Our Values at Dog Training Elite Colorado Springs

Bert Ballard

Operations Manager & Chief Finance Officer - DTE Denver

A former professor of communication at Pepperdine University, Bert has shifted his expertise to improving relationships and communication between dogs and their handlers. After nearly a decade and a half of living in Canada, California, and China, he is glad to be home in Colorado, where he was raised and graduated from Colorado State University with his B.S. from Colorado State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Denver.

Bert grew up around a lot of different kinds of dogs, and his family has owned and raised many dogs over the years. In addition to expertise in communication (widely published on many different topics), Bert brings entrepreneurial and business management experience. You will always find him with his small (only 70 lbs!) Bernedoodle, Binh An, next to him as they work together. When not helping with the family business of Dog Training, you'll find him biking, hiking, camping, or trying to get some rest!

Sarah Ballard

Owner & Marketing / Community Relations Director

A former professor of communication at Pepperdine University, Sarah is pursuing a new passion! Especially passionate about the service dog programs we offer, she has seen firsthand how the bond between dogs and people can help someone live more fully, especially with a well-trained service dog.

In addition to bringing communication and counseling expertise and having dogs around her all of her life, Sarah grew up managing her family's business in Estes Park, Colorado. A true Colorado native, she is glad to be home among the mountains and fresh air!

Sarah earned a B.S. from Colorado State University, and M.A. in counseling from Denver Seminary. Her companion, a Border Collie-Doodle ("bordoodle"), Oso, is a huge cuddler and he will always be there when someone needs a hug. Like Sarah, Oso is outgoing, positive, and enjoys bringing a smile to everyone's face!

Lucas M

DTE Colorado Springs Branch Manager

Lucas found his passion for working with dogs during an elementary school visit by a K9 officer and a dog trainer. He soon began training the family dogs and eventually grew into doing therapy work with one and acting as a show dog handler for another.

Originally from Denver, Lucas attended college specializing in Recreational Therapy and Psychology. Now, he serves as the Branch Manager for Colorado Springs, where he weds his childhood passion with his desire for helping and supporting others. Although he loves therapy and service work, it is the impact he makes on families that motivates him each day!

Lucas owns Bailey (a Pit/Shepherd who is his psychiatric service dog), Gimli (a Golden Retriever puppy who is being scent trained), two black cats named Lilith and Conrad, and a bunny named Sunday.

Adria B

Training Specialist

Graduating from high school early, yet still encountering significant health challenges, Adria acquired a service dog that has changed her world and allowed her to maintain her functioning and keep moving forward. Her service dog, a Border Collie-Doodle ("bordoodle") named SnickerDoodle, provides seizure alerts in addition to keeping the other dogs in line!

Although Adria has lived in a lot of places (Canada, China, California), she was born in Colorado and is glad to return (living only one block from her childhood home!). Adria brings not only instant rapport and love for our four-legged friends, but also first-hand experience of how dogs change lives. The whole family credits SnickerDoodle for being the one to start the idea of training dogs. Both SnickerDoodle and Adria are excited for the opportunity to help other people get their lives back, reduce their stress, and experience the healing power of dogs as companions, service animals, and family members.

Caroline W

Trainer

Caroline is passionate about helping families find success with their dogs, especially dogs with significant behavioral challenges. She discovered her interest and skills in this work through training her own two dogs, Beatrice and Matilda, and eagerly embraced the opportunity to work professionally with DTE after leaving the active-duty military. Caroline has a B.S. in Chemistry and is a full-time student at UCCS pursuing her Master of Public Administration degree, but in her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and hiking with Beatrice and Matilda.

Cass E

Learning

As someone who is pursuing a career in music education through CSU Pueblo, Cass has always had a passion for learning. They highly value expanding their knowledge in a variety of areas, including dog training, music, and how to best serve the Dog Training Elite clients we work with. They specialize in working with children, as well as heel and mobility work. This passion was found through Cass’s desire to be a teacher as well as through the work training Sabrina, a mobility service dog. Cass can be found practicing the saxophone, reading up on new training protocols, or working with their service dog Sabrina to continue expanding her current skills.

Carrie M

Guiding

Carrie is the Office Manager for Colorado Springs. She takes joy in helping people feeling heard and help them to understand processes when it comes to training. She loves to work with her service dog Milo. Milo is a rescued Husky from New Mexico and has taken major leaps in being a strong psych service for Carrie. She takes a special interest in offering support to people who have rescued their dogs and looking for that extra step in bringing them home. Whenever you call or text, Carrie looks forward to guiding you through the process!

Jake S

Strength

Jake is a strong member of our team behind the scenes, so much so he is often found lifting at the gym and working out in his free time! He has taken the drive to improve himself and his physical health and applied it to our inventory and equipment management to keep it highly organized and fully stocked. He has found his place in helping us be prepared for our clients and making sure trainers have everything they need to. He also frequently drives trainers to various appointments, assists with setting up our show equipment, and even jumps in to deliver equipment to clients as needed. He is always happy to say hello to people he works with and help wherever he can.