Dave Cardwell has been with Leader of the Pack since September of 2007.  Little did he know when he contracted to work with us just a couple hours a week back then, that he would become such an integral part of our family. 

 

A previous corporate IT manager, Dave has become a key member of our team acting as Director of Operations, DaySchool Supervisor and whatever 'hat' needs to be worn at any given time. 

 

When not crunching the numbers, building dog beds, or planning the next facility improvement, Dave can usually be found surrounded by 'his girls' at DaySchool. 

 

He currently shares his living quarters with three dogs (Taylor, Otis and Luke), one cat (Peabody), eighty fish (too many for names) and one appreciative dog trainer.

 

 

 

 

 

Ana Gadea has been Doggy DaySchool's Friday teacher since June of 2007.  A full time veterinarian technician, Ana loves our dogs so much, she wants to spend her day off with them.  And they love her too!!!

 

A true dog whisperer, Ana commands respect simply by entering a room.  Her energetic, cheerful presence is always a favorite of dogs and owners and her knowledge of dog behavior and health issues, makes her a vital member of our team. 

 

When not caring for animals either at Leader of the Pack or the East Marietta Animal Hospital, Ana can usually be found at Red Top Mountain, hiking and swimming with her two adopted darlings, Diego and Lucas.

 

 

 

 

Karen started volunteering at DaySchool in 2008 after leaving the corporate world. Her two shelties, (Iris and Lucy) had been attending DaySchool for several years prior.  She liked our dogs so much, and we liked her so much, that we contracted her services and now she is an official member of our team.

 

A life long animal lover, Karen's subtle sense of humor, calm disposition and natural 'dog sense' makes her a welcome addition to our DaySchool team.

 

Originally from Birmingham, Karen has two adult sons, one currently living in England and one in Huntsville, AL.  Along with her two shelties, Karen also lives with two very entertaining kittens Gracie and Katie.

 

 

 

 

Leader of the Pack was founded by Karen Williams.  She is a graduate of Georgia State University majoring in communications/education and received her Dog Educator/Trainer Certification after graduating from an accredited State of Georgia Post Secondary Institution.

 

After volunteering for local humane associations and witnessing first hand how the lack of training can literally destroy a dog's life, she left her 12 year career as a corporate training facilitator and project manager to pursue her passion for dogs.

 

Karen has been training dogs and their people in group and private sessions for over twelve years.  She has trained dogs for obedience, puppy development, AKC and UKC competitions and Canine Good Citizen certification.  Her goal is to educate dog owners on how to communicate with their dogs, turning problem dogs into great family companions.

 

Karen now shares her home with three mixed breed adopted dogs (Taylor, Otis and Luke), one cat (Peabody), lots of fish and one very patient 'good guy'.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Morgan Groce has been with Leader of the Pack since June of 2007.  Full time veterinarian technician and student at Southern Poly Tech, Morgan works with us during her breaks from school, and everyone loves her. 

 

Morgan will soon be leaving us to go to veterinary school, and will truly be missed.  Until that time we will enjoy her pretty smile, cheerful attitude and extensive dog health and behavior experience.

 

When not caring for animals either at East Marietta Animal Hospital or Leader of the Pack, or studying to get into vet school, Morgan can be found relaxing at home in East Cobb with her cat and rabbit.

 

 

 

 

Brenda Nelson began grooming dogs in 1976, when she apprenticed with Lynette Wallace at the Dogpatch.  Brenda received her Professional Pet Groomer Certification and in 1983 opened her own grooming facility, The Grooming Gallery located in Marietta.  

 

In November of 2008, Brenda teamed up with Leader of the Pack as an independent contractor and moved her grooming services to the current location.

 

Brenda has cared for generations of family pets for the same clients over the years.  Some of her long time clients will travel several hours to bring their dogs to her.  Her experience and true caring manner makes her vital member of the Leader of the Pack team.

 

Brenda's family includes her salukis, italian greyhounds, chihuahuas, and a variety of pet birds.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retired engineer and business owner Howard Atkinson, joined Leader of the Pack as an independent contractor in August of 2009, and what a great asset he is.  Howard, an Atlanta native (far and few between these days), has been an animal lover all his life.  For the past four years he has been pursuing his interest is dog behavior.  Prior to joining 'The Pack', he could be spotted in local neighborhoods walking up to five dogs.  His quiet, gentle, authoritative demeanor makes him a natural leader and all our dogs adore him.

 

Howard wears multiple hats at Leader of the Pack.  He supervises DaySchool activities, walks dogs, pet sits, assists in training and does just about anything else he is asked to do....always with a smile. 

 

Howard has five children and 11 grand children.  Howard lives in East Cobb with his wife Gloria, two adopted basset hounds (Buford and Velvet),  one very sweet mixed breed (Lyla) and two cats (Tigger and Smokey).

 

 

 

 

 

 

From the moment Jessica walked into our facility, we knew she was a perfect fit for our family.  Full time student at Kennesaw State University, Jessica works mornings as a dayschool supervisor and grooming assistant.  Her energy, outgoing personality and take charge attitude is a welcome asset.

 

Originally from Chattanooga, TN, Jessica will be graduating from KSU in spring of 2012, majoring in Criminal Justice.  After graduating, she plans on continuing to work in a field involving animals.

 

When not studying or caring for dogs at 'the pack', Jessica enjoys rock climbing and hiking with her two dogs, Buddha and Sony.