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 10 years! Read all about your dog's BFFs below.
Mandy Maksimov
Facility Manager
Joined Canine to Five Team in 2019
Pets: German Aussie named Banshee, a Norwegian Forest Cat named Samuel L. Catson, a Tuxedo named Marishka Hargitay, and an orange tabby named Medivh
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 Oak Park Michigan with her pets. During her free time, she is usually reading, playing World of Warcraft, or spending time with her fur babies.
Carlyn Misuraca
Supervisor Since 2022
John Spreitzer
Customer Service and Concierge Since 2022
Jon Kelly
Customer Service SInce 2023
Karhlie Heeter
Customer Service SInce 2023
Jesse Guest
Pack Supervisor Since 2020
Kiera Adams
Pack Supervisor Since 2022
Zach Aldrich
Pack Supervisor Since 2022
Gerret Vanderham
Pack Leader Since 2018
Sylvia Marcaccio
Pack Leader and Customer Service Since 2022
Nex Hetrick
Pack Leader Since 2022
Babs Taylor
Dog Care Attendant Since 2023
Jala Pitts
Pack Leader Since 2023
Cole Cummings
Pack Leader Since 2023
Andrew Jamieson
Pack Leader Since 2023
Ariel Brown
Pack Leader Since 2024
Korey Restrepo
Pack Leader Since 2025
samantha hillmer
Chief Operating Officer
Joined Canine to Five in 2017
Pets: A Cattle Dog/Terrier Mix named Violet & A Miniature Australian Shepherd named Willow
Samantha is the doer of all things. As our Chief Operating Officer, she plays a key leadership role in shaping the direction of Canine To Five across all four locations. From mentoring managers and guiding our concierge team, to developing company policies, overseeing operations, and optimizing client experience — Sam ensures our business runs smoothly inside and out.
She manages our reservation software, brainstorms new services, creates client retention strategies, builds training materials, facilitates meetings, and monitors performance and reputation across locations. Samantha also leads our marketing efforts — including social media, website updates, blog posts, newsletters, and promotional campaigns — and she’s the voice behind many of our thoughtful responses to online reviews!
Outside of having a knack for technology and process improvement, Sam brings over 15 years of experience working with animals — from grooming salons to veterinary clinics, border patrol K9s to newborn puppies. She loves that her role at Canine To Five blends her passion for pets with her strengths in leadership, writing, graphic design, and systems thinking.
Samantha currently resides in Allen Park with her husband, Matt, their two daughters, Hailey and Hannah, and their two dogs, Violet and Willow.
melissa daris
Human Resources Manager
Joined Canine to Five team in 2021
Pets: A Sheltie named Luna and a Bengal cat named Ivan
Melissa came to Canine To Five with a background in Human Resources and Management. She previously worked in animal medicine at an ER and Specialty Veterinary Hospital. This combined experience made her the perfect fit for Canine To Five.
Melissa takes care of all of Canine To Five's employees whether it be recruiting, benefits, payroll and anything else "HR"
Melissa currently resides in Royal Oak with her husband Tom, daughter Eva, son Tommy, her dog Luna and cat Ivan.
Kaitlin Lulofs
Canine Concierge Manager
Joined Canine to Five team in 2016
Pets: A 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!”