OUR TEAM

Katrina Kensington

Phillip Kensington "PK"

I didn’t grow up with dogs but I have always loved animals and found a unique connection with dogs more than people in many ways. I always found comfort in being around dogs and still do to this day. Katrina introduced me to canine training in 2014. We always believed in helping people and living life to the fullest so we started KeenDog to reflect those principles and passions. 

I grew up around martial arts and sports and started teaching when I was a teenager. I learned discipline, attention to detail, how to relate and find common ground with people from all walks of life and how to set and achieve goals. 

I love to hang with my wife, daughter and our dog crew. I run with our Golden and train at Crossfit. I absolutely love training protection dogs and love the rush of a dog running at you at 30mph. 

Dogs have done so much for our lives; it is my goal to help as many dogs as possible and enhance the lives they lead with their owners.  KeenDog training is not like any other training because it’s a lifestyle for both dog and owner where they are eager to set an example for the canine-human bond through growth, learning and enjoying life in tandem.

Rachel Williams

Hey, hey! Rachel Williams here, and let me just say…if you’re looking for a team of amazing individuals that all share the same fiery passion for training dogs, then look no further. I’m more proud to be a member of the KeenDog team than ever before. I started my training journey when I worked for a franchise dog daycare and boarding facility back in 2015. I loved spending my days surrounded by dogs, but I wanted to do more. I completed 2 certification courses and began taking on clients, only to realize that I was in over my head. Lots of behavior issues came through the door that I was not equipped to handle. I decided to look elsewhere and came across KeenDog. I interned for about 2 months and quickly fell in love with the message and lifestyle that we continue to spread to dog owners all over the greater Charlotte area, and even across the US.

One thing I’ve learned in this industry, is that having an open mind to training methods, ideas and techniques is key. Training isn’t one size fits all. Fast forward a bit, Katrina and I discovered the crazy world of working dogs and fell in love with that also. I have a house full of German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois and truly can’t imagine living any other way. Oh yeah, can’t forget my two cats! They are great assistants when it comes to distractions and impulse control. When I’m not training my lovely clients on how to be a better handler, you can find me hiking with my dogs, training with JASD PSA club, or hanging with my training family.

Jenna Rabel

Jenna’s specialty is working with puppies. Building bold, confident puppies is what we are all about and Jenna loves being a part of the puppy raising process with clients. Building a confident puppy right off the bat makes a huge impact on both the life of the dog and owners.

Cash, a beagle mix, is her OG dog. Since becoming a KeenDog trainer, she has added three more dogs to her family. Chili, a Belgian Malinois, and Basil and Pistachio, Australian Shepherds from Southern Soul Australian Shepherds. She has a big family of four dogs to go adventuring with! Hiking and romping around on the beach is the favorite among the fam. They all also love a good game with the ball.

Lilly Staudt

Lilly’s love for animals started at a very young age. When her family hired a professional dog trainer to come to their house weekly to train their puppy when she was 12, she ran with the information presented to her and started exercising her new found love for dog training. She began volunteering at rescues- fostering dogs, dog walking, and pet sitting. After receiving her BS in Exercise Science in 2016, she adopted her first dog, Seamus, an American Staffordshire Terrier Mix. He required more skill and training than she was originally equipped for, it was through overcoming this challenge that she renewed her passion for dog training.

She had been studying to go to grad school, but put those plans on hold once her real calling became clear. She began shadowing other dog trainers in the Charlotte area, learning through webinars, participating in seminars, and listening to podcasts to further her education. Fast forward 5 years, Lilly became an intern for KeenDog. It’s her goal to make strong relationships with her clients to effectively coach them and their dog. Lilly treats every dog with the same love and care as she does her own Seamus and takes pride in seeing every one of her “students” succeed!

Kat Minerva

Hi! My name is Kat and I like dogs!

I’ve worked with dogs for almost 10 years and am still amazed I can make a career out of something I love so much! I got my start in the dog world in 2012 while I was still in college. I dabbled in dog training while working for a boarding/training facility but I wasn’t too keen (see what I did there) on the methods used. So, I decided to see what else was out there within the industry. Since then, I worked with rescues/shelters, low cost clinics, a full service veterinary hospital and a few kennels in between. Through all these outlets, there was a common denominator that continued to frustrate me: lack of proper training. This can not only create behavior problems for a dog, but additionally, prohibits owners from living their best life with their dog(s). I wanted to coach owners so they could not only have a well behaved dog, but also have stronger relationships with their furry companions. 

When I acquired my second dog, Mako, I invested a lot more time getting out to train and rediscovered how much I love training dogs. Through Mako’s original owner, Rachel, I discovered KeenDog and fell in love with their style of training. When the opportunity came, I jumped at the chance to participate in their internship and learn so much more. And here I am now. I have the opportunity to make my passion a career and surround myself with a team that helps me grow everyday! Mako and my older dog, Anne, enjoy the lifestyle as much as I do. As for my cat, Mae, she tolerates the canine visitors and helps out with impulse control and neutrality during training. When we aren’t out training (or hanging) with the team, we enjoy hiking, camping, and getting out on the water. When I have some free time away from the dogs, I get back out on the field hockey field to relive my glory days! 

Nicole Sudol

Meagan Karas

Lydia Bittner-Baird

Molly Kuekes

Emily Harris

Like many dog trainers, Emily discovered her love of training after adopting a difficult rescue dog and winding up in over her head. She employed the help of KeenDog trainer, Rachel, to set her rottweiler bully mix, Samson, up for success, and quickly fell head over heels in love with training.

Craving more, Emily decided to leave the corporate world behind and join our team as a trainer in 2020. Along the way, Emily found a passion for dog sports. She has dabbled in scent detection, tracking, barn hunt, and dock diving. 

Now based out of Denver, CO, Emily works remotely as our office manager while caring for her two young sons. When not working, Emily and her crew can be found in the mountains, hiking, camping, or backpacking.

Drew Thomason

He has three dogs: Luna, the mutt that started it all, Ginger, an Airedale Terrier with an elaborate sense of humor, and Witcher, a Belgian Malinois that he competes with in PSA.