Meet our Team

 Name: Christy Bormann

 Occupation: Research Assistant with Genzyme Corporation

 Experience: Since 2002, Human Remains Canine Handler.  Member Texas Task Force 1 since 2006.  Currently handling Lady Certified in Human Remains Detection and Cody in training for Live Find Disaster. Member of Texas Task Force 1's development team.

 Certifications:

• NASAR Search & Rescue Technician 2
• Swiftwater Rescue Technician

 Name: Katie Breland

 Occupation: President of Bark Enterprises: A-1 Termites, Nature’s Intent Dog Food, Nature’s Intent Boarding and Training

 Experience: Since 1986, Wilderness Search & Rescue as K-9 Handler trained and deployed 4 different canine partners (German Shepherds). Currently I am working Retta in Wilderness and Ice in Live Find Disaster. Member of Texas Task Force 1's development team.

 Certifications:

• NASAR Search & Rescue Technician 2
• Swiftwater Rescue Technician
• High Angle Rescue

 Name: Cathy Farrell, Secretary Search Dog Network for 2008

 Occupation: Retired Nurse

 Experience: I have worked as a canine handler since 1994 on 2 different volunteer teams in the State of Texas. I have trained 3 different canines encompassing the areas of wilderness live, human remains, water recovery, and live disaster. I have been involved in the Texas Task Force 1, Canine Training program since 2002. My current canine partner is a black lab. Blade passed the FEMA canine evaluation in April 2006 and we are now training in wilderness air scent.  I have been a member of Search Dog Network since 2003.

 Certifications:

• Registered Nurse

• Canine Search Specialist, TX-TF1

• NASAR Search and Rescue Technician 2

• NASAR Managing the Lost Person Incident

 Name: Erin Gillenwaters

Occupation: Genetics Graduate Student, Texas A&M University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology

 Experience: I have six years experience as a veterinary technician, having worked for three different clinics in both Brazos County and Montgomery County.  I also have emergency clinic experience.  Currently I am training my canine partner Remi (Labrador Retriever) for Human Remains Detection.

 Certifications: NASAR Search & Rescue Technician 3

Name: Cindy Grant

Occupation: Physical Therapist

 Experience: Since 2000, not long after 2 GSD's came into the family!  Certified Trooper in HR in 2005 through NASAR and NNDDA. Training Anakin in Tracking/Trailing.

 Certifications:

• NASAR Search & Rescue Technician 2
• First Responder 2000 to 2004
• Swiftwater Awareness

 Name: Mary Haislet, Treasurer Search Dog Network for 2008

Occupation: Retired teacher

 Experience: Since 2003, Human Remains Detection K-9 Handler. Trained two canine partners, the current one Noggin is deployable (Belgian Malinois). 13 years in animal sheltering: developed and presented programs on dog and cat behavior and training

 Certifications:

• NASAR Search & Rescue Technician 2
• Gifted Animal Program (GAP) Certified Diagnostician Level 1
• Texas Animal Control Officer Association, Advanced Animal Control Officer

 

 

Name: Marlo Nordt

Occupation: Computer Science Graduate Student, Texas A&M University

 Experience: Since 2006, Currently training Mic in Wilderness Air Scent.

 Certifications:

• NASAR Search & Rescue Technician 2
• Gifted Animal Program (GAP) Certified Diagnostician Level 1

 Name: Ronnie Perry, Vice President Search Dog Network for 2008

 Occupation: US&R Technician, TEEX US&R Division

 Experience: Since 1995 I have been involved in Wilderness Search & Rescue. I began as what is now known by many as a flanker and Wilderness Medic, as well as boat operator for a dive team. Worked 5 years with the Texas Forest Service as a firefighter and held a position on the Lone Star State Incident Management Team. As a  Fire Fighter since 1995 I have held the position of Lieutenant, Training Captain, and Asst Chief. I have worked as a canine handler since 2006. I am currently working K9 partner Megan, a Yellow Labrador in wilderness air sent. I have been a member of Search Dog Network since 2006.

•  Certifications:

  • NASAR Search & Rescue Technician 2

  • Intermediate Fire Fighter, SFFMA

  • Fire Instructor, SFFMA

  • Swiftwater Rescue Technician

Name: Jim Yeager,  President Search Dog Network for 2008

Occupation: Training Manager TEEX US&R Division.

 Experience: Since 1992 with Personnel Recovery in the military. Canine Search & Rescue since 1996. Texas Task Force 1 since 1997, currently a Search Team Manager. Trained and certified 2 canine partners (Golden Retrievers) both retired. Currently training Phoenix in Wilderness Air Scent.

 Certifications:

• NASAR Search & Rescue Technician 2
• FEMA Technical Search Specialist
• Evaluator NASAR Canine SAR Tech Program