Officers
Katie Rendina
President + Co-Founder
Hi I’m Katie Rendina of Alexy Collies. I am a mom of three girls, and a AKC junior showmanship judge.I serve as a district director for the collie club of America.
Collies have been a huge part of my life. I am second generation in the sport. I started early on in the breed ring and transitioned to juniors at age 10. Junior showmanship helped me build confidence, make lifelong friendships, taught me dedication and good sportsmanship. I am so passionate about this sport as I believe it gave me the building blocks for my success today. My girls will hopefully find their joy in the Juniors ring as well; until then, they’re having fun as Pee-Wees!
Kara Gossage
Vice President
I am Kara Gossage of Firstlyte Kennels, a succession of my mother’s kennel, Donlen Collies. I competed in Juniors as a child, however now my most active role is developing and educating my children in the breed. I have two daughters, ages 9 & 14, who are third generation Collie Breeder Owner Handlers. I am looking forward to help inspire and grow opportunities for the youth of our breed!
Michelle Esch-Brooks
Treasurer + Co-Founder
I am Michelle Esch-Brooks of Heritage Collies. I am 3rd generation to breed and show Collies, and my daughter is our 4th generation. I hope my son will show too but he’s a bit young still. I followed in my parent’s footsteps and obtained my judge’s license for Collies and Junior Showmanship.
I started showing when I was 5 years old, joining my entire family in the breed ring under the kennel name Signet Collies. I started in Juniors at 10 and continued until I was 18, garnering many awards including Best Junior at CCA in 2004, #1 in CCA Top 10 Juniors in 2005, Top Northeast Junior 2005, and Westminster finalist in 2006. Juniors are the future of the sport and have always been near and dear to my heart. My daughter just started in Juniors and I hope she loves it as much as I did. Please help us support them!
Frances Flaim
Secretary
I am Frances Flaim of Qualteri Collies. I live in Cheyenne, Wyoming and I am a second generation collie breeder. I showed a collie for the very first time when I was 3 and was a collie junior from ages 9 to 18. I was ranked in the Top 10 starting at age 12 until I aged out. Since then, I have become a Breeder of Merit, and I continue to show actively.
Directors
Brenna Godlevsky
Director
Hi, I am Brenna Godlevsky of Pineland Collies. I came into the sport of dogs a bit later in life and have never participated in the AKC Junior program. Over the years, I’ve been able to watch and support many top juniors in Colorado. My entire family actively participates in volunteering in our local all-breed and specialty clubs, whether that is running PeeWee’s, volunteering on club boards/committees, or helping ringside as we can. My husband and I have five children, and most of them have not only shown collies but have also volunteered for club activities in some capacity, and a few are in Juniors! I am so thankful to be in the capacity of helping with the Collie Junior Foundation and look forward to supporting all of the amazing juniors!
Maret Conahan
Director
My name is Maret Conahan. I am a second generation fancier of Aurealis Collies. I began showing as a Junior, but became much more involved in the Conformation ring and as a breeder. Over the years, I have consistently shown, bred or owned Top Ten and #1 dogs, multiple ROM producers, CCA NBISS, NBOS, CCA AOM winners and group winners. I am a long time CCA Member, Collie Club of Washington Member, AKC Breeder Mentor, AKC Breeder of Merit, and CCA 2023 Breeder of the Year recipient.
I now have 3 children and hope to pass on the great love and passion for the Collie to them. I also wish to be a mentor and liaison for our Collie Junior community.
Lindsey Dowling
Director
Hi there! My name is Lindsey Dowling and I’m a life long Collie lover. I grew up participating in junior handling which brought me all around the country and my passion in dogs quickly grew into a career. Currently I own a dog grooming salon and I show (and groom) all breeds of dogs. I have 4 Collies, a Siberian Husky, and an Australian Shepherd. My dad, sister, and I all breed and show together, and I cannot thank the dog world enough for the opportunities it has afforded me. I’m so excited to be on the CJF board to help some kids ignite their passions too!