Meet Our Boarding & Daycare Team
Shelby Waxer - Owner
Shelby is the owner of Atlanta Dog Trainer and has been working professionally with dogs for 10 years. Through years of hands-on experience, she has developed a strong understanding of canine behavior and group play dynamics, which helps guide how the daycare and boarding programs are structured at the farm.
Although much of her time is dedicated to running the business and overseeing training programs, Shelby still plays an active role in dog assessments and helps support staff in making thoughtful playgroup placements so that dogs are set up for safe and successful socialization.
Outside of work, Shelby lives at home with five dogs of various breeds and mixes and is deeply passionate about rescue work and helping shelter dogs find better lives.
For more information about Shelby’s training background and experience, please visit her trainer page on the website.
Emma Burke — General Manager
Emma brings over a decade of professional experience working with dogs and plays a vital role in the daily operations of Atlanta Dog Trainer. As General Manager, she helps ensure the facility runs smoothly, supports the staff, and works closely with clients to create a positive experience for both dogs and their owners.
Emma has been an important part of Atlanta Dog Trainer for many years and helps maintain the structure, organization, and safety of the daycare and boarding programs so dogs can play and socialize appropriately.
Outside of work, Emma is married to her husband Spencer and they have two children together along with three dogs at home.
For more information about Emma’s training background and experience, please visit her trainer page on the website.
Cam Coppen — Assistant Manager
Cam has been part of the Atlanta Dog Trainer team for nearly seven years and plays an important leadership role within the Boarding and Daycare department.
As an Assistant Manager, Cam helps guide the staff throughout the day and works closely with the team to maintain structured playgroups and ensure the dogs are having a safe and enjoyable experience while in our care. His ability to help dogs succeed in group environments and support the team makes him a key part of the daily operations at the farm.
Cam has a Redbone Coonhound named Frank and grew up in a family with an extensive history of fostering rescue dogs, including three “foster fails,” and often having as many as five dogs in the home at one time. His love for dogs and understanding of them began at home with his family.
Outside of work he enjoys going to the gym, spending time with friends and family, and being outdoors whenever possible.
A fun fact about Cam is that he has done public speaking in front of crowds of hundreds of people multiple times.
Caroline Anderson — Assistant Manager
Caroline has loved dogs since she was a little kid and brings that passion with her every day at Atlanta Dog Trainer. As an Assistant Manager, she plays an important role in supporting staff, communicating with clients, and ensuring the dogs in daycare and boarding are safe, comfortable, and well cared for.
She enjoys the constant activity of working with dogs — from running around and playing with them to giving the pets and belly rubs they absolutely adore. Caroline takes pride in helping create a positive and fun environment where dogs can enjoy their time at the farm.
Caroline has a three-year-old German Shepherd/Retriever mix that she loves with all her heart. Outside of work she enjoys traveling, staying active such as going on runs with her dog, and spending time with friends and family.
She also genuinely enjoys helping others and building relationships with both the dogs and the people she works with.
Jade Boynton — Operations Coordinator
Jade helps keep the daily operations of the facility running smoothly and plays an important role in making sure everything behind the scenes stays organized and consistent.
She helps ensure the facility remains clean, that supplies stay stocked, and that the team has what they need to keep the farm running efficiently each day.
Before working at Atlanta Dog Trainer, Jade spent her time being a stay-at-home mom and dog sitting for many dogs she still cares for today. She has a lovable Goldendoodle named Arlo and previously grew up with both an English Mastiff and a Boxer.
Outside of work you’ll usually find Jade spending time with her kids, with a dog nearby, or at church with Shelby. She and Shelby have been best friends since they were 12 years old.
A fun fact about Jade is that she lived in Florida for many years but strongly dislikes sand.
Ansley LaFrance — Creative Director
Ansley has been working alongside dogs for the past five years and has developed a strong passion for understanding canine behavior and helping dogs feel confident and comfortable in group environments. Growing up in a home full of dogs, she always knew she wanted to build a life working with them.
At Atlanta Dog Trainer, Ansley focuses on creating fun and engaging enrichment experiences for the dogs in daycare and boarding. From themed activities to creative play opportunities, she helps make sure the dogs’ days are not only safe and structured but also mentally stimulating and enjoyable.
It doesn’t take long before every dog she meets starts to feel like one of her own. Watching their personalities shine, seeing them build friendships, and creating an environment where dogs can simply be dogs is one of the most rewarding parts of what she does.
Outside of work, Ansley enjoys getting crafty, spending time with friends, watching Formula One, and relaxing at home with her two sweet — but spicy — girl cats.
She is incredibly grateful to be part of the ADT family and for the paw-shaped marks all the dogs leave on her heart.
Roger Adams — Back of House Manager
Roger helps keep the farm running smoothly behind the scenes and is often found making sure the property is in great condition for the dogs to enjoy.
Born and raised in the metro Atlanta area, Roger is a USAF Law Enforcement Veteran and previously worked as a decoy for patrol dog training while wearing a Kevlar bite suit during K9 training exercises.
He holds a recreational private pilot license and previously owned a 105-lb chocolate lab named Scoobs. Roger enjoys working with dogs of all breeds, ages, and personalities and believes there is something to learn from every dog.
One of his favorite things about the farm is seeing dogs who are so happy they don’t want to go home.
When he’s not at “The Farm,” Roger enjoys writing songs, playing piano, golfing, and poker.
Kim Fairfax — Overnight Caretaker
Kim resides on the property and provides attentive overnight care for the dogs staying at the farm. She ensures the dogs are comfortable, safe, and well attended to throughout the night and often welcomes them to relax nearby while she works at her desk.
By day, Kim works remotely with corporate companies specializing in business development, marketing strategy, and client retention. Her calm presence and love of animals help create a peaceful overnight environment for our boarding dogs.
Kim grew up with a Golden Retriever and has also owned a Doberman. Her love of animals, active lifestyle, and nurturing energy help ensure your dogs are in wonderful hands.