About Us

Mike McKinley

Owner

I bought Auntie Ruth’s Furry Friends in 2012. In 2016, we rebranded and moved locations to what is now Fusion. I wanted to offer exemplary services with an emphasis on quality care.  I have 2 dogs – a Boxer Mix named Jack, and an American Bulldog named Hank. In my spare time, I enjoy trying out new breweries with my lovely wife, Shannon.

Elizabeth Doyle

General Manager &
Agility Instructor

I graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Human Resources degree. To unite my professional experience working in HR and my personal passion of training in dog sports, I came to Fusion in 2017. While not at work, I compete in agility with my two border collies (Marzena and Rizzo) and terrier mix (Evie). I also enjoy baking, doing DIY projects, and spending time with my husband.

Taylor Drankiewicz

Pet Care Manager

I have a 3 year old German Shepherd named Maggie. I have experience in Obedience, Service Dog Training (diabetic alert and mobility aid), and Agility. I’m a CPDT-KA. I also have a Bachelors Degree in Animal Science with an emphasis on companion animals. My passion is strengthening the bond between humans and their dogs.

Nicole Hecksel

Groomer

I have been training and showing dogs since I was 13 years old, and currently have a crew of 2 Australian Shepherds, a Field Spaniel puppy, and a 4 year old son. I believe dog grooming is an art form and vital to the dog’s overall wellbeing. I strive to offer a calm and respectful grooming experience where I accommodate for each pup’s individual needs.

Erin Teter

Groomer

I have worked in almost every position possible at Fusion until I found my passion for dog grooming. I’ve been grooming at Fusion for the past couple years.  I have 2 dogs – an Aussie mix named Moo and a Borzoi named Soba. I also have fish, a turtle, and a guinea pig. I enjoy spending my free time with my Fiance, Mike and all our pets.

Kayla Salsberg

Groomer

I have been a dog trainer at Fusion for the last 4 years and have been grooming professionally for 2. I absolutely love working with dogs in all capacities. My background is in zoology, psychology, and animal behavior. I love working with dogs as individuals to meet their specific needs. I can’t wait to give your dog the best pampering experience!

Margaret Weider

Bather

Bio coming soon!

Gab Yunis

Front Desk

Bio coming soon!

Holly Williams

Front Desk Specialist

I have 3 pets – an Australian Shepherds named Gideon,  a cat named Nala, and a cranky parrot named Polly. I love training in agility and barn hunt with them. I also enjoy quilting and knitting in my freetime. I spent 30+ years running an in home childcare. I love teaching children how to interact with animals in a positive way.

Annika Larson

Pet Care Supervisor/Trail Guide

Bio coming soon!

Sarah Mann

Front Desk Specialist/Trail Guide

Bio coming soon!

Josie Borchardt

Pet Care supervisor

I do not currently have a pet, but I have owned and loved animals my entire life. I enjoy working at Fusion because I can do my favorite thing everyday. In my spare time, you’ll probably find me reading a good book.

Max Coomer

Pet Care Specialist

Bio coming soon!

Kieran Kennedy

Pet Care Specialist

Bio coming soon!

Eleon Hyatt

Pet Care specialist

Bio coming soon!

Annika Sasik

Pet Care specialist

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Conservation and worked in the pet care industry throughout high school and college. I grew up with two dogs: a Bichon Frise named Andre and a golden retriever named Sophie. When I’m not working, I love to play piano and spend time outdoors.

 Justin Glass

Pet Care Specialist

 I love animals of all kinds and my goal is to work with them more in the future! I also enjoy watching anime, spending time with friends, and working with my youth group called DeMolay! I can’t wait to meet your pets!

Dana Kotchick

Pet Care specialist

Bio coming soon!

Stephanie Linstad

Pet Care Assistant Supervisor

Bio coming soon!

Riley Ecker

Pet Care ASsistant Supervisor

Bio coming soon!

Dakairi Hammond

Pet Care Assistant

My hobbies include gaming, working out and occasionally cooking. My interests as of now would be coding, I’m looking to go to college for my computer science degree and to minor in software development, In 2024 I am looking to get a software engineer internship hopefully soon so i can add it on to my resume and help me understand code more better. I’m not that open of a talker but I’m more than willing to engage in a conversation and keep a conversation going until finished.

Liel Huppert

Pet Care ASsistant

Bio coming soon!

Luke Krischel

Pet Care Assistant

I’m studying to become a writer. Some hobbies im interested in are music and
playing instruments as well as fencing. I have had dogs all my life currently having a dog named Newman with me.

Natalie Dietzler

Pet Care Assistant

I lived overseas in Dubai for 11 years. I
have a Persian Arabian Mau cat named Jezabel she is 7 years old, and we flew her over to the U.S. from Dubai and she is the cutest cat ever! I do swimming, and I am hoping to pursue a career in working with animals.

Sharon Warner

Pet Care ASsistant

Proud mother of 2 wonderful young men. Totally love fur babies! Currently I have 3 cats. I believe life is what you make it

Willow Kelly

Pet Care Assistant

 I have three dogs
(Ranger, Winston, and Indi) and in my free time I love to hang out with them or do art. I love helping people and animals and so I’m going to school to be a vet.

Becky Koeger

Conformation Instructor

I have been competing in dog sports since 2000 and I believe in having a well rounded dog.  My Border Collies compete in agility, obedience, rally, herding and conformation.
I have put numerous titles and championships on my dogs and have competed in multiple national events.  I love to teach and see the progression with handlers and their dogs, it’s a rewarding experience when a team comes together.

Beth Hostetter

Agility Instructor

As a Certified OneMind Dogs Instructor, I love using and teaching the OneMind Dogs method to help my students better understand their dogs. It is a joy to see these teams come together and grow. Clear communication, that is natural to the dog, increases both speed and confidence, while allowing the handler to work calmer and at greater distance.  My classes focus on the handler understanding their dog, team building, and growing confidence in dogs and handlers alike.

 Beth Crowley

Agility Instructor

I have been involved in agility since 2004 when I began training my first competition dog. I have trained 2 Newfoundland dogs and 3 Golden Retrievers. My current dogs are Ticket, age 8 and Mojo age 1. I began teaching agility to students around 2013. I especially like to teach handlers the foundational skills they need to teach their dogs to be successful in the sport. It is my goal to make agility fun and to help build a positive relationship between the handler and their dog.

Christina Wessels

Agility Instructor

Christina took her tentative first step into the sport of agility with her first Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Nikko, back in 2012. She was immediately hooked by the strong bond formed with the dog and the intellectual challenge of training skills and strategizing courses. Christina, now with two more Tollers (Sole and Presto), competes in both AKC and UKI and has earned her way into Finals at multiple national competitions. She has been an agility instructor since 2016 and particularly enjoys working with young dogs and new handlers just discovering the joy of agility for themselves.

Danielle Wagner

Agility Instructor

I have been training and showing dogs since I was three. Agility is my first passion, which has grown over the years. During this time, I have trained several breeds, providing me with a diverse skill set that enables me to train my dogs to the highest level possible. It is my passion to help people with their dogs, by helping them to build a connection, a working relationship, and skills to help them achieve their goals. Watching the partnership succeed is one of the best things about teaching.

Darci Wagner

Agility Instructor

I have been training and competing with my dogs my whole life.  I grew up showing in conformation and obedience but my true love is Agility.  I have also dabbled in dock diving and herding.  Over the years I have owned many different breeds from small to tall which gives a great perspective for when it comes to teaching agility classes. I definitely think there is not a one size fits all approach to teaching agility.

Gretchen Olson

Conformation Instructor

My adventures in AKC sports began over 20 years ago, showing my two Golden Retrievers in agility. After cheering on friends in the conformation ring for many years, I got an opportunity in 2010 to join the fun with a beautiful Golden named Suri. In a entry of 300 puppies, she won BOSS in puppy sweeps at our National Specialty. She went on to earn her Bronze Grand Championship. Her son Sterling has also achieved Bronze Grand Champion, with group placements along the way. He has also won multiple Owner Handler Best in Show’s! I would love to help other owner-handlers achieve their dreams!

Jennifer Sorum

Agility Instructor

Bio coming soon!

Julie Heller

Agility Instructor

Bio coming soon!

Kara Maytag – Kaszas

Agility Instructor

Kara has owned and occasionally bred Standard Schnauzers for the past 20 years. She competes in Conformation,
Agility, Barn Hunt, Dock Diving, Scentwork, FastCAT, Obedience and Rally with her dogs. When not busy with dog
activities she is cheering on her 12 year old daughter in dance, crafting, cooking, baking or curling.

Kelsey Germscheid

Agility Instructor

I’ve been around the agility world since being a junior handler, and have also trained in Obedience and Scentwork. I love using training to teach a better relationship between dogs and their people, and my favorite thing is seeing that relationship bloom while our dogs learn new skills. When not teaching or training my own Sheltie, Renly, I love to do anything outdoors whether that be hiking, camping, skiing; along with practicing photography on the side.

Leanne Wortman

Agility Instructor

I have been active in the sport of agility since 2007.  Learning new things and striving to be a better trainer and handler for my dogs is a major part of what I love about the sport.  I have been fortunate enough to train with some amazing instructors from near and far, as well as compete locally, regionally, and nationally.  I enjoy helping teams add skills to their toolbox and learning from both my human and canine students.

Lori McKusick

Rally and Agility instructor

‘ve been training dogs for 14 years. After trying many dog sports, my favorites are Agility and Rally because she enjoys the mental challenge of memorizing courses. I will provide challenging practice courses each week at all AKC Rally levels.

Taylor Drankiewicz

Obedience Instructor

I have a 3 year old German Shepherd named Maggie. I have experience in Obedience, Service Dog Training (diabetic alert and mobility aid), and Agility. I’m a CPDT-KA. I also have a Bachelors Degree in Animal Science with an emphasis on companion animals. My passion is strengthening the bond between humans and their dogs.

Timera Cyr

Puppy and Obedience Instructor

 Science, animal behavior and training have been my passions since childhood.  I love helping people develop deeper connections with their dogs through better communication and understanding. I have 2 dogs and 2 cats named Adenine, Cytosine, Thymine and Guanine. They are named after the DNA base pairs.