President

Antoinette Carpenter

I became a member of CDTC in 2016.  I joined the club to train my border collie in Obedience and Agility, but I found there were many more sports I could enter her in.

My previous life before many dogs and training classes, I was a Director for Charter (the cable/internet company).  I currently run a senior sanctuary for dogs and horses.  Taking care of animals that deserve to be treated with respect is very rewarding.

Vice President

Lori DeCarlo

Lori DeCarlo has been an active member of the Charlotte Dog Training Club for fourteen years.  She is committed to supporting instructors, strengthening operations, encouraging volunteer engagement, and ensuring that CDTC remains a positive and inclusive environment for all members.

Since 2018 Lori has served as the Scent Work trial chair.  She has also served as trial chair for FCAT and CAT events.  Her commitment to well‑run, welcoming, and efficient events has helped strengthen CDTC’s reputation within the dog‑sport community.  She is also an active class assistant for Scentwork and previously Pre-Obedience/Rally foundation classes under her mentor and late beloved club member Bit Jordan.  She enjoys supporting handlers as they develop skills and confidence with their dogs.

For Lori, CDTC has long been a place of connection, purpose, and community — a space where she can work with her dogs and spend time with people who share her passion for training.

Lori trains and competes with her labradors. Her dogs have been active in Rally, Scentwork, Obedience, Conformation, Dock Diving, FCAT and CAT. Her experience across multiple sports gives her a broad perspective on the needs of both new and experienced members.

Secretary

Lorraine Faust

I have been a member of CDTC since January 2025 and completed the Instructor Training Program and have been instructing classes in Family Dog Manners, Obedience and Rally.  I am also serving as the Obedience Trial Chair for our September 2026 trial.  I am also an active member with the Standard Schnauzer Club of America and served as Host Hotel Chair responsible for negotiating room rates and pet fees for our 2025 National Specialty.

My canine training and competition experience journey began after bringing home our first Standard Schnauzer, Stevie. I started obedience training with instructor Jane Johnson, a Utility winner at the AKC National Obedience Classic.  What began as a goal to have a well-trained companion dog, evolved into competitive participation in Obedience and Rally and played a key role in shaping my experience as a handler. In addition to competition, we were a registered Therapy Dog team visiting hospitals, schools and libraries.  We currently have three Standard Schnauzers—Varick, Farrah, and Dean—and remain actively involved in training and competition across Conformation, Obedience, Rally, and Barn Hunt.

Treasurer

Sherry Rupp

I am a fairly new member of the CDTC having joined with my puppy Riskie in early 2023.  I have had dogs all my life but training was limited to basic obedience.  After retiring to Charlotte in 2018 and searching for a puppy, a challenge during the pandemic, we finally added Riskie to our family in September 2022 and I committed to serious training.  So far we've completed Star Puppy, CGC and her Rally Novice title.  We're continuing in Rally and obedience. Riskie is our fourth vizsla.  We're very appreciative of the help and support we've received at CDTC.  I have a background as a fiduciary, handling individual and small business accounts, and am excited to serve on the Board to become more involved in this great organization.

Director

Jeff Boyer

I have been teaching agility to people and their dogs since 2005. I believe that learning and training should be fun for both members of the team; I strive for a teaching environment that is relaxed, supportive, and positive for all. Positive reinforcement of correct behaviors is paramount, and I encourage my students to adopt this philosophy and to use clicker training if possible. My training philosophy is to keep an open mind, try different methods, learn new skills, reward handsomely, and have fun.

I have competed in agility since 2005 and in Rally Obedience since 2007.

I am currently a certified agility judge for AKC, CPE, and USDAA.

Director

Kristy Anderson

I've been a member of CDTC for 17 years and have been training my own dogs since my first Sheltie in college. I'm a member of the Golden Retriever Club of America and have had Goldens for close to 30 years that I've competed with in AKC obedience and AKC and HRC hunt tests. I absolutely love the relationship that training builds with my dogs and feel strongly that a basic obedience foundation is key for any dog to have a happy life. Over the years I've volunteered with practically every activity in our club except scent work, including setting up for agility trials and FastCAT, stewarding for obedience trials and show & go's, moving mats, cleaning the building and assisting Bit with teaching Obedience 101.

I am truly grateful for the opportunity that CDTC gives me to have a safe space to learn with and enjoy my dogs.  I feel strongly about supporting our club's mission and Code of Ethics and the future survival of our club. CDTC is an incredible value to our members and I know we can adapt to the evolution of dog sports and continue embracing fun activities with our dogs for another 70+ years.