• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Before Header

  • Client Services Login
  • Current Volunteers
Can Do Canines Assistance Dogs logo

  • Puppy Program Home
  • Program Information
    • Standards
    • Dog Hosting Guides
    • Puppy Proofing Your Home
    • Supply Lists
    • Disability Resources
    • Puppy Program Staff
    • Contact Puppy Program
  • Training
    • Training Overview
    • Common Cues
    • Key Behaviors
    • Level Assessments
    • Training Opportunities
    • Public Access Information
    • Exposures & Socialization
    • Behavior Troubleshooting
  • Forms
    • Request Forms
    • Volunteer Feedback Forms
    • Submit Medical Information
    • Public Access Training Feedback
    • Contact Update Form
  • Canine Care
    • Grooming & Handling
    • Equipment
    • Health
  • News
    • Dogs at a Glance
  • FAQs

Home / Get Involved / Puppy Program Portal / Program Information / Puppy Program Staff

Puppy Program Staff

Julianne
Julianne Larsen, Director of Training

I oversee everything to do with the dogs and with clients/graduates. The majority of my job is managing the staff that handle the day-to-day decisions and functions of our program.

I live in a small town west of Minnetonka with my fiance, Jay, and our two small dogs. Jay owns a small business, so any extra time I have is spent helping out there or with my home remodel.

Woman posing with her two dogs
Lindy Luopa, Puppy Program Manager

With a background in obedience and agility instruction, I love watching dog and handler teams learn and grow in their skills and experience. A master dog trainer lives inside every volunteer - helping them to raise and train capable, confident, and enthusiastic dogs is my jam. Seeing each dog's skills and strengths matched and tailored to meet their client's needs is absolutely the icing on the cake. It's all about the journey!

I currently share my home with 3 resident dogs, a rotation of program dogs, one cat, and a very patient and animal tolerant husband. In my spare time I enjoy training and competing with my personal dogs in agility, rally obedience, disc, and just about anything that the dogs find fun and strengthens our bond. In between time spent with dogs, I also love to travel.

2
Josie Scoonover-Nelson, Lead Puppy Program Instructor
I’m a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP) with extensive experience working with dogs. My journey with service dogs began in 2018 when I volunteered with Can Do Canines, hosting puppies. From that first experience, I knew I wanted to work with service dogs professionally. I began as a Program Trainer, working with Final Training dogs, and now I’m a Puppy Program Instructor, teaching classes to our dedicated volunteers and inmate handlers.
At home, I have two very spoiled dogs—Roxie, a Labrador Retriever, and Joey, a Golden Retriever. On weekends, we compete in dog shows and various dog sports.
Meghan
Meghan Stavros, Puppy Program Instructor

I moved back to the Twin Cities in the summer of 2024 from Alabama. I spent roughly five years in the South training all kinds of pups. My favorite breed is the Labrador. In my free time, I enjoy reading, Alabama football, volunteering, and anything outdoors. I fell in love with training after having a Can Do Canines pup years ago, and I’m honored to be able to join this amazing team.

Tori
Tori Thompson, Puppy Program Instructor

As a lifelong dog-lover, I knew I had found my passion when I learned about the world of assistance dogs and the life-changing work they do. I graduated from the Honors program at Colorado State University with a bachelor's degree in French and Zoology. It was while writing my thesis, "An Exploration of the Breeding, Training, and Impact of Service Dogs," that I began to see working with assistance dogs as a viable career path. I have spent many hours volunteering with Canine Companions, Human-Animal Bond in Colorado, and my local animal shelter in an effort to gain a deeper understanding of dog behavior and training.

At home, I have a spoiled Labrador/Pit Bull mix named Moose. You can often find us practicing training or taking long walks around one of Minnesota's many beautiful lakes. I am so grateful to be able to work with Can Do Canines to provide specially trained dogs who go on to transform lives for the better.

Mona
Mona Elder, Prison Program Coordinator - WI

I’m Ramona Elder, but everyone calls me Mona. I’ve been a professional dog trainer since 1996, specializing in service dog training. My journey began with pet dog training, and I even owned and operated my own dog training business for a while. I spent eight years as the Client Services Coordinator at Can Do Canines, which was a fulfilling experience.

Before returning to Wisconsin in 2019, I had the opportunity to work with Dogs 4 Diabetics in California for five years. Upon my return, I continued my work with Can Do Canines as a field trainer. Now, I’m the WI Prison Program Coordinator, and I’m truly passionate about helping inmates train service dogs. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how this work brings positive change to their lives and to the future service dog recipients.

Lindsay Le
Lindsay Le Kinney, Puppy Program Instructor

I'm Lindsay Le! I'm a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA). As a Puppy Program Instructor, I teach group classes at the New Hope facility, work 1:1 with volunteers who want additional support, and teach FETCH classes at the University of Minnesota and the University of Wisconsin. Before dog training, I worked in group homes and in special education, which offered a unique look into the daily lives of our client population. I fell in love with dog training when I got my first dog, Rosie, an Australian Shepherd. I started training professionally at PetSmart in 2015 and have been teaching group classes at Paws Abilities Dog Training since 2017. I love helping people connect with their dogs and find joy in learning together!

I share my home with my copilot, Mooch, and my cats, Obi-wan Catnobi and Eevee. When I'm not at work, I'm probably doing dog sports, hiking, kayaking, swing dancing, or managing Mooch's professional modeling/acting career!

lindsey
Lindsey Kromann, Puppy Program Coordinator

I work with volunteers to make sure our program dogs have host homes. It amazes me every day the amount of time and love our volunteers give to each dog here at Can Do Canines. When I’m not working, I stay busy with three kids at home. I usually spend my free time cheering them on at baseball, volleyball, and basketball games. Our family shares a home with a spoiled Border Collie, cat, and bunny. 

woman standing next to a great dane.
Hannah McCarthy, Veterinary Technician

I assist with overseeing veterinary care for the program dogs. I am here if there are any medical issues that come up and to keep every dog healthy with scheduled exams and vaccines.

I spend the majority of my free time running around after 2 young kids, a large old Great Dane, and our cute chickens.

Emily H_
Emily Hedenland, Lead Program Trainer

I started working professionally with dogs in 2013 and joined Can Do Canines in 2019. In addition to training dogs that are in for final training, I also teach our FETCH class at the University of Minnesota. I occasionally fill in teaching classes and one-on-ones.

In my free time, I enjoy training and competing in agility with my border collies, hiking, or trying new restaurants around the metro area.

Photo of a man posing with a yellow Lab mix
Marlo Rivera, Veterinary Assistant

I help ensure that our dogs are in good health and up to date on vaccinations and tests. I also ensure that any supplies dogs may need are ready to be picked up.

Outside of work I like to spend time in nature, go on walks, work on art, or cuddle with my cats.

Footer

Can Do Canines Assistance Dogs oval logo

Phone iconContact Us

763-331-3000
info@candocanines.org

Map iconLocation

9440 Science Center Drive
New Hope, Minnesota 55428
Directions
Assistance Dogs International Accredited Member websiteCandid. Platinum Transparency 2024 logo  Charities Review Council Meets Standards website

© 2025 Can Do Canines. All Rights Reserved.Contact Us  |  Careers  |  Press Kit  | Accessibility Statement  |  Privacy Policy  |  Site Map