The Teams
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Melissa Schmalhorst
Retired Veteran Military Dog Handler/Trainer Founder/President of STMSAR
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Melissa, aka “Pony”, was born in Wiesbaden, Germany into a military family. She grew up training horses and went to Missouri State University competing on the Equestrian Team and majoring in Animal Science. She began her military career in July 2008 by joining the United States Air Force as Security Forces. During her ten years, she was an Armorer/Designated Marksman at Incirlik AB, Turkey, a Fire Team leader/Heavy Weapon gunner at Malmstrom AFB, Montana, and a patrol/explosive canine handler at Fairchild AFB, Washington as well as a lead trainer for MWD teams. She deployed multiple times to the Middle East during Operation New Dawn/Enduring Freedom and went on US Secret Service missions with her explosive dogs Glen N733 & Bety R204. In 2015 she was assigned to the 341st at Lackland AFB and trained explosive, narcotic and controlled aggression dogs for all branches of the Military. In 2018, she was medically retired from the Air Force and wanted to continue utilizing her dog handling and riding skills.
Certifications – Military Working Dog Handler, MWD Trainer/Kennel Master, S-V90 Water Survival Training, S-V84-AF Underwater Egress w/Helicopter, MWD Tier III Operations, NASAR SARTECH III, Wilderness Search Specialist, IPWDA Certified Human Remains K9 Handler, NASAR Mounted SAR Tech III.
Certifications – Military Working Dog Handler, MWD Trainer/Kennel Master, S-V90 Water Survival Training, S-V84-AF Underwater Egress w/Helicopter, MWD Tier III Operations, NASAR SARTECH III, Wilderness Search Specialist, IPWDA Certified Human Remains K9 Handler, NASAR Mounted SAR Tech III.
Kate Sommer
Treasurer of STMSAR
Kate was born and raised in Northern Illinois. Growing up she was surrounded by horses and focused most of her attention on starting young horses and ponies before she switched her focus to young racehorses needing a new career. She also spent many years showing on the hunter/jumper circuit throughout the Midwest. After high school, Kate went on to attend college at The University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ where she received a bachelor’s in science in biology. She then furthered her education at Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL where she received her doctorate in pharmacy. She has spent much of her early career in Level I Trauma centers, focusing on a career in critical care. In 2019, Kate moved to San Antonio, TX with her husband (veteran). Through the veteran community, Kate was introduced into the working dog world and was introduced to Melissa Schmalhorst. In late 2020, Kate acquired her first working dog and has since been working under the guidance of Melissa. With Melissa’s expertise, Kate has been spending her days away from the hospital learning and growing as a K9 handler.
Certifications – In Training - Wilderness Search Specialist, Human Remains K9 Handler.
Shiloh Barry
Secretary of STMSAR
Shiloh was born and raised in San Antonio, TX. She grew up with horses and was riding before she could walk. Dogs have always been a big and special part of her life. She attended Portsmouth Abbey School in Portsmouth, RI for high school and sits on the top ten fasts girls list in school history. She went on to High Point University in High Point, NC where she studied International Business. She graduated early to start her professional career. She works for a software development company and helps her Fiancé Dakoda Riddle train dogs. Shiloh is passionate about dogs and giving them purpose. She owns The Leukemia and Lymphoma National Dog of The Year, Callie.
Certifications – In Training - Wilderness Search Specialist, Human Remains K9 Handler.
Treasurer of STMSAR
Kate was born and raised in Northern Illinois. Growing up she was surrounded by horses and focused most of her attention on starting young horses and ponies before she switched her focus to young racehorses needing a new career. She also spent many years showing on the hunter/jumper circuit throughout the Midwest. After high school, Kate went on to attend college at The University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ where she received a bachelor’s in science in biology. She then furthered her education at Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL where she received her doctorate in pharmacy. She has spent much of her early career in Level I Trauma centers, focusing on a career in critical care. In 2019, Kate moved to San Antonio, TX with her husband (veteran). Through the veteran community, Kate was introduced into the working dog world and was introduced to Melissa Schmalhorst. In late 2020, Kate acquired her first working dog and has since been working under the guidance of Melissa. With Melissa’s expertise, Kate has been spending her days away from the hospital learning and growing as a K9 handler.
Certifications – In Training - Wilderness Search Specialist, Human Remains K9 Handler.
Shiloh Barry
Secretary of STMSAR
Shiloh was born and raised in San Antonio, TX. She grew up with horses and was riding before she could walk. Dogs have always been a big and special part of her life. She attended Portsmouth Abbey School in Portsmouth, RI for high school and sits on the top ten fasts girls list in school history. She went on to High Point University in High Point, NC where she studied International Business. She graduated early to start her professional career. She works for a software development company and helps her Fiancé Dakoda Riddle train dogs. Shiloh is passionate about dogs and giving them purpose. She owns The Leukemia and Lymphoma National Dog of The Year, Callie.
Certifications – In Training - Wilderness Search Specialist, Human Remains K9 Handler.
