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MARANDA RANCH KENNELS
Meet The Team
Maribeth Byerley
Owner
With a passion for animals that spans decades, Maribeth's career path has been marked by her dedication to providing exceptional care and training for a wide range of species.
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After graduating from Moorpark College with a degree in Exotic Animal Training and Management, Maribeth honed her skills at the Brookfield Zoo near Chicago, working with dolphins, sea lions, seals, and a walrus, as well as caring for animals in the Brookfield Children's Petting Zoo.
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Upon returning to California, Maribeth continued her dedication to animal training by working as an instructor at Guide Dogs for the Blind for four years. Her expertise in training dogs as seeing eye companions further solidified her reputation as a skilled and compassionate animal handler.
Today, Maribeth is the proud owner and operator of Maranda Ranch Kennels. She continues to bring her love and dedication for animals to her work, ensuring that all animals at the ranch receive the highest quality care.
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As she looks forward to retirement, Maribeth plans to continue her passion for dog training and Australian Shepherd breeding while leaving the day-to-day operations of the kennel in the capable hands of her family and the dedicated team she has assembled.
Malia Carter (Byerley)
Kennel Manager
Malia is the visionary and compassionate leader behind Maranda Ranch!
Growing up and working alongside her parents at the kennel, Malia has been immersed in the world of animal care since 1998. At the tender age of seven, she began her training journey with a pet rat named Hoody, which sparked a lifelong passion for working with animals.
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Malia possesses an extraordinary ability to connect with dogs on a profound level. Described as having a "sixth sense" for canine behavior, she has a natural talent for understanding and responding to their needs, fears, and desires.
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As the lead manager of Maranda Ranch, Malia oversees the daily operations of the kennel while ensuring that all animals receive the highest quality care. Her unwavering commitment to the well-being of dogs is evident in the happy, healthy, and well-adjusted animals that thrive under her leadership.
Sadie Anne Byerley
HR/Accounting
Sadie Anne is a talented administrator who plays a crucial role in managing the behind-the-scenes operations of the ranch.
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With a passion for organization and a keen eye for detail, Sadie Anne oversees HR/Payroll/Accounting and Safety at the ranch while also handling various administrative tasks for the breeding business, Mandy's Friends.
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Sadie Anne has a deep-rooted connection to the ranch, having both worked and lived here since she was young. After pursuing Early Childhood Education at Sonoma State and teaching overseas, she returned to the ranch to contribute her administration skills and expertise.
Bryant Carter
Operations Manager
Bryant is a dedicated member of the team who came aboard in 2021 after marrying Malia. With a background in customer service, Bryant brings a wealth of experience in connecting with people and managing teams.
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Having served as an Army Ranger for five years, Bryant's "get-er-done" attitude is invaluable. He works tirelessly to implement positive changes at the ranch, supporting Malia in the day-to-day operations. His leadership and commitment to excellence make him an indispensable asset to our team.
Makenna O
Office Manager/HR Specialist
Makenna's passion for animals began early, spending her summers working at Maranda Ranch while teaching the 5th grade.
In 2022, she joined our team full-time! Today, she oversees the office and kennel staff, plays a vital role in HR and payroll, and manages the Mandy's Friends Instagram page.
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Known for her cheerful disposition, caring nature, and infectious laughter, Makenna brings a joyous energy to the team. Her hard work and dedication are evident in every aspect of her role.
Be sure to say hello to her son, Ezra, who can often be seen training pups and lending a hand around the ranch!
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Bobby M
Office Lead
Since joining in 2021, Bobby has been a cornerstone of our office operations. His calm demeanor and attention to detail make him the perfect fit for handling everything from email correspondence to pet bookings and daycare capacity management.
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When you need a friendly face to help you navigate your pet's care you can count on Bobby for prompt, helpful service that ensures your pet's unique needs are met and understood.
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When not working at the ranch, Bobby can be seen, enjoying the Russian River with his dog, Goose. ​
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Kalea J
Kennel Lead/Group Supervisor
Since joining our team in February 2022, Kalea has quickly become a beloved member of the ranch family, thanks to her exceptional ability to connect with dogs on a deep level.
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With years of experience under her belt, Kalea has developed a unique talent for building trust and understanding with dogs of all breeds and temperaments. Her keen eye for reading canine body language and emotional cues allows her to tailor training and oversight methods to each individual dog's personality and needs.
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If you're looking for someone who can truly understand and connect with your furry friend, Kalea is the one. Your dog is sure to adore her!
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When not at the ranch, you can find her enjoying long hikes with her two dogs Jambi and Hope.
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Mackenzie B
Kennel Staff/Group Supervisor
Mackenzie, a dedicated member of the team who has quickly risen through the ranks.
Coming aboard in August 2022 as a kennel cleaner, Mackenzie's consistent work ethic and practical approach quickly saw her promoted to kennel staff overseeing the playful pups in the dog play yard.
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Mackenzie is a passionate animal lover who brings efficiency, and unwavering focus to her work. Her ability to tackle any task with ease and precision is truly impressive.
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When not at the ranch, you can find MacKenzie playing with her two pups Koa and Khaleesi.
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Indigo P
Kennel Staff/Group Supervisor
Indigo is a valuable addition to our team who joined in February 2024 to supervisor play groups of dogs.
With years of personal pet experience and expertise in exotic animal care, Indigo brings a unique perspective to her role. Currently working part-time at Safari West, an exotic animal rescue/theme park in Rohnert Park, Indigo has a proven ability to remain calm and collected in any situation.
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At Maranda Ranch, Indigo wears many hats, contributing to our team in various capacities. You'll find her in the office, running dogs in the play yard, and helping to maintain our clean and sanitized environment. Indigo's versatility and dedication make her an indispensable member of our team.
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At home, Indigo cares for her senior pup Bailey.
Alena K
Kennel Specialist
Since joining us in January 2023, Alena has been a shining star, ensuring our facility is always sparkling clean and sanitized for the comfort and safety of our canine guests.
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But Alena isn't just a master cleaner. She's also a passionate dog lover who enjoys spending time playing with and engaging our furry friends in enriching activities. You'll sometimes find her supervising the small dogs in the yard providing them with stimulating playtime.
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Alena truly wears many hats, as she also lends a helping hand in the office and assist with the cats in our care. Her dedication and positive attitude make her an invaluable asset to our team.
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Alena loves spending time with her two pups Shelby and Nova.
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Brenda L
Kennel Staff/Group Supervisor
Brenda is a compassionate and reliable member of our kennel team. Joining us in February 2024, Brenda has quickly become an invaluable asset, thanks to her deep love for animals and her trustworthy, hardworking nature.
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Brenda's sweet disposition and dedication to ensuring the comfort and well-being of our furry friends are truly commendable. She consistently goes above and beyond her duties, always seeking out additional tasks to complete before her shift ends. Her proactive and independent approach makes her a joy to work with.
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