Meet Repawz Academy
At Repawz Academy, our mission is to foster a compassionate and trusting bond between dogs and their human companions through organic training methods that never rely on E-collars or harsh techniques. We are dedicated to providing humane and effective dog training that empowers both the dogs and the people we serve. Whether assisting veterans, individuals with disabilities, or children in need, we are committed to making a positive impact in their lives. By giving dogs a second chance, we create opportunities for healing, growth, and a brighter future for both dogs and humans alike. Our approach is rooted in leadership, consistency, and compassion, ensuring that every dog and person we work with experiences the transformative power of trust and respect.
Help Our Cause
Your donation will help us provide life-changing support to individuals with disabilities, children in need, and veterans, while lowering veteran suicide and greatly improving quality of life for all. When they need a hand, we give them a paw.
RePawz Academy Tax Exempt Non Profit
EIN: 93- 4369021
About our Certified Trainers
Shiloh Grimm
With over 3 1/2 years of hands-on experience in dog training, I specialize in training service dogs of all breeds and addressing various types of reactivity. My approach is built on trust, leadership, consistency, and compassion, focusing on helping dogs reach their full potential without using fear-based methods. I believe in giving every dog a second chance and strive to create harmonious relation through personalized and effective training strategies.
Jessi Cook
My name is Jessi and I am a professional dog trainer dedicated to promoting balanced and positive training methods. With over 5 years of experience in the industry, I have successfully helped numerous dogs and their owners achieve harmonious relationships and overcome challenging behavioral issues.
Meet Our Board Members
Rolleen Williams - Founder - Master Trainer
Rolleen Williams Margerum - Master Dog Trainer- Founder
Rolleen Williams Margerum has dedicated her life to the training and care of service dogs, combining a lifetime of experience with a deep commitment to helping others. Inspired by her father, a Green Beret in Vietnam, Rolleen was driven to establish RePawz Academy, a non-profit organization that trains service dogs for veterans, disabled children, and those in need.
Rolleen's expertise is grounded in rigorous training at Heroes Pack Academy in 2016 and further advanced at Above the Clouds Siberian Service Dogs in 2020. She is also an AKC Evaluator, certified to assess and certify dogs to the highest standards.
Since 2016, Rolleen has been applying her skills in practical, real-world settings, gaining extensive experience in dog training, large pack management, and handling reactive cases. Her hands-on approach has allowed her to excel in resolving behavioral issues and keeping dogs and their families together.
Rolleen's dedication to her craft is evident in her ability to work closely with families, ensuring that dogs remain in their homes by addressing challenges and finding effective solutions. Her expertise continues to have a profound impact on the lives of those she assists, strengthening the bond between dogs and their owners through her work at RePawz Academy.
Alexander Mills
Alexander Mills serves as the President of RePawz Academy, where he plays a vital leadership role in guiding the organization’s mission to train service dogs and support veterans, disabled children, and foster youth through the ReStart Mission. Driven by a deep passion for helping others and his commitment to animal welfare, Alexander works closely with the team to ensure that every initiative aligns with the Academy’s vision of making a positive impact on the community through service dog training and life skills programs.
Michael Whitcomb
Michael Whitcomb serves as the Secretary of RePawz Academy, the owner and operator of Soul Empowerment MJW, and the Holistic Wellness Program Director for Reiki within the RePawz Program. Specializing and certifiying in Reiki and holistic healing for both dogs and clients, he is deeply passionate about supporting veterans, children, and animals. His roles ensure the efficient management of resources and the growth of the organization’s wellness initiatives.
Ross Alpert
I am Ross Alpert and I am the Vice President and Grant Writer. I am a Combat Infantryman who served two tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 4th Infantry Division. I also worked as a Private Security Contractor with Triple Canopy under a Department of Defense contract for Operation Enduring Freedom. I have a background in security management and sales management, and I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of New Haven. I am a beneficiary of the Re-Pawz Program, partnered with a 140lb Brindle Coat English Mastiff named Forrest. He has been instrumental in my journ I am a family man and a father of two girls, aged 17 and 2.
Amanda Stanford
With over 20 years of experience in bookkeeping, accounts management, and serving as treasurer for a military unit, alongside 4 years in medical billing, I am dedicated to accuracy and efficiency in my work.
This program is personally significant, as I own two service dogs and have experienced their profound impact on my life. My husband, a 25-year Air Force veteran, also received a service dog, Auggie, through this program, which has greatly supported him.
The program provides essential assistance to veterans, offering life-changing support through service dogs that might otherwise be difficult to access due to financial or logistical barriers. These dogs provide crucial help that often cannot be replaced by human support alone.