My name is Katie Tatro, and I am an owner and operator of Katie’s Canine Klubhouse. My husband Todd and I have a beautifully blended family with four children—Max, Eric, and the twins, Grace and Grant—and our adorable grandsons, Malcolm and Matteo. We also share our home with our four rescued dogs: Stuka, Razzle, Xara, and Pua. We are a family that loves spending time outdoors. Whether it’s hiking with our dogs, riding the trails in the north woods, camping, downhill skiing, or spending time on the water boating, fishing, and snowmobiling, we embrace every opportunity to explore nature together. Our travels have taken us to Mexico, Jamaica, Canada, and 34 of the 50 United States. We’ve even become certified in scuba diving as a family to experience water in a whole new way. My love story with dogs began when I was three years old and my parents took me to pick out my first dog. Her name was Daisy, and she changed my life forever. I was fascinated by her and wanted nothing more than to understand what she was thinking and feeling. Growing up in a small town in Wisconsin allowed me to connect with the farming community, where I discovered 4-H and the dog project. By the time I was 10 years old, I was training and showing dogs at the county fair. After graduating high school, I attended UW-Parkside and was accepted into the pre-veterinary program. While working at a veterinary hospital, I began to realize that my true passion was dog behavior and communication rather than veterinary medicine. I was fortunate to work alongside incredible trainers and mentors who helped shape my career. In 2005, I had the opportunity to leave the veterinary hospital and help open Racine’s first dog daycare and training facility. There, I apprenticed as a groomer, learned the business side of running a daycare, and continued to expand my training expertise. In 2009, Ginny and I co-founded Katie’s Canine Klubhouse in Caledonia. In 2010, Melissa and Allie joined us as our first staff members, and they remain pivotal to the growth of our business today. I’ve been teaching group classes, private lessons, and boarding dogs for specialized training since 2003. While I enjoy teaching trick classes, I’m especially passionate about working with puppies and teaching basic obedience classes, where I can help owners and their dogs build strong foundations together. Over the years, I’ve attended more than a dozen workshops and training seminars, earned certifications in canine first aid and CPR, and completed Duke University’s Dog Emotion and Cognition course. I am also a graduate of Animal Behavior College, earning my ABCDT title. Additionally, I am an AKC-certified evaluator for the Canine Good Citizen and S.T.A.R. Puppy programs. My passion for rescue and rehabilitation began when I adopted my first shelter dog shortly after turning 18. Since then, I’ve adopted eight more, none of whom were “easy” dogs, but each one taught me invaluable lessons. At KCK, we are especially proud to foster and rehabilitate dogs labeled as aggressive. These dogs are given a unique environment where they are supported daily by our trainers and other dogs to learn what is expected of them to live in harmony with people and other animals. Running a business is never without challenges, and working with dogs can be both emotionally and physically demanding. However, I’m fortunate to have an incredible team at KCK. My staff is an extension of my family, and together, we combine our strengths to create a welcoming environment for dogs and their owners. I’m surrounded daily by people who share my passion for helping dogs stay in their homes and finding forever families for homeless dogs. Best of all, I get to work with dogs every day—the most amazing and loyal creatures on the planet—a privilege many people dream of but few get to experience.

My name is Virginia Singleton, but most people call me Ginny. I am a Co-owner of Katie’s Canine Klubhouse and also a trainer. I have always loved animals. As a child, I had a “short cut” I took home from school that took twice as long because of all the dogs waiting for me to greet them. Growing up I had pet dogs, parakeets, rabbits, and even a skunk. I grew up in Illinois and studied teaching. When I graduated I moved to Racine for a position as a gym teacher. It was then that I began to foster for Hope Safe House and ended up a foster failure when Epstein, a beagle mix, came into my life. We were a therapy dog team for most of his 15 years. I met Katie while taking classes with Epstein. He began attending daycare at the same facility, and the more time I spent there the more I knew I wanted to be a part of the business. I became a business partner there and eventually Katie and I began Katie’s Canine Klubhouse. I received my dog training certification from Animal Behavior College. I am also a Certified Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and a Therapy Dog International Evaluator. I consider our business to be part of a greater mission that helps dogs and their families have the best life they can through education.

Hi my name is Melissa and I have worked at KCK since 2010 and as a dog handler since 2005. I absolutely love my job and can’t imagine doing anything else. I began grooming in 2011 and have been working as a dog trainer/behaviorist since 2013. I became a certified AKC Canine Evaluator and S.T.A.R. Puppy program. I love learning new dog training techniques. I believe that each family and each dog will benefit from the type of training that they are most comfortable with. I am married to my high school sweetheart, Nick and we have two energetic boys, Tyler and Colton. They love all things BOY! Hunting, fishing, karate, water sports, and the Packers. They always keep me on my toes! My family shares a love for animals. In our house we have four dogs Mater, Rustee, Baymax and Rooster. We also have a cat named Yeti and a Bearded Dragon named Pancake. Pancake and I are the only girls in the house and five of our six pets are rescues. The boys and I spend quite a bit of time volunteering with one of our local animal rescues, Hope Safehouse. I serve as the secretary on their board of directors as well. We have fostered puppies, kittens and adult dogs through HOPE and other local rescues. We help with fundraising events meet and greets for perspective adopters. My boys also help with behavior evaluations for dogs coming into rescue. Our cat Yeti even helps to see how well dogs might do in a home with cats. In my free time I love spending time with my family. We spend a lot of time up north at our family cottage. We enjoy hiking, swimming and boating. Of course we do all of this with our dogs. Dogs are a huge part of my life and I can’t imagine it any other way! People always say, I would love to have your job! Although there are a lot of chaotic and noisy days, I do love it. It’s amazing and I’m lucky to be a part of the KCK family!

My name is Sheri White-Hill and I teach classes and do in-home training at KCK. I also work at the front desk in the mornings during drop offs. I began my dog training career in Bay City, Michigan at Kaybees K9 Training and Spa in 2016. I was looking for a fun part-time retirement job, and what better than working with puppies and helping people? I earned my certification through Animal Behavior College and have years of experience training Canine Good Citizen and STAR Puppy methodologies. Prior to 2016, I worked at The Dow Chemical Company in Human Resources. I currently have a Bernedoodle named Mitten and a St. Bernard named Margo. Both were adopted as puppies in 2020. They are therapy dogs and regularly visit memory care patients in Racine. When they are “off work,” they enjoy the dog-friendly patios and beer gardens around town. When I’m not working at KCK, I enjoy gardening, golfing, and traveling with my wife Kristina.

Hi my name is Allie. I have worked at KCK since 2010, and I have been grooming since 2011. I have attended training and behavior seminars, and I have assisted in training classes. Before I became a mom, I also took most of my dogs through several training classes. I am blessed to be able to say I love what I do. I live in Racine with my boyfriend Tim, our son Jaxon, and our four dogs. Jaxon may only be a toddler, but he already shows so much love and understanding for our dogs. His relationship with them makes me so happy and very proud. I have adopted all four of my dogs from different rescues and have fostered over a dozen puppies and dogs. Of those, four of them never left. Their names are Jada, Sky, Carmel, and Stanley. Being able to work with my second family every day is the absolute best. What I love most about working at the Klubhouse is being able to give some dogs the chance to succeed and “learn to be dog” that many other places may turn away. It is great to be able to help make a positive difference in the dogs and their families lives. I do love happy go lucky dogs, but the ones that take a little extra effort and patience really tug at my heart. I can’t wait to see what fun the future holds here at KCK.

Hi, my name is Janessa and I am a dog handler and groomer at Katie`s Canine Klubhouse. I have worked at KCK since December 2018, and I absolutely love it. Working with animals has always been a dream of mine, and KCK made that dream possible. Every day is a new opportunity for learning and developing my skills as a dog handler and as a dog groomer. Grooming is super hands on and it is the fun artistic side of my job. I enjoy doing it because there is always room for improvement. There is a great sense of accomplishment when you finish grooming a dog or help a dog overcome their fear of a nail trim. Although I love every dog I get to groom, my favorites are the giant breeds. My first dog Alex was a yellow lab and was my first friend. Working with him as we both grew up, I realized that dogs can be taught a lot with having patience, routine, and trust. With those skills I have been able to communicate with clients and help them with their dogs. While I have been at KCK, I have had amazing opportunities to help owners to better understand and learn to work with their furry friends to speak their language. The best part of my job is being able to bring my furry bestfriend to work every day. I am currently raising a beautiful Newfoundland named Everest with my best friend and fiancé Eric. When I am not at KCK, the three of us love to be traveling, hiking, looking for new adventure, or snuggled up together and enjoying some down time. Hopefully Everest and I will get a chance to meet you and your fluffy friend!

Hi my name is Jordyn and I am an engineering student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I have a deep passion for both engineering and animal care. As the youngest of five children, I’ve always thrived in dynamic environments. My journey in the dog care industry began as a dog handler, where I quickly developed a love for working with dogs. My dedication and hard work led to a promotion to dog groomer, and then in June 2024, I was honored to take on the role of supervisor. Although I am pursuing a career in engineering, my love for dogs runs deep. Growing up, I was always surrounded by dogs, and I’ve been known to pet any dog that would let me. One of my greatest joys has been adopting my rescue dog Pico. His story fuels my commitment to supporting animal rescues, and I deeply value the work of the rescues we collaborate with, as well as the incredible women I work alongside. Their dedication to animals and the community inspire me every day.

Hi! My name is Maddy, I have been working at KCK since the summer of 2023 and have had previous dog handling experience since early 2019. I currently still live at home and have an amazing boyfriend with me as we are building ourselves up and navigating life as we go. We have a black cat named Styx. I absolutely love my cat but have always wanted a dog as well and can’t wait for the opportunity to get one. Until then, I’ve been loving all of the dogs at daycare as if they were my own. Working at KCK has given me lots of opportunities to try new things and get me out of my comfort zone. I am currently in the process of learning how to groom, it can be tricky sometimes but I love the challenge! I have also gone through a CGC training class with a HOPE Safehouse foster before she was adopted which was a super rewarding experience, even though it was hard to say goodbye. I love that no day is quite the same, we never know which dogs will come through the door and that’s part of the fun. It’s exciting to see new dogs come in and build up their confidence, which is when we really get to see all of their personalities. One of my favorite parts about working here is getting to see all of the bonds that the dogs- old and new, get to make with each other and with our staff. I’m proud to be a part of an amazing team!

Hello, my name is Anna and I am thrilled to have joined KCK in 2022. Working here has been an incredible experience for me, as I have always had a deep passion for animals. Speaking of which, I am the proud owner of a lovely dog named Lilac and an adorable cat named Dusty. My love for animals dates back to my childhood, where I grew up surrounded by dogs. From a young age, I yearned to expand my knowledge about dogs and dreamt of the day when I could work closely with them. My first dog, Minnie, was a charming Rottweiler, and my second dog, Stout, was a playful Boxer. Currently, I am blessed to have a Great Pyrenees Alaskan Malamute mix as my furry companion. Being able to combine my passion for animals with my career at KCK is a dream come true. Each day, I get to learn more about dogs and contribute to their well-being. It's truly fulfilling to work in a field that aligns so perfectly with my interests and aspirations.

Hi, I’m Alyssa Beth, and I’ve been with Katie’s Canine Klubhouse since 2020. I’m currently working toward becoming a professional groomer, and I absolutely love being part of this amazing team. My goal is to ensure every dog gets the care, attention, and love they deserve, whether they’re here to play or get a fresh groom. At home, I’m lucky to share my life with my wonderful boyfriend of five years, Tofer, and our 12-year-old son, Lochlan. I’m also a proud pet mom to two awesome dogs—Ganon, my 7-year-old bundle of energy, and Wesker, my playful 3-year-old. When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me reading, playing video games, or fostering dogs in need. I’m passionate about rescuing and giving dogs a second chance at a happy life. I’m dedicated to creating a fun, safe, and nurturing environment at Katie’s Canine Klubhouse for every pup in our care. I’m excited to continue learning and growing in my grooming career, all while spending time with my family and fur babies!

Hey, I’m Tyler! KCK has been part of my life since I was a baby. My mom used to bring me to work with her every morning before school and in the summer. I grew up around the dogs. Some of you might even remember me riding my big wheel around daycare! Being here so much helped me learn a lot about dog behavior and body language. I’ve officially worked at KCK for three years now, and I love it. Getting to be around all the dogs every day is the best. I’ve also learned the basics of being a Groom Tech, and I often help out with baths and nail trims. Over the years, I’ve taken all of our family’s dogs through KCK training classes, so Im also experienced in handling and basic training. Outside of work, I like working on my truck, hunting, fishing, and listening to music. My family fosters a lot of dogs, and we all volunteer at HOPE Safehouse. Working at KCK is awesome, and I’m proud to be part of this place that’s been such a big part of my life!