MEET OUR TEAM

Cris Okulanis brings a unique and deeply personal background to Stellar K9 Services. She worked in real estate law for 16 years before transitioning to home healthcare in 2011 following a life-changing event - her husband, James, was shot in the line of duty and became paralyzed.

Cris has been working with and training dogs since childhood, but began training professionally in 2001 after meeting Master Trainer Pat Moloney, who profoundly shaped and guided her career until his passing in 2024. Under his mentorship, she certified cadaver dogs (human remains detection dogs), air scent dogs, and tracking dogs through the International Police Work Dog Association, North American Police Work Dog Association, and Pennsylvania Police Work Dog Association.

She is also a certified therapy dog evaluator and board member with Therapy Dogs United, as well as an AKC Evaluator. Over the years, she has trained and deployed multiple dogs in partnership with search and rescue teams on a variety of missions.

Currently, Cris works with her two German Shepherds, Ava and Drax, whom she actively trains and competes with in AKC events, including scent work, frisbee, and dock diving. Both dogs are also certified therapy dogs through Therapy Dogs United.

Her lifelong passion for dogs continues to guide both her personal and professional life. Cris is proud to be part of Stellar K9 Services, where she values working alongside dedicated clients - both human and canine - who are making a meaningful difference in their communities.