Our Staff

Michelle Allen, CPDT-KA ~ "Mich" (pronounced like "wish")
Owner & Certified Professional Dog Trainer

Mich is certified in PetSaver® CPR, First Aid & Care and is a certified PetTech® Instructor, meaning she can certify others in the PetSaver® program.

Mich started her career at Gemini Dogs as the Office Manager back in the mid-90's and worked her way up from there... all thanks to "Dancer" (shown here), her original Gemini Dog. Mich had three separate experiences with finding lost dogs in one week, and it was a chance stop at a pet store that same weekend (to purchase a new dog bed for Dancer) that started Mich's Gemini Dogs journey; she saw a Gemini Dog Training & Daycare business card that said, "Office Help Wanted" and realized that the dogs were calling out to her! That was the beginning of the wonderful journey to where we are today!

Instructing since 2008, Mich is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and has participated in numerous dog daycare/boarding/grooming/training seminars & workshops in the New England area and along the East Coast, including the APDT Conference, Clicker Expo, the Dogs of Course Instructor Training Course (ITC), the Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo, the Dog Gurus Summit, and seminars by Karen Pryor, Bob Bailey, Carolyn Barney, Sue Sternberg, Pia Silvani, Gary Wilkes, and more. She has also taken online training courses offered by Dr. Ian Dunbar, Victoria Stillwell, and others.

Mich is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), the International Boarding and Pet Sitting Association (IBPSA), and the Dog Gurus.

She is an AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and S.T.A.R. Puppy Evaluator, as well as a Disaster Animal Rescue Team (DART) volunteer with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), RedRover formerly called the United Animal Nations (UAN), the State of Massachusetts Animal Response Team (SMART), and the Central Massachusetts Disaster Animal Response Team (CMDART). She has been deployed in several disasters, including after Hurricane Katrina, multiple deployments to the many-months-long Puppy Mill Seizure in Buxton, Maine (which is where Baxter & Tigger were rescued), and a Horse/Donkey Animal Abuse case in West Virginia. She remains on-call for both natural disasters & fires, as well as animal abuse and neglect cases on a local, regional, and national level.

Mich has competed and titled in the dog sports of Rally-O, CPE Agility, and TDAA Agility with her former dogs, Dancer & Tyler. Mich has also hosted multiple sanctioned trials for the sports of NACSW Nosework, TDAA Agility, CPE Agility, and APDT Rally-O and has acted as the Trial Secretary for those events.

Mich has a soft-spot for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, so be ready for a full-on squeal if you bring one of those cuties in the doors!

She currently has three dogs at home, a Boxer (Hemi), a Husky/Shepherd Mix (Six), and a Pittie Mix (Seven), as well as a house-guest Pittie Mix (Chevy). She has said goodbye to her Boerboel (Solee), her two Shih-Poos (Baxter & Tigger), her Pittie mix (Sky), her Bichon (Tyler), and her Terrier Mix (Dancer)... they all await us at the Rainbow Bridge with all the other Gemini Dogs that have gone before and after them.

Penny Allen
Co-Owner

Penny is certified in PetSaver® CPR, First Aid & Care and is a certified PetTech® Instructor, meaning she can certify others in the PetSaver® program.

Penny joined the Gemini Dogs family in 2005, and is well-known to all of the doggies as their primary source of love and cookies! Parents often joke with us about getting snubbed by their dogs when Penny is around...she just has something about her that the dogs absolutely love; many dogs run to Penny for love and attention over anyone else!

Penny has been involved with every aspect of the business since her beginning working as a Kennel Tech back in 2006. She continues to provide un-ending support to her wife and co-owner, Michelle Allen. She of course also owns Hemi and Six, and misses Baxter, Dancer, Sky, Solee, Tigger, and Tyler.

Penny and Mich were married in 2012 on-board the cruise ship Norwegian Dawn in Boston, MA and they enjoy cruising when they have the opportunity to sneak away for a week. They have three boys, Kyle, Cory, and Cody, all of whom have worked at Gemini Dogs in the past. Kyle and Cory both joined the United States Marine Corps and were based in Camp Lejeune, NC. Kyle has since exited the USMC and is living locally, while Cory is a Captain in the USMC. Their youngest boy, Cody, lives in Lima, Ohio and just bought a house and is working and doing well for himself, too. Penny & Mich could not be prouder moms! Lucky for them, their oldest son Kyle moved back to MA after his service ended, and now has two beautiful baby boys, Kyle Jr. and Cade, so we are officially Grandma and Mamaw now!

Penny is a Disaster Animal Rescue Team (DART) volunteer with the Central Massachusetts Disaster Animal Response Team (CMDART). She has been deployed on multiple deployments to the many-months-long Puppy Mill Seizure in Buxton, Maine (which is where Baxter & Tigger were rescued). She remains on-call for both natural disasters & fires, as well as animal abuse and neglect cases on a local and regional level.

Penny has also co-hosted multiple sanctioned trials for the sports of NACSW Nosework, TDAA Agility, CPE Agility, and APDT Rally-O and has worked in every volunteer capacity for those events.

Michelle Doucette, CPDT-KA
Certified Professional Dog Trainer & Training Manager

Michelle is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and has been a part of the Gemini family since July 2011. She is also an AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and S.T.A.R. Puppy Evaluator.

She has a Pit Bull named Liberty and a mini Dalmatian named Panda (Pandora "Panda" Octavia CD BN RA BCAT ACT1 CGCA TKI [TDAA: TG2 TBAD]). She also lives with a three-legged Husky named Juniper and usually at least one foster dog. Her dogs participate in Agility, Rally, Obedience, FastCAT, and have just begun Nose Work. She has attended numerous seminars and training courses and likes to continuously acquire new dog training knowledge. She has also fostered, trained, and placed around 100 dogs into forever homes.

She graduated with a B.A. in Human Ecology with a focus on Animal Behavior. She also spent a year-and-a-half overseas, teaching English in South Korea and Vietnam. She takes her experience and love of teaching into the training classroom.

She loves putting the puzzle pieces together to determine how "problem" behaviors have developed and finding creative solutions that work for both the dogs and their families to address them. She is always on the hunt for new research and techniques to utilize in her sessions.

Her favorite breeds are Pit Bulls and Papillons. She says we couldn’t get rid of her even if we tried, because Gemini Dogs is truly her second family! (And believe me, we never would let her go anyway!)

She is also certified in PetSaver® CPR, First Aid & Care.

Michelle is the manager for all training operations at Gemini Dogs.

Cara Armour, KPA-CTP, FFCP
Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner
Fear Free Certified Professional
Agility & Puppy Class Instructor

Cara has been working with dogs professionally since 2003 in many capacities. From dog walker to groomer to holistic pet supply store owner to professional dog trainer.

Having competed in conformation, rally, barn hunt, nose work, fastCAT, CAT, and agility, Cara finds herself mosty immersed in the world of agility. She loves the complexity of the sport while at the same time watching people build connections with their dogs that they just wouldn’t in the “real world”. She spends 50 weekends a year trialing, many times hosting trials or volunteering with the numerous clubs she belongs to. She has attended 100’s of seminars on various training and pet care related topics as well as having instructed a few herself.

Cara started training her first Boxer in agility back in 2011 and while she tried trialing, trial stress got the better of her dog Artie. In 2013 she acquired a female Boxer to help improve the health issues with her breed and while working on her conformation championship, she started to train her in agility just like Artie. Only Debbie thought agility was amazing and being in the ring excited her. From the start Cara and Debbie were unstoppable.

Here are some of their accomplishments:

First Boxer ever to earn the agility grand championship and still remains the only one to this day
Highest Prefered Master Agility Champion Boxer in history
First Boxer to earn any premier class titles
#3 AKC Top Preferred Dog Overall for 2021
#1 AKC Preferred Working Group Dog 2020 & 2021
#1 AKC Preferred Agility Boxer for 2018, 2019, 2020 & 2021
2019 Finalist for AKC Agility Invitationals, placed 8th
2020 Finalist for AKC Agility Invitationals, placed 2nd
Westminster Master Agility Competitor for 2019, 2020, 2021 & 2022 (2022 show happens on June 18, 2022 at the Lyndhurst Mansion in NY)
National Agility Champion Qualified Competitor for 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 & 2022
2021 AKC Agility Premier Cup Competitor and qualifier
#1 Preferred Working Group Dog 2020 & 2021
#2 2020 Working Group for AKC Invitationals
Placed several times at conformation specialties

Together they have written history. Debbie has also produced 2 litters with many titled offspring including 2 that Cara kept who have 7 Master Agility Championships between them. With all her dogs Cara has earned 17 Master Agility Championships, a conformation championship and over 200 titles on her dogs in various competitions as well as tricks and canine good citizen.

Cara’s passions are working with puppies, trial stress, and agility prospects. From the recreational agility team to the competitive exhibitors, she loves to share the great sport and all the facets of training with each and every team.

She shares her life with 4 Boxers ranging in age from 9 years old to just one year old and a 15 year old cat who rules the house.

She is also an AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and S.T.A.R. Puppy Evaluator

Jen Boxell, CPDT-KA
University Instructor

Jen is an Emergency Critical Care Certified Veterinary Technician graduating from Becker College in 2018 with a degree in Veterinary Technology and a minor in Animal Behavior. She discovered during her working career that dog behavior and training is just as essential to the health and wellbeing of dogs as the actual medicine. Thus, sparking her interest in dog training. She grew up attending various dog training classes with her family pets which inspired her in part to go into the animal care field.

She always had a fascination and love for Siberian Huskies and as a result she began volunteering as a Veterinary Technician and dog handler at the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Alaska. There, she learned about sled dog behavior and care which helps her understand the mindset of huskies and allows for a better basis on how to train them. She has since volunteered for the race in 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, and plans to return to the Iditarod sled dog race for years to come.

Jen is the proud owner of 2 Siberian Huskies, Denali and Kinley. She has titled both with their AKC Canine Good Citizen titles (CGC) and AKC Community Canine titles (CGCA). Jen also competes in AKC Conformation events finishing both Kinley and Denali's AKC Conformation Championship titles (CH), completely owner handled. Together, Jen and Kinley are on their way to their Grand Championship title (GCH) as well, winning 2 out of 3 required "majors", also owner handled. Jen also has certified Denali as a Therapy dog through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Together they make visits to schools, nursing homes, and senior centers,

Wanting to continue their training, Jen started competing in AKC Rally. At the time of writing, Denali has completed his Excellent title and Kinley has her Intermediate title with 1 out of 3 qualifying runs to her Advanced title. Jen also has dived into AKC Agility trials. Denali has completed his Novice Agility Jumpers (NAJ) and Standard (NA) titles. Kinley has completed her Novice Jumpers (NAJ) and FAST (NF) titles. They also compete in AKC Fast C.A.T. (FCAT) events both earning their DCAT titles. Lastly, she began in 2024 competing in dryland Bikejoring races earning 3rd place at the annual Ethan Howard Memorial Dryland race in New Hampshire.

Jen has a passion for helping dogs be the best they can be as well as improving the relationship between owners and their dogs. She believes in the power of training and spending time with your dog to help create the happiest life for both owners and their dogs. Jen is an AKC CGC, CGCA, CGCU, S.T.A.R. Puppy, and Trick Dog Evaluator.

Alicia Kerr
Agility Instructor

Sarah Power, KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA
Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner
Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Teacup Dog Agility Association Regional Master Judge
Agility Instructor

Sarah graduated from Karen Pryor Academy in 2010 and completed the KPA Puppy Start Right course for instructors in 2015. She got her CPDT-KA certification in 2023.

She is an experienced Dachshund breeder and raises her puppies using Puppy Culture, a special program of age-appropriate exercises, neurological stimulation, and training designed to maximize each puppy’s potential. Her puppies are not only outstanding family pets, but have gone on to achieve success in the performance ring and some have even become service dogs.

Sarah is an accomplished Agility competitor and is a TDAA Regional Master Judge. Her Dachshund Neptune earned his C-ATE2, C-ATCH4, & TACH4, Penny TACH (now retired), and Pearl TACH and C-ATCH (now retired).

In addition to training and competition, Sarah also enjoys going hiking with her dogs.

Sarah first took classes at Gemini Dogs with her mixed breed girl in the late 90's. She then adopted Jellybean and Penny in 2005, and they started in puppy class and basic obedience, then tried Earth Dog. That’s when Penny discovered agility. By 2006, Sarah was taking agility classes with the former owner of Gemini, Carolyn Barney. She later began substitute-instructing for Carolyn's classes. Sarah also began working in the doggie daycare before July of 2007.

Sarah completed her KPA class in 2010 with Carolyn as well. She then worked for Jean McCord and Kathy Austin at Dogs! in Hudson, and later taught pet dog classes at the Fuzzy Dog in NH for a short time. She then worked for Crossbones Academy in Rhode Island teaching private lessons until January of 2020.

Sarah is a former Volunteer Firefighter has been a 911 dispatcher for over 20 years.

Maureen McLatchy
Agility Instructor

Maureen McLatchy has been actively training and showing dogs since 1988. She originally started in obedience trials and later added conformation shows, hunting tests, field trials and rally with her multi generations of homebred Gordon Setters. She has put over 275 titles on her own dogs as well as over 100 on other people’s dogs.

In 2000 she began trialing in agility and that has been the main focus since as the dogs really loved the sport. She has put 18 Agility Championships in AKC and USDAA (MACH, PACH, ADCH, PDCH) on her Gordons Setters, Beaucerons, and a Papillon. Her dogs have also been multi-time finalists at the AKC Agility Invitational and Westminster and have many individual placements in rounds at AKC Nationals, Invitational and Westminster.

Maureen enjoys teaching agility and is very proud of her students and all of their accomplishments.

Erin Brackett
University & Obedience Class Instructor

Erin has only recently joined our Gemini Dogs Family but she comes to us with 25+ years of training experience ranging from Basic Obedience and Tricks to Behavioral Modification. She is also an AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and S.T.A.R. Puppy Evaluator.

She currently lives with a 12 year old male Border collie named Fearghus, who came to her as a fear reactive rescue 7 years ago. Fearghus was very shy with all aspects of daily life. He and his new mom have worked hard together to overcome his anxieties and to earn his Novice Trick title along with his basic obedience skills. For the past few years he’s even been able to enjoy off leash hikes! Fearghus may be her soul dog… but the dog that gave Erin the dog training bug was a JRT named Abby. Abby was a certified trick star and AKC canine good citizen. Abby lived a fabulous 17 year life and now keeps an eye on things from the rainbow bridge.

Erin is always attending seminars and training courses to continuously acquire new knowledge. She has a huge passion for dogs and their people. She loves helping parents build connections with their dogs and helping them find their "a-ha!" moments when everything clicks. She says there is no relationship like a partnership with your dog!

Kelly Hall-Daigneault
University Instructor

Macklin (Mac) Maguire
Daycare & Boarding Manager

Mac is certified in PetSaver® CPR, First Aid & Care.

Mac started at Gemini in July of 2017. He quickly became our AM Shift Leader, and was most recently promoted to Daycare & Boarding Manager in September of 2021. He jumped in to lead the team during COVID and filled the gap when former manager Brianna became a groomer.

Mac is our go-to-guy on the forming of our doggie playgroups; among other things, he manages the playlist each day, determining which dogs play in which groups, and keeping track of all the little intricacies of forming safe and fun playgroups.

Mac has a mixed breed pup named Elliot and a Greyhound named Hawkins. He, of course, loves dogs and he would like to become an Animal Behaviorist eventually.

Outside of Gemini Dogs, Mac does a lot of hiking with his dogs and doing animal behavioral work with dogs, to gain experience.

He says his favorite things about working at Gemini Dogs are the dogs and the holiday snacks the parents bring in for the busy staff!

Raechyle Sedlisky
Business Manager

Selina Wilder
Office Manager

Olivia Mitchell
Daycare & Boarding Supervisor

Olivia is certified in PetSaver® CPR, First Aid & Care.

Olivia started at Gemini in April of 2018. She is now our PM Daycare & Boarding Supervisor, meaning she is in-charge in the evenings when Mac is not available. She has a bunny, a cat, a Yellow Labrador named Lemon, and a German Shepherd/Great Pyrenees mix named Finn.

She loves working at Gemini and says the people and dogs are all amazing. She especially loves spending time with the Huskies, her favorite breed.

Outside of work, Olivia likes to draw and play video games.

James Keefe
Daycare & Boarding Supervisor

Rosie Wedel
Daycare & Boarding Supervisor

Annie Roberts
Senior Kennel Tech & Dog Training Apprentice

Annie is certified in PetSaver® CPR, First Aid & Care.

Annie joined the Gemini Dogs team in September of 2019. She has spent over 6 years working with dogs in various capacities.

When she isn’t at Gemini Dogs, she likes to spend time hiking with her dogs and drawing. She even does a doodle of the “Gemini Dog of the Week” on the staff whiteboard each week.

Annie goes to many dog events and reads, reads, reads; she is a wealth of knowledge about all things dog-related!

Annie was raised in a family that fostered Greyhounds, so she has been around dogs her whole life. Her family was given a Labrador Retriever when Annie was in sixth grade, and about the same time, a neighbor moved in who was a Police K9 Handler; Annie began her serious interest in dogs by training her Lab to do tricks. When she later moved to Alabama, she promptly got a job at the Greyhound Racetrack and a Doggie Daycare & Board-N-Train facility, where she worked for 3 years. Annie also began working at a Wolfdog Rescue while in Alabama. When she moved to Florida, she worked in a Doggie Daycare as well.

Annie has two dogs – a Czechoslovakian Vlcak named Leica and a Karelian Bear Dog mix named Ren. Vlcaks are her favorite breed.

Annie has done cross-country dog transport of Sighthounds, including multiple trips from Birmingham, Alabama to Nova Scotia. She has also dabbled in wildlife rehabilitation.

Annie is a member of the Czechoslovakian Vlcak Club of America (CSVCA). She has taken an Animal Behavior & Welfare course through Cornell University, among others.

Annie also apprenticed in a taxidermy shop for three years as a result of her interest in learning about animals. She is also the most likely staff member to stop everything and rescue a random animal of any species and ensure it gets the care it needs and is safely released back into the wild.

Jacob Koivula
Senior Kennel Tech & Dog Training Apprentice

Jacob has been with us since October 2021 and quickly impressed us with his skills and eagerness to learn. He is now working with our University instructors as a training apprentice and assisting in training classes. He also works as an EMT.

He has a German Short Haired Pointer named Dutch and a Cattle Dog Mix named Haven.

Emily Goson
Kennel Tech