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Wildrose Kennels Staff

Mike Stewart: President, Wildrose Kennels

With forty years of association with dogs, pointers, flushers, retrievers, as well as hounds and obedience companion dogs Mike developed the Wildrose facilities creating a comprehensive gundog-training program focused exclusively on the English Labrador, specifically for the wingshooter and outdoor enthusiasts. He developed the unique, positive, training methodology, "The Wildrose Way," which is being recognized across the country. Over the past nine years, he has appeared in a variety of television programming featuring retriever training including "The World of Ducks," with Drake and Deke, the Ducks Unlimited mascots, " Benelli's American Bird Hunter," The American Sportsman," and other sporting programs. He has produced a series of best-selling DVDs, for hunting dog training, "The Gentleman's Gundog" series. Mike retired as Chief of Police, University of Mississippi in 2000 after a 25-year career in law enforcement, a graduate of the University of Mississippi with a BPA and MCJ, as well as the FBI National Academy in 1989. He retired from the US Navy Reserves as a Commander in 2005 with nine years as a NCIS credentialed agent.

Cathy Stewart: Vice President, Wildrose Kennels

Cathy is a retired educator with twenty years of classroom experience and ten years of teaching on the University level. She obtained her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction in 1995 and became certified with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in 1997. For twenty years Cathy directed the annual Faulkner and Yoknaptawpha Conference at the University of Mississippi, which brought people from around the world to study William Faulkner in his hometown. Cathy is the business manager and sales coordinator for Wildrose. She brings her experience in education, curriculum and instruction, and event organizational skills to Wildrose to enhance its mission.

Lanette Drewrey: Veterinarian Technician and Manager of Health Care Services

Lanette joined Wildrose in June of 2002, as an animal health care specialist and was promoted to veterinarian technician in February, 2004. While pursuing a biology degree at the University of Mississippi, Lanette worked part time, as vet tech, for the Lafayette Animal Clinic from January, 1999 through February, 2004, assisting in surgery and on farm calls. Currently, Lanette supervises the Wildrose husbandry programs and health care for our sires and dams along with the dogs in training. She also provides management support for retail and administrative services.

Jeremy Criscoe: Senior Trainer and Manager of Facilities and Grounds

Jeremy, formerly from Arab, Alabama, had his first exposure to dog training with his grandfather and father training German Short Haired Pointers. From there Jeremy joined the Navy and continued training dogs in Norfolk, Virginia, where he was stationed. After leaving the Navy he returned home to Alabama where he began training retrievers professionally for both hunting and hunt tests. Jeremy joined the Wildrose pack in April of 2005 as a trainer. Currently, a senior trainer, he also serves as manager for facilities and grounds supervising the support staff for facility management.

Mary Lee Ward: Retail Manager, Information Technology Coordinator

Mary Lee is the E-commerce and retail sales manager for Wildrose Trading Company, responsible for store retailing and online sales. She is the coordinator for informational systems for kennel operations and directs recreational activities and special events at the Oxford facility. She graduated from Ole Miss in 2009 with a bachelor degree in Park and Recreation Management. Mary Lee began working parttime for Wildrose in January of 2007. She returned in September, 2009, to Wildrose from Amelia Islands Plantation, Florida, where she coordinated recreational activities for the resort.

Ben Summerall: Trainer

Ben is currently attending The University of Mississippi, where he is majoring in Biology. He began training dogs on the amateur level in January of 2002. Ben first began work for Wildrose in May of 2005, as a kennel assistant. After gaining experience working a number of started pups, Ben became a full time trainer in March of 2008. His duties currently include retriever training, assisting with health care services, and technical support. Ben came to us from Rome, Georgia, while attending Ole Miss.

James Skipper: Trainer

James "Skip" Skipper, formerly senior trainer of dolphins at Sea World's Discovery Cove, Orlando, Florida, joined the Wildrose staff in Oxford in May, 2009. Skip has been a professional animal trainer for 14 years training California Sea Lions, Harbour Seals, Beluga Whales, West Indian Manatees, Bottlenosed Dolphins and other exotic animals. He conducted multiple, interactive sessions with visitors to Discovery Cove on a daily basis. Skip is a master diver and an avid waterfowler. Skip brings to Wildrose his knowledge and experience as a positive animal trainer to the Wildrose Way.

Patrick Allen: Assistant Trainer

Patrick comes to us from Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He began working for Wildrose in August of 2007 as a kennel assistant and trainer apprentice and was promoted to Assistant Trainer in 2008 when he began working full-time for Wildrose. Patrick is authorized to participate in our Super Learner Backgrounding program for puppies and assists in training retrievers and adventure dogs.

Blake Henderson: Keeper

Blake attends The University of Mississippi, studying business management. He began working for Wildrose as a part-time kennel assistant in January, 2007. He was promoted to Keeper in 2008 with responsibilities that include maintenance, facilities, grounds and exercising sires and dams. He's also authorized to participate in our Super Learner Backgrounding program for puppies.

Steven Lucius: Kennelman

Steven is a part-time kennelman at Wildrose and is a legacy following his brother, Charlie Lucius, who worked three years at Wildrose as a Kennelman and a year and a half as a full-time trainer. Originally from Marietta, Georgia, Steven entered college at the University of Mississippi in the fall of 2007, where he is a business marketing major. Steven began working for Wildrose in March of 2008 as a part-time, kennel assistant. He's authorized to participate in our Super Learner Backgrounding program for puppies.

Dusty Mauffray: Kennelman

Dusty is from Gulfport, Mississippi and is currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Economics with a minor in Journalism at the University of Mississippi. He began working at Wildrose Kennels in August, 2008 and is a part-time kennelman. He's authorized to participate in our Super Learner Backgrounding program for puppies.

Benton Hilbun: Kennel Assistant

Benton lives in Tupelo, Mississippi and currently works on grounds and kennel care. He has previous experience with a local veterinarian in Tupelo prior to joining Wildrose.

Adel Summers: Office Assistant

Adel, whose home is Byhalia, attends the University of Mississippi and began working at Wildrose in February, 2009. She assists with daily tasks associated with the registering of puppies, preparation for puppy delivery, packs and mails orders received through Wildrose Trading Company and generally assists the office manager where needed.

Kayla Britt: Health Care Assistant

Kayla graduated from Lafayette High School in May of 2008. She began working for Wildrose in February of 2008. Her responsibilities consist of puppy care, participating in the Super Learner program for puppy socialization, assisting with animal health care and exercise, as well as, maintaining the health care facility.

Glennis Marshall: Health Care Assistant

Glennis is from Holly Springs, Mississippi, and is currently enrolled at Ole Miss. She started volunteering at All Animal Hospital in January, 2007. That year Glennis began working for a local veterinary office as a health care assistant before coming to Wildrose in July, 2008. Her tasks include socializing puppies, maintaining cleanliness in the health care facility and the exercising of Wildrose broodstock. Glennis is authorized to participate in our Super Learner Backgrounding program for puppies.

Cayse McGonagill: Health Care Assistant

Cayse is currently attending Lafayette High School in Oxford, Mississippi. She is a senior and aspires to be a Veterinarian. She started working for Wildrose in May of 2008 and her responsibilities are caring for puppy litters, participating in the Super Learner program for puppy socialization, assisting with animal health care and maintaining the health care facility.

Carissa Skipper: Health Care Assistant, Diabetic Alert Dog Trainer

Carissa worked at Sea World Adventure Park and Disney's Animal Kingdom as an animal keeper and trainer with White Rhinos and Cheetahs. She also worked as a vet tech at a small animal clinic in Orlando. Since joining Wildrose in May, 2009, Carissa is a trainer of our Diabetic Alert Dogs and assists with our animal health care programs. Carissa is also our AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator.

Associate Trainers

Josh DeWitt: Associate Trainer

Josh is a mechanical engineer and is currently employed by Nordenia USA in Jackson Missouri. He has been training the Wildrose Way for the last six years and ran in the Wildrose British Championship annually since 2004. Josh has a fourth place finish and two second place finishes. He has also spent time in England the past three years training with Vic Barlow, the Wildrose associate in England. Josh instructs obedience classes for canines and assists with Wildrose workshops throughout the country. In April 2006, Josh assumed his current position with Wildrose as an associate trainer for our started dog program.

Jay Lowry: Associate Trainer

Jay is a practicing dentist in his hometown of Vandalia, Illinois. He has a wife, Erin, and two children, Jack and Piper. Jay bought his first Wildrose dog in August of 2003, and two and a half years later Jay won the Wildrose British Championship in April of 2006. In September of 2006 Jay assumed his position as associate trainer for our started dog program. Jay provides training support for on-the-road Wildrose seminars and demonstrations.

Craig Korff: Associate Trainer

Craig has been a Product Manager for one of the Midwest's largest wood truss manufacturers for the past 30 years. Craig began training retrievers in 1974 and has shown German Wirehaired Pointers and trained them in the field as well. He bought his first Wildrose dog in 2001 and has been training "The Wildrose Way" ever since. In 2004, Craig became an Associate Trainer for the started dog program. He has trained and handled Wildrose dogs to a first place finish in the Wildrose Retriever Championship in 2005, the Gun's Choice Award in 2006, and the Gun's Choice Award at the Double Gun and Retriever Classic in 2007. Craig and his wife, Carol, reside in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin.

The Thorntons: DAD Associates

The Thornton family, Rachel (mom), Mark (Dad) Abi (a type 1 diabetic), Beth, Lydia, and Timothy supported Abi in her training of Mr Darcy, a Wildrose Labrador who takes care of Abi. They receive many daily inquiries about Diabetic Alert Dogs, want to help others in their search for a great DAD and had the opportunity to start a few pups. The Thorntons have learned a lot by having a diabetic alert dog in their home - the importance of both a strong, clear alert as well as the importance of a solid foundation of obedience/ public access skills. The Thorntons are a talented, unselfish family, who spend an enormous amount of time supporting Type 1 diabetics across the nation who are seeking Diabetic Alert Dogs or need assistance training their DAD. Rachel is the person behind www.diabeticalertdog.com. They currently reside in Aberdeen, Mississippi and are starting Wildrose pups to become Diabetic Alert Dogs.