Where Integrity Meets Commitment & Expertise

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

Maria Illes

Co-Owner, 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 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. Maria has trained, certified, and placed over 300 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. As a government-approved Assessor and co-owner, 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-Owner and Chief Executive Officer

Co-owner and CEO of Aspen Service Dogs, 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 • Medicine Hat

Ashley Holowaychuk – EDMONTON

Apprentice Instructor

Ashley grew up surrounded by dogs, training alongside her dad in a small Alberta town. Since she was a little girl, she has had a passion for training dogs and helping others. She is also a mom, who was able to provide support to her family by training her daughter’s service dog, Ella. Today, she is a short-term boarder, and is proud member of the Aspen Service Dogs Team and she is very excited to learn from the best, Maria Illes.

“I love working with these dogs. I love that what I am doing with them is going to help someone with a disability. I am passionate about caring for people with special needs, and I am so excited to continue doing that through service dog training.”
— Ashley Holowaychuk

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. 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. She is very excited to learn and expand her knowledge in this very important industry.

“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

Michaela Stuart – EDMONTON

Trainer

Michaela started out as a Licensed Practical Nurse, gaining experience in acute, long term and community health care. She obtained a job as the school nurse in a rural school where she worked with kids with various medical needs. When she noticed the impact and calming effects that the dogs had on the kids, she knew she wanted to train dogs to help people. From there, Michaela left her nursing career in 2019 and worked in a canine behavior modification facility, certified therapy teams with a local pet therapy society, earned a certificate in canine nutrition, and became a certified canine first aid instructor. Now, Michaela is thrilled to further her knowledge about service dog training and learn all about the service dog industry.

“I’ve seen firsthand the change a dog can make in a person’s life. They aren’t “just a dog”, they are our families. That’s why being a part of training service dogs to help people is something I am extremely passionate about.”
— Michaela Stuart

Alyssa Spencer – CALGARY

Early Education Instructor

A recent graduate from the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Kinesiology Alyssa Spencer, is a dedicated advocate for disability rights and service dogs in Canada. Alyssa has been with Aspen Service Dogs since 2018 and has provided a loving foster home for four dogs through Aspen Service Dogs thus far. She is now working under Maria Illes to learn the tricks of the trade!

“It is an honour to be part of training service animals with Aspen Service Dogs. Seeing them flourish from young puppies to working dogs is an incredibly rewarding experience. My favorite part of training these dogs is watching the bond grow between dog and handler; it is like no other love I have ever seen!”
— Alyssa Spencer

Nathalie Gillespie – MEDICINE HAT

Trainer

Nathalie grew up in the company of dogs and horses and they have remained a huge part of her life. Nathalie has been involved with dogs from a professional standpoint since her early twenties and along with her husband and kids has been raising, training and showing Labradors for 15 years. While the service dog industry is something Nathalie is learning; the relationship, the partnership and the love for an animal has been long ingrained in her blood.

“It is truly an honor to be a part of Aspen Service Dogs and to have the opportunity to help create the magic of a partnership that can withstand the challenge.”
— Nathalie Gillepsie