Meet Our Staff

Vanessa Armstrong, Owner

Vanessa’s professional experience includes forty years as a trainer and show handler, showing and breeding Akitas. She is skilled in dog obedience training, puppy training, and behavior modification techniques for troubled dogs. Vanessa owned and operated a horse stable business in Howard County, Maryland. She offered boarding and training for over twenty horses, horseback riding lessons, and summer camp for children aged seven to fourteen. Vanessa has developed her training philosophies from a life lived with dogs and a love of learning. she has spent years gathering information about dogs and techniques from other trainers and dog behaviorists. "My best teachers by far have been the Dogs themselves".

Ashley Earnest, Kennel Manager

Ashley's love for animals has stemmed from childhood and grew into a career. Her family at home currently consists of her energetic Husky/Heeler mix, Kubo, who you've probably seen floating around the farm, and two very rambunctious kittens, along with a variety of different types of snakes, reptiles, and fish. Along with her home experience, she has previous experience with kennel maintenance and dealing with all kinds of dog behavior at animal control.

Kyrie Bonafede, Office Manager

Kyrie started volunteer work caring for animals at the ripe age of 12, which also led to her first job in the animal care field. She has over 10 years of experience in kennel maintenance to assisting in medical procedures. She is happy to be a part of the WGTTD team and is looking forward to getting to know you and your pups!

Madelyn Padgett, Assistant Kennel Manager

Madelyn's love for dogs started as a child. She has worked with animals for over 4 years starting as a dog bather. She has owned and handled many pets over her lifetime and looks forward each day to working with and meeting new dogs.

Kelsey Norton, Groomer

Kelsey is new to the world of dog care but has been a life long animal lover. As a Carroll County native and background in food service she's a quick learner and loves soaking up all the puppy kisses!

Karen Sorto, Playgroup Supervisor

Karen absolutely adores any animal in sight. When she's not working, she spends most of her time outside in the shop with her two dogs or playing inside with her two cats! She's very happy to be a part of the We've Gone to the Dogs team! - And we are very happy to have her!

Connie Kalcevic, Playgroup Supervisor

Connie has a passion for dogs, a love for cats, and chocolate cupcakes. She hopes to one day own a miniature horse and donkey. Her husband, Mike, and herself have been together for 10 years and together they have 4 dogs and 2 cats.