About Us

Julie Burroughs, Co-Owner & President

Julie Burroughs is the founder of Awesome Critters and a lifelong advocate for building joyful, thriving relationships between people and their dogs. With a background in business, decades of training experience, and a deep love for canine sports, Julie brings both heart and professionalism to everything she does at the training center.

Julie was influenced by the late Ileana Nadal, founder of Cool Critters. In honor of Ileana’s legacy, Julie continues the training journey Ileana began with Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Tino, earning his NATCH-2, Versatility NATCH-2, and his first TACh in 2025. Julie competes with her Australian Shepherd Rocky, who has achieved elite-level agility titles as well as accomplishments in Tricks and Rally. She also has a younger Aussie, Claire, who is up-and-coming in her training.

Her training style blends positive reinforcement, clarity, thoughtful progression, and a commitment to meeting each dog-handler team where they are. Julie is passionate about community-building, creating a space where hobbyists, competitors, beginners, and seasoned handlers feel supported, encouraged, and inspired.

Henry Burroughs, Co-Owner & Vice President of Operations

Henry Burroughs oversees operations and technology at Awesome Critters, bringing a strong background in engineering, systems design, and problem-solving to the smooth running of the training center. With years of professional experience in IT and a lifelong love of learning, Henry ensures that Awesome Critters stays organized, efficient, and connected—both behind the scenes and in its client-facing systems.

From managing technology infrastructure to assisting with course layout, scheduling systems, and property maintenance, Henry plays a pivotal role in keeping the center functioning at its best. His analytical approach, paired with a love for dogs and a dedication to the community, makes him an invaluable part of the leadership team.

Henry also enjoys supporting Julie, the instructors, and clients with practical solutions that help classes, trials, and daily operations run seamlessly. His contributions reflect his quiet reliability, technical expertise, and genuine commitment to helping Awesome Critters grow into a premier dog-training and trial venue in the Tampa Bay area.

Tiffanie Ivins, Training Director

Tiffanie Ivins serves as the Training Director and brings a lifelong passion for dog agility to her work with handlers and their dogs. She has been actively competing in agility since 2010 and focuses on developing confident, enthusiastic dogs and strong, effective teams through positive, reward-based training.

Tiffanie was mentored by the late Ileana Nadal, whose influence and dedication to the sport helped shape her training philosophy and continue to guide her approach today. She emphasizes solid foundations, clear communication, and thoughtful progression, whether working with teams just beginning their agility journey or experienced competitors.

Pat Sanders, Trial Coordinator

Pat Sanders brings a lifetime of teaching experience and a deep passion for dog agility to her role as Trial Coordinator at Awesome Critters. A retired educator with 45 years in classrooms ranging from pre-K to college, Pat has devoted her life to helping others learn—and she brings that same energy and excellence to the agility community.

Pat is owned and loved by her Yorkshire Terriers, including Precious, who has earned TDAA TACh 1 & 2 and CPE C-ATCh 1 & 2, along with multiple NADAC and Speedway successes. Her young Yorkie, Eddie, is now training to follow in Precious’s footsteps.

As Trial Coordinator, Pat uses her exceptional organizational skills to plan, structure, and execute trial weekends with precision and professionalism. She manages entries, course flow, volunteer coordination, scheduling, and trial-day logistics—ensuring safe, well-run, welcoming events for exhibitors and dogs alike.

Pat is committed to fostering a positive trial environment and to offering regular opportunities for the community to grow, learn, and compete. Her experience, dedication, and warm presence make her an essential pillar of the Awesome Critters team.

John McLemore, Certification & Professional Development Coordinator

John McLemore is a versatile and knowledgeable dog trainer whose work blends experience, analytical thinking, and a genuine passion for helping dogs and their owners succeed. Growing up around sporting dogs and handlers—including time spent with his grandfather training bird dogs—John developed an early appreciation for canine behavior and teamwork.

Today, John specializes in puppy foundations, basic obedience, CGC skills, tricks, and canine fitness, along with introductory agility. He shares his home with two Yorkipoos, giving him hands-on insight into the needs of both small and large breeds.

John is a certified AKC CGC Evaluator, AKC FIT Dog Instructor, and a Certified Tricks, Fitness, Conditioning, Animal Actor Instructor & Evaluator, and Stunt Judge with Do More With Your Dog. He is also a current member of IAABC and APDT International, reflecting his commitment to ongoing education and professional development.

With a degree in computer engineering and more than 13 years in IT, John approaches training with structure, clarity, and problem-solving precision. At Awesome Critters, he teaches group classes, provides testing and evaluation services, and contributes significantly to property care, field maintenance, and day-to-day operations.

John’s steady expertise, reliability, and upbeat teaching style bring tremendous value to the Awesome Critters community.