With over 15 years of experience working with dogs of all breeds and temperaments, I specialize in behavior modification, off-leash control, and advanced training for emotional support and psychiatric service dogs. I’ve built a reputation for tackling the tough cases—dogs with reactivity, aggression, anxiety, or poor recall—and helping their owners achieve lasting, real-world results.

As the co-founder of America’s K-9 Caring Angels, I’ve worked with everyone from first-time pet owners to veterans and first responders. Before launching our for-profit training business, I played a key role in building our nonprofit (founded by my wonderful wife Sonny Madsen), which places psychiatric service dogs with veterans and facility dogs with fire and police departments across the country.

My approach is practical, structured, and rooted in communication. I don’t just train dogs—I teach owners how to lead with confidence and build a relationship that works everywhere: at home, in public, and off leash.

As the original driving force behind America’s K-9 Caring Angels, I’ve spent over 15 years building this organization from the ground up—developing our training programs, shaping our philosophy, and working hands-on with dogs and clients across the country.

From day one, my focus has been on understanding canine behavior at its core—from reactivity and aggression to anxiety and confidence-building. I’ve trained hundreds of dogs for families, veterans, and first responders, and I’ve helped lead the development of our specialized programs for psychiatric service dogs, facility dogs, and emotional support animals.

I believe every dog has potential—and every owner deserves clear, honest guidance to unlock it. Whether I’m working with a first-time puppy owner or preparing a service dog for life-changing placement, I train with both purpose and precision.

This isn’t just a job for me—it’s what I’ve built my life around, and I’m proud to have helped create a program that transforms dogs, supports people, and leaves lasting impact in every community we serve.

As the Office Manager and first point of contact at America’s K-9 Caring Angels for the past five years, I help clients find the right training program for their dogs by understanding their goals and matching them with the best fit. I’ve worked with hundreds of families and dog owners, guiding them through every step of our process—from evaluation to graduation.

Along the way, I’ve developed a strong working knowledge of dog behavior and training principles, and I’m proud to be both staff and a client. My Doberman Pinscher, Kitt, was trained through America’s K-9 Caring Angels and is often recognized for her exceptional obedience and demeanor.

Whether you're just starting out or navigating behavioral challenges, I’m here to make your experience smooth, supportive, and stress-free.

With five years of experience working with animals—including time in a veterinary setting—McKayla found her true calling in dog training nearly two years ago with America’s K‑9 Caring Angels.

Driven by her love for dogs and a deep desire to be hands-on in their care, McKayla excels in building calm, confident partnerships between dogs and their families. Her favorite breed is the Alaskan Klee Kai, yet she’s equally at ease working with all types of dogs—especially her own Border Collie mix, Maizie.

McKayla combines patient guidance, structured training techniques, and a warm, empathetic approach to help dogs and owners overcome challenges and strengthen their bond. Her blend of vet knowledge and real-world training makes her an invaluable part of the team.

I’ve spent my life doing what I love—working with animals. I grew up helping in my family’s kennel, where I learned the foundations of training scent hounds. From there, I moved on to training horses, but ultimately found my true calling in working with dogs.

Over the years, I’ve gained experience with a wide range of training methods and behavior issues. I’ve worked extensively with reactive and aggressive dogs, helping them overcome challenging behaviors and become more balanced and adoptable. I also spent time training agility dogs, handling ex-police and military K9s, and working with rescues to prepare dogs for adoption.

With a background in everything from obedience and agility to behavior modification, I pride myself on being able to evaluate each dog individually and build a training plan that fits their unique needs. Helping dogs and their people succeed is what drives me every day.

With nearly a decade of experience in dog and pet sitting, I’ve always loved working with animals—but training became my passion when I started working with America’s K-9 Caring Angels nearly two years ago. After spending time with so many dogs that needed help, I realized I wanted to be part of the solution—to help them live their best lives.

I’ve also trained my own service dog, a 2-year-old Pit/Boxer mix, and currently have a second dog at home, a Shepherd/Pit/Boxer mix. I grew up surrounded by all kinds of dogs—rescues, working breeds, and mixes of all sizes—so I’m comfortable connecting with dogs of every temperament and background.

Helping people understand their dogs, build stronger bonds, and see real progress is what keeps me motivated every day.

Olivia brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role—beginning with her foundational work at Sit Means Sit, where she became adept at tackling leash manners, obedience, and behavior challenges in dogs of all ages and temperaments.

She notably trained Wilson, the facility dog celebrated in Tennessee after being officially welcomed by the fire department—showcasing her skill in preparing dogs for high-profile, real-world roles.

Since joining America’s K-9 Caring Angels, Olivia has seamlessly transitioned her expertise to our mission, working with dogs and handlers across all levels—whether for basic obedience, reactive cases, or facility dog placements. Clients value her calm and clear communication style, which transforms both dog behavior and owner confidence. Her hands-on dedication ensures every dog is well-prepared for life in any environment.