love having the chance to prepare these puppies and set them up for life with their new owners.
Erika
Puppy Imprint Trainer
I have worked as an imprinting trainer at Swissridge kennels since April 2019.
In my role, I have the privilege of working with puppies during their early stages of development focusing on socialization and obedience training that will lay the foundation for their future. Each of these elements plays a crucial role in ensuring the puppies are well-adjusted, responsive, and ready to transition smoothly into their forever homes.
What I love most about this job is the puppies themselves—their joy for life, their curiosity, and the happiness they bring to every day. Each puppy I work with brings something different to the table, and over the years, they’ve each taught me something unique. Some have helped me grow in patience, others in creativity, but all of them have deepened my passion for this work.
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Swissridge Kennels is an amazing place to work. The environment is welcoming, positive, and filled with people who genuinely love what they do. That shared passion for the dogs creates a special energy, and it’s something I feel grateful to be a part of every day. I always feel supported and valued.
This role has not only allowed me to develop as a trainer, but also as a person. I look forward to continuing this journey and contributing to the lives of the puppies and the families they’ll become a part of.