Farm Hands & Other Helpful Humans

Kathleen Carlson, CPCT, Operations Manager
You name it, Kathleen has done it: born and raised in Rockford, for over ten years she has pretty much keeps things running smoothly for Meyer’s. Her first love was her seven-toed cat, Fisher (named for the potato chips). But Gwen Meyer has introduced her to Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, so Kathleen owns Lucy and Squash and has added another cat, Ethel, to the family. Other interests include frogs, photography, gardening and her human family.

Office

Jordan Molenda, Office Manager
Jor, as we have come to know her, joined the Meyer’s team in 2008. She has been a welcome addition — full of creativity and ideas. Jor welcomes every client and makes our guests feel right at home. She loves traveling, reading and spending time with Paul, her husband, friends and family. Growing up, Jor developed an early interest in animals and has been “owned” by several cats and a spoodle (poodle/spitz mix), Mitzi. Now she enjoys her two dogs Tess and Pheobe.

Amy Henry, Assistant Manager

Amy joined the gang at Meyer’s in the spring of 2003. Before coming to Meyer’s, Amy worked at a veterinary in Wisconsin for three years. In addition, she has a degree in sociology, which, she points out, has proven useful in her work with her two rescue dogs. Along with canines, Amy enjoys movies, yoga and traveling. She spends her time off with her husband, Sean, daughter, Morgan and son, Declan.

Lodging

Barb McIntosh, Playtime Provider, Canine Swim Coach
Barb is every dog’s favorite staff member. She makes sure the dogs get their time to play, run and walk while they lodge with us. Her favorite breed is the Boxer, and if she ever has time, she’s going to take her own dog through obedience and agility.

Hannah Cornelius, Kennel Technician
Hannah has been working with our staff since the fall of 2007. She has a calm demeanor that animals respond to extremely well. A student at NIU allows Hannah to continue helping with all the furry friends in her spare time. A Jack Russell Terrier mix is Hannah’s current companion, but she has an interest in Greyhounds, too. She spends her free time reading books and watching movies.

Daycare

Jordan Peterson, Daycare Coordinator
Jordan started working in the kennel in 2003 and quickly became involved in numerous additional areas at Meyer’s. She has dug in her heals as Meyer’s Doggy Daycare Coordinator. Her sense of order and numerous great ideas have been an asset to everyone. Jordan loves spending time with her family and cat. She enjoys the outdoors and plans to someday have a dog that will share her passion.

Kathy Harmer, Daycare Instructor
The dogs love her, and she loves them! Kathy started out showing Alaskan Malamutes. Then she discovered the Hungarian Vizsla. For 30 years she has competed with her Vizslas in conformation and obedience. As a sideline, Kathy’s a dog photographer. She has been with Meyer’s since 2002.

Sandy Czarnowski, Daycare Instructor
Sandy has been with Meyer’s for over ten years. With four CDs and two CDXs, Sandy is a qualified trainer. Together with her Labrador Retrievers, Sandy is a respected contender in the field of obedience. She also trains in flyball and agility. A former special education teacher, she has a master’s degree in education, likes to read, garden and travel, and spend time with her husband, Bob. Come in and ask Sandy about her new Boykin Spaniel.

Grooming

Dianna Recoy, Grooming Manager
With a Miniature Poodle and Rough Collies as her breeds of choice, Dianna must enjoy grooming — and indeed she does! In fact, she takes part in grooming competitions. With the help of her assistant stylists, she makes all pets look their best. When Diana is not busy making pets look beautiful; she applies her artistic eye to various projects at Meyer’s.

Training

Marilyn Johnson, Meyer’s Training Coordinator, Training Instructor
In 1996, Marilyn and her Old English Sheep dog enrolled in a pet store’s obedience class. She liked it. The next year she began working at a veterinary, where she learned a good deal about canine health care. During that time she got her first AKC registered Sheltie, a rescue dog. China was considered unfit to compete, but in 1999 Marilyn showed her to a Companion Dog title in only three trials. A year later, aiming to get more training experience, she came to work for Meyer’s. In addition to coordinating our training classes, Marilyn teaches puppy classes year round. She, her Sheltie, Skittles, and her new companion, a Papillon, are currently working on obedience, agility and tracking titles. By the way, if you phone Meyer’s and a pretty voice answers, that’s Marilyn.

Bob Czarnowski, Trainer, Canine Swim Coach
A retired computer systems manager, Bob wanted a part time job, to keep busy. Since his wife, Sandy, works at the kennel and Meyer’s had an opening, Bob was ready and willing to help. He currently teaches the rally class at Meyer’s and swim lessons in the warm months. His breed is Labs, with whom he participates in obedience competition, hunt tests and dock diving. Bob likes computers, music and travel—especially when it involves camping and fishing.