Meet Our Team
Get to know the experts behind Fortis Canine LLC.
Melissa Halstead
Wife and Advisor
Haley Halstead
Daughter / Owner of Crazy H Quarter Horses / Expert in Animal Husbandry and Biosecurity
Rylee Halstead
Son / Marketing Advisor
Harley Quinn
Service Dog / Foundation Dog / Dog Obedience
MEET my professional Partners
Experienced Professionals
Get to know the team of dedicated professionals at Fortis Canine LLC that have made our dog training services a success.
Dana Brown
Tandem K9 Inc.
Dana Brown: 30+ Years of Elite K9 Mastery. A U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant turned CEO of Tandem K9 Inc., Dana has trained 150+ police dogs, led 250+ explosive detection teams in Iraq, and certified with Virginia Police Canine Association. Specializing in narcotics/explosives detection, protection, and behavioral transformation, she delivers combat-proven results for law enforcement and families alike.
Evan Stewart
KPRO K9
Meet Evan Stewart, Marine veteran and KPro K9 Owner/Master Trainer boasting 25+ years in dog training. Starting at Fort Pierce Humane Society, he’s dedicated to preventing shelter tragedies through LIMA-based obedience, bite work, and service dog programs across the Southeast. CPDT-KA certified, delivering real breakthroughs for families and pros.
David Hunt
PAWS Unleashed
David Hunt, Owner of Paws Unleashed (pawsunleashed.org and pawsunleashedusa.com): A dedicated fellow decoy and trainer with years immersed in the French Ring sports world and advanced obedience. His expertise spans high-stakes protection drills—like pistol attacks, escapes, retrieves, and muscle-rehab for injured dogs—mirroring top Ring 1-3 training protocols. Whether building obedience foundations or prepping for bite sports, David delivers handler-dog synergy that excels in competition and real-world reliability.
Melissa Miller
PAWZITIVE BALANCE CANINE
Meet Melissa Miller, esteemed veteran mentor and Chief of Operations at Tandem K-9 Inc., alongside her role as Owner/CEO of Pawzitive Balance Canine LLC (Jacksonville, FL). A former top Military Working Dog handler under Jim Faggiano (JAFCO), she competed at elite levels with Rudy, then channeled shelter volunteering and psychology degrees (AA/BA) into balanced training that prevents rehoming. StarMark Academy graduate, IACP/AKC Evaluator, and UScA competitor living with Belgian Malinois, Melissa offers veteran-focused counseling for Alabama Canine, in-home obedience/behavior programs, and lifestyle harmony for busy families.
SCHUTZHUND CLUB
RIVER CITY SCHUTZHUND
Elevate your dog at River City Schutzhund and Performance Dog Club (rcscjax.com), a DVG member-driven group offering IGP, tracking, AKC Obedience/Rally, scent work, Fast Cat, Dock Diving. Membership Coordinator & Training Director oversees inclusive programs for beginners to advanced—all breeds welcome post-free visits.
JAson and erin purgison
Highland Canine School for Dog Trainers
As a Highland Canine Training School for Dog Trainers alumni, I completed the intensive 24-week Master Dog Trainer Program under the direction of Erin and Jason Purgason, founders of one of the nation’s most respected dog training companies. My education combined rigorous classroom instruction with extensive hands-on field experience, preparing me to deliver results-driven training across obedience, behavioral correction, and specialized K9 work. I’m part of a distinguished alumni community trained by law enforcement veterans and industry leaders committed to advancing professional dog training standards.
