Joanna grew up in Camden, SC and has been a nurturer and caretaker from the start. She and her brother are the oldest of 32 great grandchildren which gave her lots of practice caring for babies. When not helping with human babies, Joanna could usually be found singing the score of Annie to her family’s Cocker Spaniel, Pudge. She was surrounded by family members in the medical field so her childhood dream was to be a delivery room nurse. 

Flash forward a couple of decades later! Joanna is a graduate of NYC’s Circle in the Square Theatre School’s musical theatre program, holds a BA in Psychology and a minor in music from Converse College, and an MA in Professional Behavior Analysis from Florida Institute of Technology. She is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and worked with children with autism and their families for 12 years before deciding that she wanted to shift and apply her extensive knowledge of behavior and behavior change principles to dogs and their families. While health testing and raising the first round of potential parents for OlliePups, Joanna wanted to learn more about what the main similarities and differences between human and canine behavior were. She was very fortunate to have an opportunity to learn and work for over a year as a dog trainer alongside a local trainer. She gained valuable knowledge during that time that has been crucial for raising well-rounded puppies.

Joanna has seen and experienced firsthand the unconditional love and healing dogs can provide. As co-founder of OlliePups, she loves helping others experience the same. She promises to provide the best experience possible to those seeking to become part of the OlliePups family!

Mandie grew up in Spartanburg, SC.  She is the first of three children in her family and was bossy from birth… just ask her siblings! Mandie is a teacher by day and a dog mom by night!  She holds a BA in Elementary Education and an MA in Early Childhood Education from USC Upstate, and an MA in Professional Behavior Analysis from Florida Institute of Technology. She is a National Board-Certified teacher and loves working with children and their families. Mandie has been a 1st grade teacher for 17 years and counting and has recently seen how dogs can be an integral part of the education field. 

While she did not grow up with pets, Mandie fell in love with a sweet older dog named Teensy about 10 years ago and the rest is history! Four years ago, she got her very first puppy, Paylor the cockapoo. For the most part Paylor was a dream puppy. However, she could be timid and fearful in certain situations, so Mandie quickly began a journey to learning all things dog and dog well-being. A large part of that journey was seeking out training for both she and Paylor. After seeing the positive impact the training had on both Paylor’s confidence and their overall relationship, she became an advocate for early dog training. 

Mandie is excited to be the co-founder of OlliePups and loves being a part of these puppy’s lives from the moment they leave the womb. She has seen the difference that purposefully breeding for health and temperament makes and intends to ensure that each OlliePup receives the absolute best care and start at life possible. Having the Badass Breeder curriculum to follow speaks to Mandie's  teacher heart. Having the opportunity to love on the puppies and their mamas throughout the process is a huge added bonus!