Jamie Diaz, Owner, CPDT-KA
Jamie Diaz is the new owner and Training Director of Lucky Dog Training Club. She has been passionately training dogs for over 15 years using strictly positive reinforcement/force free methods. She is a certified Dog Trainer with a CPDT-KA certification and is licensed under Victoria Stilwell. As part of Victoria Stilwell’s Positive Dog Training Team, Jamie is an ambassador for force free methods and serves as a mentor to aspiring force free trainers around the country.
She is also a certified K9 Nose work instructor, CGC evaluator, Trick Dog Certified Trainer, and is working on case studies for the Treat/Retreat Certification that focuses on dog to people reactivity. She is also proud to serve as an evaluator and instructor for the great new program C.L.A.S.S. which was formed by the APDT to promote training focused on the use of positive reinforcement and to strengthen relationships through positive training methods.
Jamie also owns Dynamite Dog Training, which currently has two training centers; the original location in Deerfield Beach that has been successfully operating for 10 years, and a second center in Delray Beach that has been in operation for 4 years now.
Kelly Evans, Facility Manager
Kelly Evans is a Certified Pet Nutritionist who studied at Colorado State and Holly & Hugo-an online accredited University. She has been practicing Pet Nutrition for 13 years. Her love for animals started very young. She was the kid who would rescue stray cats and dogs and hide them in her room-saving all of her dinner to feed them without her parents knowing…for at least a little bit anyway.
Her grandfather owned kennels in Hialeah where she observed the love her “Poppy” had for the greyhounds. She couldn’t wait to assist him in feeding them or sitting in their crates playing with the dogs.Her father started the K9 unit for Miami PD in the 70’s where she grew up with German Shepherds trained in German.. Her parents always thought she would be a veterinarian. In fact some people may recognize her from VCA where she worked back in 2014 in Coconut Creek or Koha where she was their staff Pet Nutritionist. In fact she found her passion for Pet Nutrition when she worked at Pawsch a free pet delivery service specializing in holistic dog food. Kelly advised customers on what food to feed their pets. Pawsch closed their doors in 2011. Seeing a niche market Kelly and her former husband decided to open their own Holistic Pet Store-The Paw Depot in Boca Raton.
Tonja “Toni” Fugate, Head Dog Trainer
Toni joined Dynamite Dog Training in 2021, bringing with her over 35 years of Dog Training experience. Toni specializes in Private sessions, Public group sessions, Basic through Advanced Obedience and Service Dog Training.
Prior to joining us, Toni worked for one of the Country’s largest Rescue Organizations in their Veteran’s PTSD Program, training Service Dogs and their Veteran Owner, as well as Managing the Adoption Unit. She was also a Level 3 Trainer for a Major Dog Training Corporation.
Toni is a Certified AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, AKC Star Puppy Test Administrator and AKC Community Canine Evaluator and continues her education by attending Seminars, networking with top rated Trainers and partaking in hands-on experience with many different breeds with unique challenges.
Alexis Morales, Dog Trainer
Alexis Morales joined the Lucky Dog Training team in June 2022, shortly after Jamie Diaz took over the operation. Equipped with nearly 10 years of experience interpreting and meeting the needs of dogs in his care and with equal passion for learning as for teaching, Alexis treats every interaction as a chance to connect and grow. Alexis aims to apply his unique experience and knowledge daily as a member of the Day Training team, where he and the rest of the team collaborate to draw the best out of each other and each client, canine and human.
Despite the amount of time he has worked with dogs, Alexis initially had plans of pursuing a degree in engineering. However, by the time Alexis had completed an associates degree in general engineering with a focus on systems, he had already fallen in love with working with dogs. His first job was at the local rescue where he volunteered during his high school years, but that was only the start. Even when his full-time job had nothing to do with dogs, he always made sure to keep a part-time job around them or he would volunteer at local shelters or rescues so he could stay connected to what he loved.
As fate would have it, Alexis found a way to marry his love for dogs and his passion for problem solving by jumping headfirst into the canine care industry once more. He would spend a large part of his early 20s working in various roles at various rescues and multiple dog resorts, even helping open a small dog only daycare in the heart of West Palm Beach. Drawing from the stories from his grandfather about life running a farm in his corner of the world and stories from his father about collecting firewood and never doing so alone because the local strays would gather and join him so he never felt unsafe in the woods of his hometown, Alexis knew the love for animals ran in his blood. This and the fact that he felt most alive engaging with his fellow animal lovers, whether they were co-workers, friends, or the parents to the animals he took care of every day, would lead him down a natural path to becoming a professional dog trainer.
Alexis finding himself at Lucky Dog Training Club would be the culmination of years spent trying to find a way to do what he loved in the most meaningful way. Here he received the opportunity to touch the lives of the dogs in his care in a way he had always aspired to, by focusing on the dog-owner relationship. Under the guidance of Jamie Diaz and with the support of the Lucky Dog team, Alexis hopes to enrich the lives of his students, canine and human, with an ever-growing set of tools and techniques based in bond building and positive reinforcement. From working with the team to develop training programs for individual dogs to helping dog owners connect with their dogs on a deeper level, Alexis takes pride in a lifelong commitment to achieving clear communication through mindful observation and action centered around three guiding principles of passion, engagement, and positive impact.
Jamie Devereaux, Dog Trainer
Meet Jaime Devereaux. She has been training since 2014 and is an Associate Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed and Fear Free Certified Trainer. She’s been in the shelter behavior world since 2017 and absolutely loves it!
Jaime says “I adore Pit Bulls and have always owned them. I’m a huge advocate of the breed and have donated my time and knowledge to rescues that have pulled bully breeds from high risk shelters”.
When she’s NOT training dogs. She’s hanging out with her human son, her Pit Bull and her cat (who’s the boss of everyone).
Noel Feher, Dog Trainer
Meet Noel Feher, a passionate and dedicated professional at Lucky Dog Training Club. With 7 years of experience in dog training, Noel has honed her skills to perfection. As a certified Canine Good Citizen instructor, she possesses the expertise to train dogs of all breeds and sizes, helping them become well-behaved and socially adaptable.
Noel’s love for animals extends beyond dogs. Having previously worked with Good Karma dog rescue, she understands the importance of providing care and support to animals in need. Her compassionate nature and unwavering commitment to animal welfare make her an invaluable asset to our team.
At 26 years old, Noel’s vibrant energy and colorful personality add a unique touch to our training club. You’ll easily spot her with her vibrant, colorful hair that perfectly matches her dynamic spirit. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her beloved American Eskimo, Nana, who holds a special place in her heart.
Cheryl VanVoorhies, Dog Trainer
Cheryl holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, as well as graduating from Jean Donaldson’s Academy for Dog trainers,regarded as the “ The Harvard school of dog training.”
A large part of her 35 year career was spent working with challenging students. This lead to a nice transition into her present career path. Cheryl started out assisting in Reactive dog class in 2008. She has lived the pain and triumph of living with a reactive dog of her own. This soon transitioned into her current position as a Veterinary Behavior Technician at Florida Veterinary Behavior Service, a veterinary behavior only specialty practice, where she has worked since 2012. She implements and troubleshoots all behavior modification treatment plans to ensure her patients success. She deals with many anxious and aggressive animals with a wide range of emotional disorders.
Cheryl has lectured at the largest Veterinary Conference in North America speaking about noise aversion, and a Veterinary Technician Summit addressing noise aversion and motion sickness. She also lectures locally on many dog-related topics.
Cheryl is also a certified dog Instructor at Lucky Dog Training Club where she teaches many classes such as puppy class, Nose Work, obedience, and Fido Fun and Games. Cheryl’s extensive education and training brings a nice balance when working with clients and their pets.
Nicole Schwenzer, Dog Trainer
Introducing Nicole Schwenzer, an experienced and compassionate professional at Lucky Dog Training Club. With a decade of dedicated work in the field of animal welfare, Nicole brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team. Having spent over a year as a trainer, she has honed her skills and techniques to ensure effective and positive training experiences for dogs and their owners. Nicole’s commitment to animal welfare extends beyond training. Her experience in various dog-related fields, including rescues, daycares, grooming, and veterinary boarding , has given her a comprehensive understanding of canine behavior and care.
At 29 years old, Nicole is driven by her passion for the arts, particularly drawing and music. This creative mindset allows her to approach dog training with a unique perspective, incorporating innovative techniques to enhance the learning process for both dogs and their owners. Her ability to think outside the box ensures that each training session is engaging, rewarding, and tailored to the individual needs of every dog. Nicole’s ultimate goal is to offer a bridge of communication between pets and their families, providing them with comprehensive training, setting them up for lifelong success, and lasting bonds. Her unstoppable dedication to this cause shines through in every interaction she has with her furry clients.
Join Nicole on a mission of discovery, where artistry meets dog training, and together we can create harmonious relationships between dogs and their human companions. With her expertise and passion, Nicole is here to guide you towards a fulfilling and lifelong bond with your furry friends
Declan Jolowski, Handler (Junior Trainer)
Meet Declan, a 26-year-old dog enthusiast with a profound love for all animals. Currently employed as a dog handler, he is fueled by a deep passion for working with dogs and is on a determined path to becoming a skilled dog trainer. From a young age, Declan has been a devoted dog owner, cherishing the companionship and joy that canines bring into our lives. With over three years of experience working with dogs professionally, and volunteering with multiple dog rescues, he possesses a wealth of knowledge and hands-on expertise in handling various breeds and temperaments.
Beyond his affinity for dogs, Declan possesses a diverse range of interests that showcase his love for the animal kingdom. Previously, he spent his time cultivating a passion for reptiles. This experience has fostered his keen eye for observation and attention to detail, valuable skills that translate seamlessly into his work with dogs. With an undeniable connection to nature, Declan finds solace and inspiration in the ocean. Considered quite the aquarist, he relishes in the intricate beauty and tranquility that underwater ecosystems offer. This innate appreciation for aquatic life further enhances his ability to understand and empathize with the world of animals.
Join Declan on his journey as he combines his dedication, expertise, and profound affection for animals to make a difference, one wagging tail at a time.
Mindy Cox, B.S., CPDT-KSA
Mindy Cox, is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, a Professional Member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), a Certified Fear Free Professional, and has been working with dogs for decades. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Cornell University and pursued her master’s degree in veterinary anatomy from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.
Mindy is the founder of Lucky Dog Training Club in Jupiter, FL. And while she has since moved on to other ventures, she remains involved in Lucky Dog activities and you’ll still find her running training sessions at the training center. She is also a founder and instructor at Dog Nerds, LLC, an educational company that creates online courses to help owners solve dog behavior issues. Learn more about Dog Nerds.
Mindy has had the good fortune of training under and learning from some of the top dog experts in the world. She continues to attend continuing education lectures and seminars to expand her expertise in dog behavior and has worked successfully with many dog owners in private consultations to help modify behavior problems including fear and aggression.
Lisa Radosta, DVM, DACVB: Special Visiting Instructor
Dr. Radosta has been helping owners positively alter their pet’s behavior for many years, first as a dog trainer druing her college years, later as a veterinary behavior consultant and currently as a board certified veterinary behaviorist.
Dr. Radosta is a native of Florida. She graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000. Following graduation, she completed a one-year small animal medicine and surgery internship. She continued to practice in South Florida as a small animal veterinarian with a special interest in small animal behavior cases for the next 2 years.
In 2006, she completed a three-year residency in Behavioral Medicine at the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. She received multiple research awards during her residency. With Mindy, she is the co-founder of Dog Nerds, an online dog behavior solutions site. Visit her website to find out more about her practice or to schedule a private consultation.