email: dtoews@ksds.org

Sandy joined KSDS in September 2020, bringing with her a deep familiarity with the organization’s business and programs, having grown up in Washington. Her initial engagement with KSDS dates back to 2006, when she worked in the office as an AmeriCorps VISTA member. This experience highlighted the profound impact that service dogs can have on individuals’ lives.

Sandy holds an Associate Degree in Medical Records Technology and has nearly two decades of experience in the field, working at various hospitals and clinics. Her role as an Administrative Assistant/Secretary opened doors to other opportunities, including a position with The Rocky Mountain Conservancy in Estes Park, a place she cherishes for its beautiful mountains.

In her free time, Sandy enjoys helping people, volunteering, traveling, spending time with her family, and reading.

email: snutsch@ksds.org

Jenny Pachta is a proud native of Republic County and brings over 25 years of dedicated experience in the nonprofit sector. Her lifelong passion for community service and volunteerism is deeply rooted in her desire to lead by example and strengthen the communities she calls home.

Jenny’s commitment to giving back began when her children were young, driven by a desire to lead by example. She has held leadership roles with The Blair Center for the Arts, NCK CASA, Hope’s Place, Belleville Public Library, and USD 109 CARES. Jenny also volunteers with Republic County 4-H and St. Edward’s Catholic Church.

Alongside her community work, she is actively involved in her family’s hay and cattle operation with her husband, Garry and their four children.  They enjoy life with their children and four grandchildren. Jenny’s lifelong dedication to service, family, and community reflects the values at the heart of KSDS.

email: jpachta@ksds.org

Annette is an ADI Certified Service Dog Trainer and has an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science, with a Major in Photography and a Minor in Graphic Design. Photography is a hobby that she still enjoys, along with spending long weekends at the lake, golfing, and off road trips.

She has had a love for animals from a very young age. When growing up, there weren’t too many animals she hadn’t encountered on her parent’s family farm. She always wanted to be a Veterinarian, but decided she didn’t want to attend several years of college.

She has two children, a son, Taylor, who attended Kansas State University and a daughter, McKenzie, who attends the University of Kansas. McKenzie has also puppy raised for KSDS. The family adopted a Career Change yellow lab, Kenai, who is keeper of the house, even over the two felines who rule the block they live on.

email:  akohlmeyer@ksds.org

Debbie has been a dedicated member of KSDS since 1999. She finds great fulfillment in her role, enjoying the opportunity to work with people from diverse backgrounds and the KSDS dogs in training. Debbie is passionate about sharing the KSDS mission and frequently gives presentations to Lions Clubs and other organizations.

Outside of her work at KSDS, Debbie cherishes time with her husband, Don, their three married children, and eight grandchildren. She loves attending her grandchildren’s various sports events and school functions. The family enjoys camping together, and Debbie has a passion for cooking and reading.

email:  dtegethoff@ksds.org

 

Growing up on a farm outside of Linn, Kansas, Brooke found a love for animals at an early age. She enjoyed having several pets around the farm and showing some in 4-H. Currently, her parents have three dogs that she loves to spend time with: Lacey, Mya, and Chief. Brooke received an Associates of Science degree at Cloud County Community College. While going to Cloud, she also started working at a mixed animal vet clinic. Brooke then went on to get a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Sciences & Industry from Kansas State University. At K-State, she started working at a small animal vet clinic where she enjoyed seeing the animals and learning a lot.

Brooke and her husband now enjoy living in the country outside of Clay Center with their red heeler, Mercury. In her free time, Brooke enjoys spending time with friends, attending K-State football games, going to coed softball tournaments, or doing any outdoor activity. She has loved being back around her hometown and working in the community. Growing up, she always knew of the great things KSDS did for people, and she is excited to now be a part of that.

email:  bpfizenmaier@ksds.org

Eliza grew up just outside of Waterville, Kansas. She attended the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture where she double majored in Veterinary Technology and Equine Health. She went on to become a certified veterinary technician in Kansas and Nebraska. Prior to joining the KSDS team in December of 2020, Eliza had worked as a vet tech in several mixed animal vet clinics.

Growing up on a farm, Eliza has always had a passion for animals of all shapes and sizes. She loves to combine her passion for animals with her desire to help people become more independent. In her free time, she enjoys riding and traveling with her horses, spending time with her dogs, and helping her husband with the farm and cattle whenever possible.

email:  ebenteman@ksds.org

 

 

Kenneth Cook has spent most of his life as a resident of Washington County. He graduated from North Central High School and went on to earn an Associate of Arts degree in Ag Business from Cloud County Community College.

After dedicating 37 years to working for USD 221 and USD 108, he retired in January 2024.

During his free time, Kenneth enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Kris. They bond over activities like fishing, kayaking, grilling in their yard while listening to music, and going out on weekends. Their family includes 4 children, 7 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.

email:  kcook@ksds.org

Tulene has always been passionate about animals of all sizes. Growing up in Orlando, Florida, she gained extensive experience with small animals but also developed a love for larger animals. During middle school, she began volunteering at Freedom Ride, a local non-profit offering therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with disabilities. While pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences at the University of Florida, Tulene discovered Southeastern Guide Dogs and started raising puppies for them in her junior year. She has since helped raise more than seven dogs. Witnessing her second dog being placed as a guide and meeting the new handler at an on-campus celebration solidified her passion for training guide and service dogs. Tulene is dedicated to helping individuals achieve newfound confidence with an assistance dog by their side and joined the KSDS family in August 2021 to continue this mission.

In her spare time, Tulene runs an Etsy shop where she creates handmade leather and biothane dog gear. She enjoys spending rainy days reading, baking, quilting, or crafting. Additionally, Tulene trains for competitive dog sports such as Dock Diving, AKC Scent Work, and FAST-CAT with her Golden Retriever, Vera.

email:  tfarwell@ksds.org

INFORMATION COMING SOON

 

 

 

email:  ksdspuppyraisers@gmail.com

 

 

Adell has held various roles with KSDS since 2005, from being an apprentice trainer to housing breeders. She is now combining the joys of working with the Pooches and Pals group at the Topeka Correctional Facility.

Previous to joining KSDS, she attended Kansas State University and received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Animal Science and Industry, with an emphasis in Animal Behavior and Nutrition.  When she’s not working with animals, Adell loves spending time with her husband Brian, as well as their two children, whom she homeschools.

email:  adell.aubert@gmail.com

 

Board of Directors

President
Bill Slater

Treasurer
Lesley Fiser

Member
Brandon Vering

Vice President
Bob Bartkoski

Member
Glenda Keller

Member
Kerry Smith

Secretary
Sandy Bartkoski

Member
Bill Stenfors

Member
Pete Sherlock, DVM