Instructors
Jeff Bothelo
Agility Instructor
Jeff has been training and competing in agility for more than 10 years. He utilizes a variety of handling methods and teaching techniques for training and competing.
Some of his major accomplishments is that he is a 4-time American Kennel Club Agility Nationals finalist (20 inch). He has also competed internationally and was a member of the 2018 American Kennel FCI World Team Member and 2019 European Open Team (large dog division).
Diane Gregoire
Puppy Performance Agility Instructor
Diane has been training and competing with dogs since 1995 with her dog, Aylmere Afterglow, “Kindle” AX, AXJ, CD, Ad, OJC OAC, NGC at the FIRST agility trial at the Shetland Sheepdog National.
Diane has trained and competed with many dogs since 1995. She has attended multiple regional and national events.
Diane’s love of dogs is demonstrated through her talent and patience with her training partners.
Michele Levitt
Puppy K & Family Dog
Michele has been training dogs for over 15 years. Her first dog was a Jack Russel Terrier who developed behavioral issues and taught Michele about different training methods and the importance of socializing and foundation training. He inspired Michele to be a better trainer and become involved with performance sports.
Michele started in agility over 10 years ago with her Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Riley…
Kari L. Lavalli, Ph.D.
CGC & Trick Dog Instructor
While Kari has owned a number of dogs since her teenage years (Doberman, Siberian Huskies, Border Collie), it wasn’t until 2007 that she got her first competition Portuguese Water Dog, named Asta. She co-owned Asta with her breeder and titled her in venues ranging from obedience and rally to tricks to scentwork and some low-level agility. Her breeder and Kari then co-bred Asta from 2009 to 2014.
Pam Kimel
Obedience Instructor
Pam Kimel has been involved in Obedience since 1986, when she got her first yellow Lab, Magic, who went on to get a UD title and got Pam hooked on obedience. She has been blessed to share her life with a number of great dogs, each of whom has taught her something different and helped to make her a better trainer and competitor. Pam has put UD titles on 5 dogs, with 2 of those dogs earning a UDX and one achieving the OTCH title. In addition, she competes in Rally, Agility, Hunt Tests, and Dock Diving. Her current dogs are yellow lab girls: Fresca (13 years old and retired), Fanta (hoping to get a UDX) and TaB (1 year old in training).
Pam believes in breaking down skills into small pieces to set dogs up for success, being flexible in training methods, and most of all making training fun for both handlers and dogs.
Derrike Lacross
Basic Obedience Instructor
Derrike has been training and handling working breed dogs for 10+ years. Starting with basic obedience and dock diving, He quickly progressed to advanced competition style obedience and other forms of advanced training. Derrike likes to challenge both himself his dogs and spread the knowledge he attains. He is a certified USCA Helper and competes at a high level in the sport of Schutzhund. Being able to work as a cohesive unit with as much balance as possible is always my goal with any dog. Positive reinforcement paired with well timed, fair corrections, is the recipe to success and a great relationship between Handler and K9.
Carolyn Close, CCFT, KPA-CPT, M.Ed
K9 Fitness Instructor
Carolyn completed the University of Tennessee Certified Canine Fitness Trainer program earning her fitness trainer certification. She is a member of Bobbie Lyons K9FITteam, a team of passionate canine fitness trainers who continually learn and expand their fitness knowledge and skills. She is also a Certified Training Partner with the Karen Pryor Academy, skilled in positive teaching and training techniques.
Aside from fitness training, Carolyn has enjoyed training and competing with her dogs in agility since 1998. They also enjoy trick training and love to spend time outdoors exploring new places to hike and swim. When she is not training dogs she is found in the classroom teaching literacy and elementary education.
The most certain way to succeed is always to try one more time
~ Zig Ziglar
Kathy Sayles
Puppy Instructor
Kathy’s passion is helping you to learn to communicate with your dog and understand their behaviors. She believes dogs bring so much joy to our lives and through training you will strengthen your relationship and build and incredible bond.
Kathy has over 25 years of dog training experience including teaching group pet classes, private lessons and running an in-home training business. She is also an AKC CGC and Trick Evaluator.
Kathy enjoys competing with her many Labrador Retrievers over the years in AKC Obedience and Rally, NADAC Agility and CDSP Obedience.
To book a private lesson with one of our instructors, please fill out the Contact Form or contact us at info@agilityrushk9.com