Meet Our Team

Karen Oler

Thurman’s Place was born from a lifelong passion for dogs and a simple goal: create a calm, happy, and fulfilling home-away-from-home for pets so owners can travel or attend obligations worry-free. My husband and I live on the 35-acre property where our business grew from a dream into the trusted facility it is today. We’re proud of the dedicated team we’ve chosen to care for and train every guest at Thurman’s Place. At home we enjoy family life with five children and six grandchildren, and we share our farm with seven dogs (many gifted to me), two mini cows, three goats, guineafowl, and chickens. We love farm life and also enjoy traveling together.

Founder, Owner, and Lead Trainer

Lucas, LVMT

I joined Thurman's Place in April 2026 after a 20-year career in veterinary medicine. As a licensed technician, I’ve helped animals in neurology, ophthalmology, internal medicine, emergency, and critical care. I'm an avid reader, a published author, and I enjoy coding on various projects. I'm also a professional Scrabble player, having represented the U.S. at the 2016 World Championship. I live with my wife, Meagan, and our two cats, Emmy Jade and Olive Grace. You can learn more about my writing here.

Director

Roxie 

Office Manager

Hello my name is Roxana but I’m known as Roxie. I’m the office manager at Thurman’s Place. I have never worked somewhere that felt like home until here. I love my life and the fact I get to work with animals, especially dogs. So, to me, it’s not work, it’s a privilege. I have covered almost all positions here, however the office suits me best. When I’m not enjoying this part of my life, I’m raising four kiddos. I’m excited to grow with this company and watch the dogs’ lives transform as much as mine has since I started working here. 

Sam R.

Kennel Manager

Hi, I’m Sam! I’m the Kennel Manager at Thurman’s Place, and I’ve been working with dogs in a variety of capacities for the past 5 years. Before entering the dog industry, I worked in food service, where I developed a strong work ethic and passion for customer care that I still carry with me today. I moved to Middle Tennessee from Orange County, California in 2021, and have since graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. When I’m not at Thurman’s Place, I love spending time with my husband and our three fur babies (1 not pictured). I’m passionate about creating a safe, structured, and loving environment for every dog in our care, and I feel incredibly grateful to work in a field that allows me to combine leadership, learning, and my love for animals every day.

Sam B. 

Administrative & Social Media Coordinator

Hi, I'm Sam! I live in Bon Aqua, where I was raised, with my wonderful husband, our black Labrador Bruno, our Great Pyrenees/Anatolian Shepherd pup Frank, a few chickens, and more animals on the way. We're living our dream of becoming homesteaders, while I continue to follow my passion as part of the team at Thurman’s Place. I’ve always been an animal lover, and having the chance to care for and cuddle so many pups brings me endless joy.

Rachel G. 

Training Director

Hi, I’m Rachel! After graduating North State K9 Academy in 2014 as a Certified Master Trainer, I launched into my dream career and have now been training dogs professionally for over ten years. From police dogs to pet dogs to sport dogs, I love it all. Every dog that I work with is a new challenge and opportunity to learn, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with your pup!

Rachel C. 

Training Coordinator

Hi I’m Rachel, the Training Coordinator. I work behind the scenes to make sure all of our pups are ready for a successful training experience from day one. I love watching each pup grow and transform throughout their training journey. When I’m not at work, I’m a wife and busy mom of boys who loves spending time with family.

Brandy 

Assistant Trainer

My name is Brandy Madden. I’m a mother of 3 wonderful humans and fur momma to 1 big fur baby, Rex. I am passionate about my job and I love being part of the training team here at Thurmans Place!! I love all animals but dogs are definitely a favorite! 

Christina

Assistant Trainer

Hey my name is Christina Tidwell. I’m a country girl with an old soul who loves being outdoors, especially on the river or riding trails! I also enjoy spending time with my blue heeler, Bluey, and all the other pups at Thurman’s Place! 

Savannah

Assistant Trainer

I’m a proud momma of four boys. In my spare time I take care of my farm, which contains all fur, feathers and reptiles babies. I love all animals. I would own my own zoo if I could. I truly am blessed to have such an amazing job at such a wonderful place doing what I love. ❤️

Shane

Assistant Trainer

Bio coming soon.

Ty

Assistant Trainer

Bio coming soon.

Lydia

Pack Play

Growing up on a farm, I’ve always been surrounded by animals of every kind., which sparked my lifelong passion for dogs and working with them. I earned by Associate’s degree in Agricultural Business and later completed my Bachelor’s degree in Integrated Studies. Outside of work, I love traveling whenever I get the chance and bringing my dog, kai, along for the adventure. At Thurman’s Place, I run the Pack Play program, and truly enjoy getting to know every pup’s personality that comes through the door!

Madi

Pack Play

Hi, my name is Madi Lou! A few things about me: I enjoy spending time with my husband and our pup. A couple of my favorite hobbies are riding my motorcycle, outdoor hikes, and creating art! I LOVE DOGS!

Allie

Kennel Assistant

Bio coming soon.

Lisa

Kennel Assistant

Bio coming soon.

Tambi

Hi, I’m Tambi — the caregiver here at Thurman’s Place. I make sure all boo boos are cleaned, tails keep wagging, and proper hugs are always given. Working in a place full of loved dogs honestly feels like heaven on earth to me. Animals have always been my happy place, and getting to care for dogs every day is a dream come true. Life has taken me on a pretty wild ride — from management and truck driving to court work and medical training. I’ve lived in Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois, Colorado, Arizona, and now Tennessee, while traveling through most of the rest along the way. I’m very connected to my Nordic heritage, enjoy simple living, and stay grounded in my faith. At home, my two Pit Bulls are my other happy place. I hope I get the chance to love and care for your dogs too. 💕🐾

Kennel Concierge

Maria

Kennel Assistant

Bio coming soon.

Chris

Hello, my name is Chris Martinez! I love dogs, the earth, and its surrounding beauty. If I’m not working with your pups, I’m out hiking, kayaking, or exploring the continent. Music is my second passion, and yes, my life does have its own soundtrack. I’m a strong believer in Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect.

Kennel Assistant

Audrey

Kennel Assistant

Bio coming soon.

McClain

Kennel Assistant

Bio coming soon.

Dawn

Doggie Groomer

Bio coming soon.

Courtney

Doggie Chauffer

Bio coming soon.

Reed

Maintenance Technician

Bio coming soon.

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