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".

Barbara Gibson, Playgroup Supervisor

Barbara has worked in the animal industry for many years now! The love for her own two dogs inspired her to pursue her passion of animals. Her favorites are the littles so you can find her hanging out in agility field most of the time!

Kayla Smith, Playgroup Supervisor

Kayla is from Carroll County and has always loved spending time with all animals - especially dogs since they're the most fun and energetic. Having dogs at home, all breeds and sizes has made working at WGTTD a natural fit.

Joseph Hay, Playgroup Supervisor

Joseph is a Carroll County local and was raised on a farm in the area. He has always enjoyed working with animals - especially dogs. He enjoys spending time outside. Here's Joseph posing with staff favorites Red and Gunner!

Fran Crawford, Office Manager

Frances is an avid animal person - active with Double Dog Dare Rescue. She is also a horse woman who enjoys showing. She has three dogs of her own - Levon, Minnie and Conrad, 2 of whom are rescues. Fran manages all of our reservations and office work, often with the help of a few of our daycare pups.

Kelsey Norton, Playgroup Supervisor

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!

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 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.

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.

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.

We've Gone To The Dogs

443-536-5772

1219 Old Taneytown Rd

Westminster, MD 21158

[email protected]