Meet Our Team

Our team of trainers have spent countless hours learning the Taming the Wild approach as well as learning canine background and breed history. We combine this scientific knowledge with a friendly and supportive environment so that you and your dog will have the tools you need to enjoy life together.

Morgan

Morgan

General Manager

Morgan is a former model turned dog trainer. She is a small-town soul with an adventurous heart. Her passion for animals started as a child living amongst a family of farmers in rural Tennessee, but her desire to see the world brought her to bigger cities such as Memphis. In Memphis, she met her husband, modeled for many years, and even opened her own women's clothing boutique! As time passed, she began wanting to enjoy a slower-paced life with her family and focus on growth in a dog training career which she truly loved more.

Trading her high heels for the "heel" command, she now spends most of her days making sure your 4-legged loved ones are enjoying themselves. When she's not doing that, she's often immersed in antiquing and dressing up her 11-year-old Yorkie!

Sydney Ballard

Sydney

Assistant Manager

Sydney was born in the city of Memphis, TN, but made her way to the country soon after! From early on, she developed a love for animals and was always trying to bring home new ones! Currently, she lives with her two dogs, Akito (Dutch Shepherd mix) and Lexus (Basset Hound/Beagle mix). Her two horses, Tempest and April; and three cats, Virali, Momo, and Sprinkles. She is a Junior at The College at Mid-America studying Business Administration. After training horses and working in barns for much of her life, Sydney entered the world of dog training and joined our team in 2022 as an Animal Care Attendant and is now Assistant Manager. She loves dogs of all shapes and sizes but has a special place in her heart for German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois! Since she is in college, much of her time is occupied by school; however, Sydney can be found riding her horses, reading a book, or spending time with her cats in her free time! Her dream is to own a show barn full of American Quarter Horses and all of the furry friends, big and small, that she can imagine!

Ashley

Lead Trainer

Ashley came all the way down to Memphis from Wisconsin back in 2018 to work with Taming the Wild. With her came her two dogs, Elliot (a black lab) and Charlie (a Newfoundland/Saint Bernard mix). Ashley, Charlie, and Elliot all miss the colder weather but are enjoying themselves in Tennessee. In her free time, she enjoys taking her dogs for hikes, going to the park for a swim, or watching movies (especially in the horror genre). Someday she hopes to take both of her dogs to the beach and watch as they enjoy jumping through the waves and maybe snap a few action shots for Instagram. Ashley enjoys working with all sorts of dogs but particularly enjoys larger breeds that remind her of her own dogs. She also enjoys the challenge that large dogs can bring. She brings a bright smile and energy to Taming the Wild and is here to ensure your experience with us is 10/10!

Ashley

Emily

Trainer

A Memphis native, Emily graduated from FACS in 2020 during the pandemic. Emily joined the Taming The Wild team in 2022 as an Animal Care Attendant when she decided to enroll one of her own dogs through a Board and Train program. With this, she realized her passion for Dog Training and was soon promoted to join our training team furthering her desire to learn as much as she could! Emily now has two dogs at home named Gunner (Chow Chow super mutt mix) and Bailey (German Shepherd / Catahoula Leopard Mix) who you’ll find her with or at the University of Memphis home football games in her spare time. She also has two family cats, Max and Miss Kitty! Emily loves every dog she trains and misses them deeply when they are returned to their owners, with a particular sweet spot for Rottweilers and Pitbulls. Emily’s dream is to one day have her own rescue and save as many dogs as possible!

Emily Delugach

Mckenzie

Trainer

McKenzie is a Memphis native and joined the Taming the Wild team in 2019 after working as a veterinary assistant for several years. She lives with her dogs Fitzroy (Standard Poodle) and Sirius (German Shepherd mix), along with her two cats, Nito and Lizzie. McKenzie loves working with all dogs but especially those that are more reserved, as she enjoys building their confidence through training! When not training dogs, McKenzie enjoys reading, gardening, and kayaking. One day her goal is to live on and own a small hobby farm with a herd of Highland cattle and some Emu!

Mckenzie

Evan

Sales Manager

Evan was born and raised in Memphis, TN, and graduated from Christian Brothers high school and the University of Memphis. Evan first came to Taming the Wild as a client when his dogs, Penny and Enzo, went through board and train programs back in 2019. If it were up to him, Evan would spend most of his time at a campsite in the Ozarks with his dogs. Evan is certifiably car-crazy and loves to fix things. You'll find him covered in grease from vintage cars and motorcycles most days and covered in dust from working on his 100-year-old house the others. Evan is easy to talk to and has never met a stranger. Ask him about his Hot Wheels collection.

Evan
Brendan Hildebrandt

Brendan

Animal Care Attendant

Brendan was born in Memphis, Tennessee from birth and grew up with two German Shepherds named Loki and Sugarbear. He currently still has two German Shepherds Freya, who went through a Board and Train program with Taming The Wild, and his three-legged companion, Whiskey. He joined the team in August of 2023 as an Animal Care Assistant and before that he worked as an exterminator and at the local animal shelter. During Brendan’s free time he loves to play guitar  and take Freya to the park or long car rides!

Stephanie Hayes

Stephanie

Animal Care Attendant

From Chicago, Stephanie graduated from Mississippi State University in 2022 and eventually made her way to Memphis where she joined the team as an Animal Care Attendant here at Taming The Wild. It is also here in Memphis where she traded her cowbells for wedding bells and married her college sweetheart! Stephanie has always had a passion for dogs growing up and spoils her girl Koda (pit/lab mix) at home abundantly. When she’s not helping take care of the lovely dogs in the facility for your family, Stephanie can be found at the gym, in the 7Brew car line, or at home binge watching her favorite shows with Koda!

Rachel Rohde

Rachel

Animal Care Attendant

Born and raised in Memphis, TN, Rachel joined Taming The Wild's care staff in September of 2023. Rachel has always had an interest in dogs and dog training from a young age, which is what brought her to Taming The Wild. While her original dream was to help children through occupational therapy after she completed school, she quickly realized that working with people and their dogs was her true passion in hopes she can change the lives of those seeking therapy in a different way. She has two family dogs at home, Lexi (Chihuahua mix) and Dusty (Australian Shepherd mix). Outside of work Rachel enjoys running, archery, reading, and crocheting. 

Dog Boarding and Training in Memphis, TN

If you are looking for the best dog boarding and training in Memphis, TN, you’ve come to the right place! Here at Taming the Wild, we provide all the loving care your companion needs to be happy and healthy. And when you entrust your pet’s care to our skilled team, you can rest assured that they will be in excellent hands in your absence. Call now to book an appointment or discover how we can give your pet the best day ever!

Call us (901) 343-6729

dog hiking together with trainer