Where Integrity Meets Commitment & Expertise

Certified • Government-Approved • Instruction • Assessment • Training • Experienced • Skilled

Caelan Snow, MBA

Chief Executive Officer

A lifelong dog lover and experienced leader, Caelan is honored to serve as CEO of Aspen Service Dogs. With two decades in corporate leadership, he brings a strong foundation in operations and team development. Growing up, working dogs have always been a part of his life and he has developed a deep appreciation for the incredible bond between these dogs and their people. Whether working with customers, volunteers, or the dedicated team at Aspen Service Dogs, Caelan believes in fostering a supportive, welcoming community where people and dogs can thrive together.

“Dogs have an incredible way of changing lives, offering not just companionship but independence, confidence, and support. I am honored to be a part of the remarkable team at Aspen Service Dogs where we are focused on bringing people and service dogs together, creating partnerships that truly make a difference.”

— Caelan Snow

Maria Illes, PhD GDMI SDMI

Co-Founder, Chief Trainer & Program Director

There is an incredible fortitude and skill required to train canines to be of service to a person in need. Maria Illes, Certified Guide & Service Dog Master Instructor, has over 25 year’s experience teaching dogs to give their best. Service Dogs, under Maria’s instruction, receive the expertise in training she has developed over a lifetime. During her career, Maria has trained, certified, and placed over 400 Service Dogs with their human partners; lasting, life-changing partnerships have been created for the people in need and their Service Dogs.

Certification for Guide Dog Instruction received in Slovakia and certification for Service Dog Instruction received in America, Maria has worked in Canada since 1999 training many canines to be Service Dogs. Maria worked as Director of Training at a service dog organization for 18 years prior to joining Aspen. As a government-approved assessor and Chief Trainer & Program Director at Aspen Service Dogs, Maria has the know-how, experience, and wisdom to know when a dog is ready to be fully of service.

“Not all dogs have what it takes to be a Service Dog, but those that do are my greatest inspiration. Together, that dog and its trainer get to change the life of the recipient in wonderful ways. It’s truly a win-win.”
— Maria Illes

Maureen MacKay

Co-Founder

Maureen MacKay has been an active member of Edmonton’s business community for decades. An entrepreneur known for her integrity and business acumen, Maureen is a stalwart advocate of Service Dogs. Maureen has provided basic training and a loving home as a Puppy Raiser. Her love of animals has her volunteering at the Edmonton Humane Society, and Scars.

“Having fostered a Service Dog in training, I found myself in awe of the ability of the dogs and the incredible relationship they have with their human partner. I have family members with disabilities who’s lives have been changed immeasurably by their Service Dog.”
— Maureen MacKay

Our Trainers

Edmonton • Calgary

Every trainer at Aspen Service Dogs completes a comprehensive mentorship under the guidance of our Co‑Founder and Chief Trainer, Maria Illes.
Under Maria’s mentorship, each trainer masters Aspen’s rigorous, high‑standard training protocols—covering obedience, task work, public access, and assessment readiness. This ensures our training staff are not only skilled, but also qualified to uphold the Alberta Service Dog Standard.

This hands‑on, expert‑led learning sets our team apart from other schools, giving you confidence that every trainer has been personally shaped by the experience, insight, and excellence that Maria Illes brings to our program.

Jessica Gallant – EDMONTON

Trainer

Jessica grew up in a small Nova Scotian town where she spent many hours volunteering at her local SPCA. Ever since her family adopted their first dog, she began training and competing in several dog sports and has been successful at a national level. Jessica is passionate about teaching dogs how to be of service because she cares very much about people dealing with various needs and wants them to be able to live their best quality of life.

“A dog’s loyalty is extraordinary and something to cherish. It is amazing how intelligent and capable these dogs are. They love having a job and aim to please. I am very fortunate to be a part of the Aspen Service Dogs team!”
— Jessica Gallant

Megan Waknell – EDMONTON

Trainer, Volunteer & Health Coordinator

Meg has grown up around dogs and has always had a passion for training animals, having trained her own dogs and horses. She studied Animal Care and Management and has worked in a zoo, at an equine facility assisting with lessons for riders with disabilities and was a puppy raiser in the UK for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Since moving to Canada, she has continued her career in the animal sector with a focus on service dogs.

“I am very excited to be working at Aspen as I get to experience first-hand the process involved in training a puppy all the way through to seeing them graduate and go on to change someone’s life. I am very grateful to be part of this journey for so many deserving people.”
— Megan Waknell

Jarka Ondriska – CALGARY

Trainer

Jarka grew up in a small European town and has been around dogs her entire life. She cared for her younger sibling which gave her a passion to care for not just dogs, but people. Her organizational skills come from her accounting background, following completion of a business school in Slovakia. After years of training dogs on her own, she joined Aspen and mentored with Aspen’s trainers. Jarka is now a Service Dog Trainer covering the City of Calgary and surrounding areas. Jarka’s passion is to help make service dogs more accessible to those seeking them

“Dogs have always been a passion of mine, the same as the feeling you get when you help others. Aspen really makes an effort to create a family between dog, owner, and trainer. I am very excited to be part of the Aspen Team and love working with the amazing families I get to accompany as their dog reaches certification.”
— Jarka

Olivia Illes – EDMONTON

Trainer

Olivia Illes has been around service dogs since the age of three, under the mentorship of world renown Service Dog Trainer & Instructor, Maria Illes. Olivia has been involved with Aspen Service Dogs since day one and always has a home filled with foster service dogs in training. Olivia is highly engaged in training sessions and brings a tremendous amount of personal experience and insights.

“I have a very natural and strong connection with dogs. I want to continue learning and expanding my knowledge of training service dogs over and above what I have learned since the age of three.”
— Olivia Illes

Our Office

Yvonne Milinkovic – EDMONTON

Office Manager

Yvonne brings decades of corporate experience to Aspen Service Dogs, including leadership roles in Contracts and Supply Chain Management with large multinational organizations. Her strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and warm, approachable nature keep our operations running smoothly. A lifelong dog lover, Yvonne also holds a dog grooming certification, reflecting her personal passion for canine care.

“I’ve always had a deep love for dogs—their loyalty, endless energy, and their unconditional affection. Whether it’s going on long walks, teaching new tricks, or enjoying a quiet cuddle, being around dogs has always brought happiness to me and a sense of peace. To me, dogs aren’t just pets; they are family.  I’m incredibly proud to be part of the Aspen Service Dogs team and witnessing these remarkable canines in training for the vital service work they’ll provide to individuals in need.”
— Yvonne Milinkovic