K9 Connection Team
Chris Russell – Trainer – Board and Train, Private Lessons
Stationed in Afghanistan, Chris was covering the gate guard when a random dog approached. After giving the dog some Cheerios and water, the two became fast friends and were able to hang out together during the duration of his time on that post. After finishing his contract in the Army, he started out on his dog training journey with a dog daycare job where he was able to tap into his love of dogs from childhood and the Army–and shadowing trainers who worked with veterans and their PTSD dogs. Chris also managed a dog daycare program in Connecticut and eventually moved back home to Buffalo and led the team in our Enrichment Daycare program. Chris continued his training journey with studying dog behavior and ethology, shadowing experienced trainers and has since graduated to training full time taking on some of our most difficult behavioral cases. Chris also specializes in canine socialization and teaches our Dog Confidence Building Class. He is also certified in Pet First Aid and CPR and a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals. Outside of work, Chris enjoys camping trips and watching sports–especially Arsenal in the English Premier League!
Tracy Woodruff – Training & Operations Manager – Private Lessons, Group Classes
Tracy’s childhood dog was a German Shepherd named Sarge, and as a quiet, shy kid, all of her time was spent with him! This is where her love of dog training began–as well as horses, cats, the kitchen sink! Tracy began her professional dog training career as an apprentice at K9 Connection in 2015. In addition to being a AKC Canine Good Citizen Certified Evaluator, has completed the Canine Fitness Certification, Animal Psychology Course, Moderating Dog Behavior Certificate and has plans to become a TDI Evaluator. Tracy is also certified in Pet First Aid and CPR and a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals. Tracy is pictured here with her working rough collie ‘I Know You Ryder’. Throw in her other dog, Delilah, her two cats, Hank and Ernie, into the mix, and there ya go! Specializing in Private Lessons, Puppy Class and other group classes, Tracy loves helping to put the puzzle pieces together when it comes to your relationship with your dog!
Jay Margarucci – Trainer – Board and Train, Private Lessons, Group Classes
Jay has a great love and passion for canines and, since age 10, decided that his dream was to work with dogs professionally. In college, he studied Psychology with a focus in the Human-Animal Bond. Jay has done dog training in shelters, with a service/therapy dog program for veterans, with border patrol and police K9s all which taught him a great deal about working with a wide array of breeds and temperaments.
Jay’s working-line German Shepherd dog, Buck, competes in American Schutzhund, NACSW Scent Work, and NASDA Shed hunting. He is AKC Canine Good Citizen Certified Evaluator, and titled in NACSW Scent Work, Brewery Manners Dog program, and is an ongoing participant of the Harvard University Canine Brains Project – a study observing the brain structure and cognition of specialized working dogs. Jay is also a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals Herm Sprenger Prong Collar certified When not working or competing, Jay and Buck love going hiking, camping, and hanging out at home with their wide array of other pets.
Adrianne DiBrog – Trainer – Board and Train, Private Lessons
Adrianne has worked with animals her whole life and dog training has been a passion for over 10 years. She recently adopted her dog, Jasper, who came with fear aggression issues. With patience, intuition, and determination he is now manageable and his social circle continues to grow due to increased confidence in himself and his handlers. Adrianne is certified in Dog First Aid and CPR and PackPro Certified for group management in dog daycare and has a keen understanding of dog body language and managing dog-to-dog interactions. In her spare time, Adrianne enjoys spending time with her horses, camping, cooking, kayaking and recently completed her PhD in Nutrition at UB. Adrianne is also certified in Pet First Aid and CPR.
Maia Wingfelder – Trainer – Board and Train, Private Lessons
Maia’s love for dogs began at a young age, growing up with an innate connection to them that only deepened over the years. Maia and her dog Phoebe, whom she raised from a puppy, have explored the world of dog training, participating in 4-H as well as AKC events such as Rally, Obedience, and Conformation, where they built a deep understanding of communication and teamwork.
Maia’s passion for the relationship between handlers and their dogs led her to study at SUNY Cobleskill, where she earned her degree in Canine Training & Management, Bachelor of Technology. Maia started her career at K9 Connection as an intern, where her focus, hard work, and dedication have allowed her to grow within the field and continue to help owners build strong, lasting bonds with their dogs.
In her free time, Maia and Phoebe love exploring the outdoors, whether they’re hiking, camping, or taking on new adventures together.
Coy Treat – Training Apprentice
A lifelong dog lover, Coy is passionate about supporting the physical, mental, and social well-being of every dog he works with. Before stepping into the world of dog training, he led our Enrichment Daycare program for three years, always looking for new ways to make each dog’s day more fulfilling and fun.
Coy has a natural gift for reading canine body language and helping more “introverted” dogs build confidence and healthy social skills. When he’s not working with dogs, you’ll probably find him watching football or hiking across Western New York with his dog, Bobby. He’s also certified in Pet First Aid and CPR, ensuring every dog in his care is safe and supported.
Ashley Majewski– Groomer / Client Care and Admin Assistant
Ashley has been grooming dogs of all breeds and sizes for over 17 years and brings a wealth of experience and care to every pet she works with. Beyond being an exceptional groomer, she’s an invaluable part of our client care and administrative team, helping keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
Passionate about learning and always eager to grow, Ashley loves being part of an environment that’s both collaborative and dynamic. Outside of work, she and her daughter, Lyric, enjoy hiking and spending time outdoors with their cat, hilariously named “Taco Flavored Kisses.” She’s pictured here with her friend’s dog, Tootie.
Cooper Treat– Enrichment Daycare Lead
Cooper joined the K9 Connection team in early 2024 with one goal in mind — to learn everything he could about dog care, behavior, and socialization (and maybe to team up with his brother, Coy, along the way). His dedication, positive attitude, and genuine love for dogs quickly stood out, earning him the role of Enrichment Team Leader.
Whether he’s engaging dogs in play, helping them build confidence, or just making sure every pup has the best day possible, Cooper brings heart and enthusiasm to everything he does. He’s pictured here with his own dog, Cujo — his partner in adventure and constant reminder of why he loves what he does.
Gina Pobywajlo– Enrichment Daycare Assistant
Gina’s love for dogs started when her family adopted a Rottweiler named Moody from the SPCA — a sweet boy with some serious behavior challenges. Everything changed when she began working on basic obedience with him, and seeing his transformation sparked her passion for dog training.
Before joining K9 Connection, Gina spent four years in pet retail, where she did a little bit of everything but especially loved helping owners discover the power of enrichment toys and activities. Now, she’s thrilled to be expanding her skills in training and helping more dogs — like Moody — reach their full potential. Gina is being stared at lovingly by Enrichment Daycare dog, Remy.
Shelby Kowalski– Enrichment Daycare Assistant
Shelby began her career working with dogs in 2015 while attending college in California and quickly discovered how much joy and purpose the work brought her. Over the years, she’s developed a deep appreciation for each dog’s unique personality and takes pride in creating environments where they can truly thrive.
In 2021, Shelby adopted her Pittie mix, Parmesan, who reignited her passion for canine care. Training him has been an incredibly rewarding experience that strengthened her skills and deepened her dedication to helping dogs live happy, well-balanced lives. While she loves dogs of every breed, Pitbulls hold a special place in her heart, and she’s always excited to help every dog reach their full potential. Shelby is pictured here with Enrichment Daycare dog, Ruthie.