Evan Stewart, CPDT-KA
KPro K9 Master Trainer
evan@kprok9.com

Evan is our Master Trainer here at KPro K9 and has been working in dog training since 1997. Evan first became interested in dog training while working at the Fort Pierce Humane Society in Fort Pierce, FL. During his time there he quickly realized that a lack of training was a large contributing reason so many dogs were in the shelter system. Evan is passionate about helping people and dogs live abundantly together, and lives for the moments where real change and breakthroughs happen within those relationships. Evan serves as Master Trainer for KPro K9, and daily as a trainer for the South Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf Coast areas.

Gino Smith, CPDT
KPro K9 Lead Trainer
gino@kprok9.com

Gino began his journey in dog training in 2014 when he developed a desire to help create healthy and balanced relationships between dogs and their owners. For Gino, dog training allows him to express himself in a variety of ways and it teaches him a new life lesson with every dog he encounters. His favorite aspect of training is having the opportunity to teach new service-oriented behaviors enabling dogs to better support their humans. Gino serves as a trainer in the Greater Jacksonville, Florida area.

Nate Hatch, CPDT
KPro K9 Lead Trainer
nate@kprok9.com

Nate’s interest was ignited for dog training in 2018 while working to rehabilitate shelter dogs at Nassau Humane Society, Amelia Island, FL. Nate’s favorite part of his job is helping build trust and positive behaviors in dogs through trustworthy leadership from their owners. For Nate, nothing beats the feeling of helping someone recapture the ancient relationship between people and dogs. Nate serves as a trainer in the Nassau County and Fernandina Beach areas of Florida.

Cassie Kozerski, CPDT
cassie@kprok9.com

Cassie has been involved in dog training in various capacities since 2018. Having previously worked in animal shelters to rehabilitate dogs, Cassie now uses her training skills to give owners the support and knowledge they need to live their best lives with their dogs. Cassie is passionate about helping shelter animals get a new “leash” on life! Cassie serves as a trainer in the South Eastern Georgia area.

Guy Smith, CPDT
guy@kprok9.com

Guy rescued his dog Julian from the shelter in 2020, and upon commencement of Julian’s  training, Guy found his passion for training dogs. Dog training provides an opportunity for Guy to positively impact the lives of others, both human and canine. His favorite part of his job is teaching people the skills to create new behaviors that elevate the dog’s success in public and at home. Guy serves as a trainer in the Greater Jacksonville, Florida area.

Frances Hopfer, CPDT
frances@kprok9.com

Frances began training dogs in 2014 when she joined the United States Air Force to become a military working dog trainer. She loves teaching owners about their dog’s behaviors and helping humans and dogs to work as a team to achieve their training goals. Her life’s passion is helping to fill the communication gap between humans and dogs. Frances has been the training expert for “Training Tip Tuesday” at the Humane Society of El Paso! Frances serves as a trainer in the greater El Paso, Texas area.

Pilar Hardwell, CPDT
pilar@kprok9.com

Driven by her passions for both animals and education, Pilar began training dogs in 2018 as a way to combine her interests and skills in one meaningful career. Whether teaching group classes at shelters, providing private instruction to owners and their dogs, or working board and train clients privately, she appreciates the opportunity to continue to hone her craft and continue to grow in her skills. Her favorite part of her job is seeing the finished result of a dog and owner achieving a life-long relations through training. Pilar serves as a trainer for the Greater New Orleans and Southern Louisiana area.

Ryan Gilbert, CDT
KPro K9 Training Apprentice
ryan@kprok9.com

Ryan began dog training when he decided to train his dog that he adopted in 2021. For Ryan, dogs are creatures that bond with humans in a meaningful manner, and being able to teach the dog and handler to see and understand that relationship is one of the best parts of training. His favorite part of training is seeing the excitement in both the dog and the human when the dog learns a new behavior. Ryan serves as a trainer in the Greater Jacksonville, Florida area.

Steph Martin, CDT
steph@kprok9.com

As a psychology major, Steph has been involved in training various animals since 2010. She became interested in dog training in her youth, but chose to pursue training as a career after volunteering in shelters and seeing firsthand what a difference training can make in the life of a dog. Steph’s favorite part of training is helping to build confidence in the dogs and their owners, as well as in the relationship between them. Steph serves as a trainer in the Southern Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf Coast areas.

Heather Stewart 
Office Administrator
training@kprok9.com

Heather has been part of our KPro office staff since 2020 upon her retirement from the United States Navy. Heather focuses on sales and client care as well as communicating with our trainers. Her favorite part of her job is empowering and enabling others to do their best work.