Our Staff Ferndale
Meet our team! Did you know? Each staff member is required to become Pet CPR & First Aid certified before completing their status as a Trainee. This helps ensure our Pack Leaders know how to handle any situations that may arise. We are proud to be surrounded by a team of dedicated dog lovers, some of whom have been with us for over 6 years! Read all about your dog's BFFs below.
Liz Blondy
Founder and Owner
Founded Canine to Five in 2005
Pets: A Landseer Newfoundland named Clover
Liz is a long-time Detroiter who, after a decade in sales, decided to combine her love of animals and her hometown passion into a career. In 2005, she opened Canine to Five Detroit Dog Daycare in Midtown and in 2013, Canine to Five Ferndale. Both facilities offer daycare, boarding and grooming, and the business also facilitates trainings and hosts events like pack walks and dog-friendly happy hours.
Canine to Five is now recognized as a Detroit small business success story, and Liz has emerged as a staunch and prominent advocate for Detroit’s resurgence. Firmly convinced that small businesses are the key to true revival, she co-founded Open City Detroit, a networking group designed to encourage entrepreneurship, and participates in many initiatives to foster a strong grassroots business community.
Benjamin Paga
Facility Manager
Joined Canine to Five Team in 2015
Pets: 2 dogs named Bonnie & Kiba, 1 cat named Oliver
Ben is our Facility Manager, and going above and beyond for our clients is totally his thing. Coming from a background in the rescue/vet world, Ben says doggy daycare is a completely different environment. "It has been so inspiring to work with a team that loves, adores, and truly wants to learn more and grow with each dog that comes through our door, as well as our clients that treat their pups as their own children."
Ben currently lives in Ferndale with his Shepherd mixes, Bonnie & Kiba, and long haired cat, Oliver. In his free time, Ben enjoys painting, wood burning, trail hikes with his dogs, gardening, and fixing his house. His favorite thing about Canine to Five is “The need to learn more. I love this company because we grow with the times. I love learning more about each and every dog and their individual behaviors, quirks and personalities and then being able to have a conversation with our awesome clients really just makes my day. Seeing a dog go from underconfident to giving that first booty bump to the owner walking in for the first time with a treat pouch is the biggest win for my staff and I. The ability to enrich all dogs' lives is my favorite thing about Canine to Five."
samantha hillmer
systems & communications manager
Joined Canine to Five team in 2017
Pets: A Boxer Mix named Charlie & A Cattle Dog/Terrier Mix named Violet
Samantha is the doer of all things. As our Systems & Communications Manager, she is behind all of our client communication and social media, she helps document and improve our processes, maintains our reservation software, updates our website, writes blog posts, and honestly - so much more.
Outside of having an knack for technology, Sam has over 10 years of experience working with animals! She has worked everywhere from grooming salons to vet clinics, working with border patrol K9’s, horses, and has even helped deliver newborn puppies. She loves working at Canine to Five because basically everything she does is also her hobby! Writing, social media, graphic design - it truly is her dream job. Sam also loves that Canine to Five is all about being positive and provides a healthy outlet for dogs who would otherwise be bored at home. "Working for a business that shares your same values and training beliefs is so great. I know my own dogs are happy and safe at Canine to Five, so it's easy for me to communicate the benefits to potential clients when doing my job."
Samantha currently resides in Allen Park with her husband, Matt, her two daughters, Hailey & Hannah, and her two dogs, Charlie & Violet.
cullen perry
training Manager
Joined Canine to Five Team in 2012
Pets: 4 dogs - Birdie, Beowulf, Sabretooth, and Charlie, 5 cats - Elvira, Inana, Ishie, Lulu, and Flea, and a catfish named Salvador
Cullen is our dog guru. As our Training Manager, he makes sure all of our Pack Leaders are proficient in dog behavior and body language, and that all of our dogs are being taken care of properly and with positive techniques. When asked what his favorite thing about CTF was, he replied, "The dogs, obviously. I like that we have created an environment that can be healthy, positive, and enriching for so many different personality types. I love that our staff puts in the work to help dogs learn the skills they need to be successful. Our level of dedication and knowledge, matched with customer transparency and education, means that we can provide a beneficial service that is unique within the industry."
Cullen currently resides in Detroit with his 4 dogs, Birdie, Beowulf, Sabretooth, and Charlie, his 5 cats, Elvira, Inana, Ishie, Lulu, and Flea, and his catfish, Salvador.
Kaitlin Lulofs
Canine Concierge & Customer service
Joined Canine to Five team in 2016
Pets: A handsome little Cocker Spaniel named Noah, and two delicate Millipedes named Thorne and Admiral Rodcocker.
Kaitlin is a Pack Leader who joined our team in 2016. She previously lived in Denver, Colorado where she was a live-in care provider for a special needs Chow Chow and studied Mortuary Science. The very first day she moved back to Michigan, she was walking around her neighborhood and saw Canine to Five.. her eyes lit up! She knew she had to work with us.
Kaitlin currently resides in Ferndale with her roommate, her Cocker Spaniel, Noah, and her different species of insects! During her free time, she legitimately plans all year for Halloween, watches Law & Order, and is currently learning how to drive so she can get her license! She is also always trying to convince the world that leggings are pants. Her favorite this about Canine to Five? “All the dog kisses, duh!”
Christian moultrie
Customer Service
Joined Canine to Five Team in 2020
Pets: A Pit Bull named Diesel
Avid dog cuddler, Christian, was originally looking for something customer service based when job searching. Once joining our team, he got that - and so much more! Having pets growing up sparked his interest to apply, and we are so glad he did. Before Canine to Five, he was a Customer Service Rep at Uhaul full-time, and he managed a popcorn shop part-time. Now training as a Pack Leader, Christian says his favorite thing about Canine to Five is getting acquainted and building a relationship with all of the different breeds of dogs.
DiAna Crawford
Pack Leader & Customer Service
Joined Canine to Five Team in 2019
Pets: A cat named Jynx aka Jinkerbells aka Jynxy
DiAna joined our team for the love of animals. Her father had always urged her to work with dogs because of their shared love for them. She thinks he’d be proud! Canine to Five's flexibility also allows her to work on her business, Buttons and Change. DiAna currently resides in Oak Park with her mother. In her free time, she cares for her grandma and uncle, volunteers for a little league cheer leading team that she used to cheer for when she was younger, dances Afro, Cuban, and Rumba, and, of course, works on growing her business. DiAna's favorite thing about Canine to Five is... "Everything, really! From the dogs to the people, this place is amazing!"
Tommy Grobbel
Boarding Supervisor
Joined Canine to Five Team in 2017
Pets: A Chug
Tommy joined our team because he loves dogs and thinks we do a great job ensuring that the animals are cared for and that everyone is happy. Before Canine to Five, he was a production floor hi-lo driver at an injection molding shop. Tom currently resides in Royal Oak with his chunky Chug. During his free time he plays disc golf. If the sun is out and he’s not working, you’ll find him on the course. Tommy’s favorite thing about Canine to Five is everything, it’s the best job he’s ever had! The staff is amazing and we do such a great job making sure all the dogs have a great time.
Gerret Vanderham
Pack Supervisor
Joined Canine to Five Team in 2018
Pets: A Puggle name Otis, Frenchie named Olive, and Vizsla named Hans.
Gerret joined our team because of his love for dogs, and has become obsessed with Hungarian Vizslas ever since. Before Canine to Five, he was doing landscaping and working at a greenhouse, and now it remains his hobby. Gerret currently resides in Ferndale with his girlfriend of over ten years, Ashley, who puts up with his collections of everything – mainly vinyl records, vinyl toys/ figures, and lots and lots of art. In his free time he likes to play and mix some records, watch a good flick, go to concerts and music gigs, and take care of his 90+ house plant/cacti/succulents. Gerret’s favorite thing about Canine to Five is all of his unique co-workers. So many different personalities, but all the same when it comes to the dogs. Many have become friends and have been pretty special to him in one way or another. PLUS THE Vizslas of course!
Samantha Swamp
Pack Supervisor
Joined Canine to Five Team in 2015
Pets: Four dogs named Fanny, Kilgore, Luke and Gaia as well as a cat named Azreal
Sam is a Pack Leader (& groomer in training) who joined our team in 2015. Before Canine to Five, she worked at a vet office and a dog daycare. Sam lives in Hazel Park with her fiancee Logan, their son Jasper, their cat Azreal, and their 4 dogs Luke, Gaia, Kilgore, & Fanny! In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her son and dogs. Sam is also a yoga novice and enjoys gardening. She joined Canine to Five for the dogs, of course! Dogs bring great joy to her life and she enjoys getting to know many different breeds.
Amy Koffel
Pack Leader
Joined Canine to Five Team in 2017
Pets: A Hound Mix named Lana
Amy is a Pack Leader who joined Canine to Five with a love for dogs and a love for learning new things. Before joining our team, she worked for a friend’s start up company that produced and sold hand held flame throwers. Amy currently lives in Oak Park with her boyfriend and their amazing dog Lana, a lab/hound mix. During her free time, Amy loves to read, hike/camp, and play Dungeons & Dragons and board games with her friends. Her favorite thing about Canine to Five is her fellow teammates and the incredible amount of things she has, and continues to, learn about dogs.
Kiera Adams
Pack Leader
Joined Canine to Five Team in 2017
Pets: A mixed breed dog named Logan
Kiera joined Canine to Five with a love for animals that started from childhood. Once she adopted her current dog, she became more interested in dog behavior and interaction. Before CTF, she managed a Tropical Smoothie Cafe. Kiera currently lives in Ferndale with her mother, two sisters, girlfriend, and dog, Logan. In her free time, she likes to draw, paint, and hang out with her family. Other than being with the dogs every day, her favorite thing about Canine to Five would have to be the positive and supportive team.
Kelsey lee Santoro
Pack Leader
Joined Canine to Five Team in 2018
Pets: A Boxer named Bruce, a Pitbull named Deja and 2 cats Honey & Vegas.
Kelsey is a Pack Leader who loves dogs and has always wanted to work with animals. Before Canine to Five, she worked at Sorrento’s pizza in Mt Clemens. Kelsey currently resides in Warren with her boyfriend Brett, their daughter Sophia, their 2 dogs, Bruce & Deja, and 2 cats, Honey & Vegas. In her free time… What’s free time?! If she can actually sit down and binge a show – she’s happy. But she loves being outside, if the sun is out she’s probably in the garden. Kelsey’s favorite thing about Canine to Five is that everyone is happy to be here, there’s so much positivity that goes around it’s hard not to love your job. Plus, endless doggy kisses ????
Felix Freeman
Pack Leader
Joined Canine to Five Team in 2018
Pets: A Beagle named Dude, a Tortie cat named Lark, and a Flame Point Siamese named Fallon.
Mandy Maksimov
Pack Leader
Joined Canine to Five Team in 2019
Pets: A Pitty mix named Flynn, and three cats Samuel L Catson, Mima, and Fae
Mandy was born in Ottawa, Ontario, and lived on a hobby farm just outside of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She has always surrounded herself with all kinds of animals, and finally decided she needed a break from the customer service jobs she'd taken on throughout the years, and wanted to commit herself solely to animals. Canine to Five was the perfect fit! Mandy absolutely adores working (and playing) with our dogs at Canine to Five! She currently resides in Detroit with her partner and their 4 pets. During her free time, she is usually reading, playing World of Warcraft, or spending time with her fur babies.
Daniel Bane
Pack Leader
Joined Canine to Five Team in 2019
Pets: A black cat
Daniel joined our team with a passion for animals. Before Canine to Five, he worked with food and customer service. This Pack Leader currently resides in Hazel Park with his sister. During his free time, Daniel enjoys lots of sleeping, and nerdy things. His favorite part about working at Canine to Five is further development of the dogs and helping them become the greatest pets ever!
Cody Shornak
Overnight Attendant
Joined Canine to Five Team in 2014
Pets: A cat named Mr. Peppy, and two dogs; a Corgi named Stubbs and a Shepherd Mix named Vidar
Fun Facts: When asked why he applied to Canine to Five Cody said, “I am out of my mind in love with animals and the opportunity to work alongside them sounded like a dream.” Outside of work he is a comic book artist with a passion for Rollerblading and Skateboarding. He also plays guitar and DJs in a few local bands. Cody currently resides in Berkley with his two best friends, as well as a cat named Mr. Peppy and two dogs; a Corgi named Stubbs and a Shepherd Mix named Vidar.