Our Story

Aspen Service Dogs was founded on a simple belief: the strongest service dog teams are created when the needs of both the handler and the dog are carefully considered.

Aspen was created to offer a service dog program built around people, not categories, recognizing that every successful partnership begins with understanding the unique needs of both the handler and the dog.

That belief continues to guide everything we do. Every person has different goals, routines, challenges, and personality. Every dog has its own temperament, strengths, motivation, and working style. Our role is to find the right match, then build the skills and confidence that allow each partnership to succeed.

We don’t believe in producing generic service dogs. We believe in developing exceptional partnerships through thoughtful matching and individualized training. Every service dog is carefully selected not only for its ability to perform disability-related tasks, but also for its temperament, working style, and compatibility with the person who will rely on them every day. From there, training is tailored to the unique needs of each team so both the handler and the dog can thrive together for years to come.

Our training program was built on decades of professional guide and service dog experience and has been refined through hundreds of successful partnerships. Today, that foundation continues through proven training methods, structured mentorship, and a team committed to the same high standards of excellence that Aspen was built upon.

Whether a client joins us through our Fully Trained or Owner-Trained Program, our mission remains the same: to create exceptional service dog teams that improve independence, confidence, and quality of life.

Our Team

Our team brings together experience in service dogs, sport dogs, behaviour, public access training, and owner coaching. Every trainer follows Aspen’s proven training methodology and participates in ongoing mentorship and professional development to ensure every client receives consistent, high-quality instruction.

Our program was developed based on decades of professional service dog experience and best practices combined with a commitment to continuous learning, evidence-based training, and individualized support for every team.

Caelan Snow, MBA

Chief Executive Officer

Caelan is honoured to serve as CEO of Aspen Service Dogs, where he combines a lifelong passion for working dogs with a commitment to building an incredible community.

Growing up around hunting and field dogs sparked an early interest in canine training that has continued throughout his life. Early experience participating in Schutzhund training further developed his appreciation for working dogs and the relationship between dog and handler. Since joining Aspen, Caelan has celebrated the graduation of more than 60 service dog teams from the school’s programs, while many others continue developing their skills and preparing for certification.

He continues to expand his expertise through direct mentorship under an experienced Guide Dog Mobility Instructor and Service Dog Mobility Instructor, alongside professional development in disability support, canine behaviour, coaching, and scent detection.

Before joining Aspen, Caelan spent two decades leading teams and operations in the corporate sector. Today, he combines that leadership experience with Aspen’s individualized training philosophy to help ensure every client is thoughtfully matched with the right dog and supported throughout their journey.

“The greatest privilege of this work is watching a thoughtfully matched partnership between a dog and their person grow into something life-changing. It takes thousands of small moments of dedication from an incredible community of clients, volunteers, trainers, and remarkable dogs to make that happen. I’m grateful to be part of that journey every day.”

— Caelan Snow

Maria Illes, PhD GDMI SDMI

Instructor

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.

“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

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

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 and has been involved with Aspen Service Dogs since day one. Olivia always has a home filled with foster service dogs in training. She 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

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