Jeff Lambrecht

Owner & Trainer

Jeff grew up in rural Northern Wisconsin where dogs have always been a part of his life. Ginger, Buster, Snoopy, Chopper, and Buddy were his personal favorites!

In 2021, Jeff retired from the full-time ministry after more than two decades of serving schools and churches throughout the Midwest. Dog Training Elite connects his passion for animals and his desire for a service-oriented business to provide new ways of being committed and connected to his community.

Shortly before opening Dog Training Elite of Kenosha and Chicagoland North, Jeff and his wife Lara adopted a Goldendoodle named “Max.” Both Jeff and Max are excited to be working together training dogs and their families from Racine to Chicago offering a better way of living and working together.

Maximilian "Max" Gustavo

Co-Owner & Lead Demonstrator

Maximilian “Max” Gustavo is an F1B Goldendoodle who was born April 2, 2021, with 13 sibling puppies at his birth home outside of Iowa City, Iowa. On June 27 of that same year, Max was adopted by Jeff and Lara Lambrecht to be the co-owner of Dog Training Elite of Kenosha and Chicagoland North. It is here that his primary responsibilities include demonstrating the many skills that the canine world has to offer.

The command “Make a Friend” is his favorite.

When not on the job, Max enjoys riding in the truck, swimming, running in the yard, playing fetch, tummy rubs, sleeping, and meeting new people and canines alike.

Lara Lambrecht

Partner & CESO

Lara grew up in the suburbs of St. Louis, Missouri, and has had both dogs andcats over the years. She particularly remembers her Miniature Schnauzer named “Heidi.”

Married to Jeff since 2000, they have often spoken about what would be their ideal dog choice and in 2021 agreed on a Goldendoodle named “Max.”

When not working at Dog Training Elite of Kenosha and Chicagoland North, Lara enjoys traveling, eating out, cruising, and spending time with family and friends.

Karen Leoni

Senior Trainer

Growing up in Chicago, Illinois, dogs were an important part of her early life. You could say it all started with “Penny,” a Boarder Collie; and “Brandy,” a German Shepherd. From there she has had many canine favorites and currently Karen has “Gem,” a German Shepherd rescue.

Karen graduated from Elmhurst College with a Bachelor’s of Science in which dog training played a huge part. It is with this lifelong passion that Karen has led an extremely fulfilling part-time career doing dog training in addition to working full-time as a medical lab research professional.

Apart from her love for dogs, Karen enjoys making people laugh, eating out, trap and skeet shooting with her husband – Keith, and spending family time with her mother and siblings.

Michelle Kritch

Trainer

Michelle grew up in the early eighties near Wildwood, IL, and began grooming and caring for both cats and dogs at a boarding kennel in Lake Forrest where Michelle became the assistant manager. It was her dog ‘Pee-Pee’ that Michelle fondly remembers as never liking to be the practice of her grooming skills.

In 1994, Michelle received her degree in animal science and zoology after which she began to train dogs as a career, a joy she has had ever since. She now comes to Dog Training Elite of Kenosha & Chicagoland North with both a passion and drive to be a part of the elite training that is offered.

When not training dogs, Michelle enjoys riding a Harley with her boyfriend and spending time with her dog “Alex,” listening to good music, going to concerts, gardening, and always bringing a smile to people’s faces.

Alea Tibayan

Trainer

lea comes to Dog Training Elite of Kenosha & Chicagoland North as our newest team member all the way from Davao, PH, where she recently graduated with a degree in Psychology.

In her role as a virtual assistant, Alea is heading up sales appointments, group class management, Social Media development, and a large chunk of data entry. As Dog Training Elite of Kenosha & Chicagoland North continues to grow, her attention to detail and knowledge of Google & CRM software will be invaluable.