Canine Handlers

  • Mary Berry

    Mary Berry K9 Handler | Colorado Forensic Canines

    Mary Berry has been active in Search and Rescue since 1986, with certifications in trailing, wilderness air scent, cadaver, and disaster response. She founded Sandia Search Dogs in 1999 and served as both dog handler and team veterinarian for New Mexico Task Force One (FEMA) from 1993 to 2007, deploying to hundreds of missions including 9/11 and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

    A licensed veterinarian, Mary frequently presents on canine training and field first aid at SAR conferences across the Southwest. She is NASAR SAR Tech II and NM Field Certified, and was honored with the Ralph Dawdy Memorial Award for her service to the SAR community. She authored the canine chapter in the Boy Scouts of America’s Search and Rescue Merit Badge book (2013).

    Mary currently handles Indy and Tanner for CFC.

  • Lette Birn

    Lette Birn K9 Handler | Colorado Forensic Canines

    Active in K9 Search and Rescue since 1989, Lette has deployed nationally with FEMA’s NM Task Force One and participated in hundreds of wilderness and forensic searches. She responded to major incidents including 9/11, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and wildfires in Paradise, CA and Ruidoso, NM. Her current canine partner is Finley.

  • Kris Brock

    Kris Brock Board member I K9 Handler | Colorado Forensic Canines

    Based in Cody, Wyoming, Kris Brock has worked with search dogs since 2002 and is a certified K9 handler. She currently trains and deploys with her Yellow Lab, Colt, who holds certifications in wilderness/air scent, water, and human remains detection. Her newest pup, Stryker, is in training.

    Kris is also a member of True North Search Dogs (MT) and Park County Search and Rescue (WY). She is trained in GPS navigation, man-tracking, off-road and snowmobile operations, ICS, Wilderness First Aid, and CPR.

  • Dayna Dominguez

    Dayna Dominguez K9 Handler | Colorado Forensic Canines

    Dayna has been active in K9 Search and Rescue since 2012, with experience in trailing, cadaver, and air scent work. She holds SAR TECH II and NM SAR Field certifications and has served in leadership roles with Sandia Search Dogs. In 2015, she joined NM Task Force One (FEMA) as a Canine Search Specialist and has been a volunteer with CFC since 2017.

    Dayna previously worked a long and successful career with K9 November, now retired from service with CFC, and K9 Gus (live find). She currently works with K9 Echo and is training her youngest K9 partner, Wren, in tracking/trailing. 

  • Bonnie Guzman

    Bonnie Guzman K9 Handler, Board Member I Colorado Forensic Canines

    Bonnie Guzman began her Search and Rescue career in 2007, specializing in human remains detection with Dobermans, including historic recovery work. Following a distinguished career as a Registered Nurse, she now serves as a Deputy Coroner for Park County, Colorado.

    Her first two Dobermans, Porter and Octavia, each had long, successful careers and were honored as Service Dogs of the Year by the United Doberman Club. She currently works with her third Doberman, Swift Run’s the Peacemaker (“Dimash”).

  • Jeff Liddle

    Jeff Liddle K9 Handler | Colorado Forensic Canines

    Jeff Liddle transitioned to search and rescue in 2020 following a career in outdoor and adventure education, where he led wilderness expeditions, directed outdoor programs, and served as head of a boarding school. His working dog experience spans bird dog hunting, sled dog handling in northern Minnesota, and K9 search operations with Larimer County Search and Rescue (LCSAR) and SARDUS.

    Jeff joined Colorado Forensic Canines in 2025 and lives in Estes Park, Colorado with his wife.

  • Katy Lindberg

    Katy Lindberg K9 Handler I Colorado Forensic Canines

    Katy has a lifelong passion K9 SAR. She has 20 years experience and Santo is her third search partner. 

    Before joining CFC, she started in New Mexico as member of a K9 SAR team for 15 years, training and certifying two dogs in both live find and human remains. Additionally, she joined the USAR team NMTF-1 where she became a Canine Search Specialist and gained her CE certification in live find. After moving to Salt Lake City, she joined a Utah team where she certified with Tri-State in first in live find with her second dog, and then CAD with Santo.

    Throughout the years of training, Katy has gained ICS certifications in (100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800) a well as additional training in Lost Person Behavior. This led to passing the ICS Planning Section Chief course for SAR in New Mexico.

  • Linda Meincke

    Linda Meincke K9 Handler | Colorado Forensic Canines

    Linda Meincke has spent a lifetime working with hunting dogs, successfully training eleven bird dogs over 35 years. In 2015, she transitioned to Search and Rescue with Mountain Canine Corps in Los Alamos, NM, partnering with her Doberman, Banner, who was certified in wilderness airscent and human remains detection. Banner was also NAPWDA-certified in HRD and is honored on the front page of our website following her tragic loss in the line of duty.

    Linda continues her SAR work with her current dogs, Gambel (a Vizsla) and Rever (“Rivvie”), a Golden Retriever.

  • Martha Miller

    Martha Miller K9 Handler | Southwest Rescue Dogs

    Martha Miller and her English Labrador, Jack, began their search and rescue journey in 2022, specializing in human remains detection. Jack previously worked as a patient care assistant in an internal medicine office, and together they found a shared passion for SAR. They are active members of Southwest Rescue Dogs (SRDI) in Tucson, where Martha also serves on the board of directors.

    A native of Winter Park, Martha has a lifelong connection to the outdoors through skiing, horseback riding, long-distance running, and cycling. She practiced as a self-employed internist in Tucson and now enjoys retirement exploring the desert and mountains with her dogs.

  • Cheryl Oetting

    Cheryl Oetting K9 Handler | Colorado Forensic Canines

    Cheryl Oetting has been active in Search and Rescue since 1999 and was a founding member of the Massachusetts Canine Response Team. Her first Australian Shepherd, Piper, was certified in live find air scent under Massachusetts standards. In 2016, Cheryl began human remains detection training with her second Aussie, Josie, who has since earned multiple certifications, including HRD Land (NNCDS), Buried (CFC), and obedience (NAPWDA).

    After relocating to Colorado in 2019, Cheryl joined Colorado Forensic Canines and continues her work in HRD with Josie. She is currently training her third Australian Shepherd, Pete, for future certification.

  • Cindy Oliver

    Cindy Oliver K9 Handler, Board Member | Colorado Forensic Canines

    Cindy has been active in Search and Rescue for over 16 years and joined Colorado Forensic Canines in 2015. She currently handles two mission-ready Labrador Retrievers, Popper and Princeton, both certified in human remains detection through Sandia Search Dogs and NAPWDA.

    A SAR TECH II certified responder through NASAR, Cindy has held multiple leadership roles with Sandia Search Dogs, including president, training officer, and membership officer. She also served as secretary for the New Mexico Search Council from 2010 to 2013.

  • Kim Sadar

    Kim Sadar K9 Handler, Board Member | Colorado Forensic Canines

    Kim Sadar began training search and rescue dogs in 2005 and has worked across multiple disciplines including trailing, human remains detection (HRD), historic HRD, wilderness air scent, and evidence recovery. She currently handles two working dogs, AJ and Brody.

    A native of Colorado and retired firefighter, Kim is also a co-founder of Colorado Forensic Canines and continues to play an active role in the organization’s leadership and mission.

Field Technicians

  • Jen Brown

    Jen Brown Field Technician | Colorado Forensic Canines

    Jen began training in Search and Rescue in 2021 and joined Colorado Forensic Canines in 2022. With a professional background in accounting and a lifelong passion for the outdoors, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, traveling, and spending time with her dogs.

    Originally from Savannah, Georgia, Jen grew up exploring the woods and waterways—experiences that instilled a deep appreciation for nature and adventure. After relocating to Colorado in 2015, that connection to the outdoors naturally led Jen to the SAR community.

    Jen is currently working toward becoming a certified Human Remains Detection (HRD) canine handler and remains committed to ongoing training and field experience.

  • Giancarla Calzetta (GC)

    Giancarla Calzetta (GC) Field Technician | Colorado Forensic Canines

    Giancarla Calzetta began her Search and Rescue career in 2011 with Chesapeake Search Dogs and the Maryland Natural Resources Police. After relocating to New Mexico in 2024, she joined Mountain Canine Corps and became a field technician with Colorado Forensic Canines in 2025. GC holds NASAR Advanced SARTECH I and Wilderness First Responder certifications, and has previously certified multiple canines through NASAR.

    Outside of SAR, GC enjoys camping, climbing, mountain biking with her wife Lynne, and trail running with their three rescue dogs.

  • Steve Elbert

    Steve Elbert Field Technician & Mapping Coordinator | Colorado Forensic Canines

    2024, marks a decade of service for Steve as a field technician and mapping coordinator with Colorado Forensic Canines. Prior to joining CFC in 2014, Steve was part of an independent search effort for a father and son lost in the Mt. Evans Wilderness area—an experience that sparked a lasting commitment to search and rescue work.

    With a strong background in navigation and field support, Steve contributes mapping expertise to CFC operations. Personal interests include skiing, hiking, biking, golf, and travel.

  • Chelsie Fleischer

    Chelsie Fleischer Field Technician | Colorado Forensic Canines

    Chelsie Fleischer joined Colorado Forensic Canines as a field technician in 2025, bringing a diverse background in science, agriculture, and academic research. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Juniata College and a Master’s in Medical Anthropology from CU Denver, with additional training in Forensic and Biological Anthropology. Her interest in forensics began with a coroner’s office internship in 2005.

    Chelsie spent over a decade conducting research at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and currently co-owns a sustainable urban farm in Colorado. She also works part-time with Cobalt, a reproductive rights organization. Raised in rural Pennsylvania, she is passionate about hiking, backcountry camping, and exploring the natural world with her family.

  • Karen Gotski

    Karen Gotski SAR Techinician | Colorado Forensic Canines

    A Colorado resident for over 25 years, Karen brings extensive outdoor experience through hiking, skiing, backpacking, and rock climbing. Currently pursuing a personal goal of summiting Colorado’s 100 highest peaks, Karen has developed strong navigation skills using maps, compass, GPS, and digital mapping tools.

    With a background in aviation, Karen graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy and served as a pilot in the Air Force before retiring from a major airline. Early exposure to navigation—thanks to a father who served as an Air Force navigator—sparked a lifelong interest in geospatial technology and led to a passion for geocaching beginning in 2007.

    As a member of Colorado Forensic Canines, Karen supports field operations and contributes technical expertise to enhance the team’s use of mapping and navigation tools.

  • Faye Manceaux

    Faye Manceaux Field Technician | Colorado Forensic Canines

    Faye Manceaux brings over three decades of experience in education and canine training to her role as a field technician with Colorado Forensic Canines. A lifelong dog enthusiast, she has trained four dogs to Schutzhund titles, specializing in tracking and obedience.

    An avid hiker with a deep appreciation for the outdoors, Faye combines physical endurance and wilderness skills to support K9 teams during search operations across Colorado.

  • Evan Merkel

    Evan Merkel Field Technician I Colorado Forensic Canines

    Evan brings a background in military service, education, and field research to his role as a field technician with CFC. He served seven years as a Military Police member in the United States Air Force, developing strong skills in teamwork, situational awareness, and operating in high-stress environments.

    He currently works as a social studies teacher and as a site supervisor on an archaeological site in the Mediterranean, gaining experience in systematic search methods and working in challenging terrain. An avid outdoorsman, Evan enjoys hiking, camping, backpacking, climbing, and exploring remote environments, making him comfortable in harsh environments. 

  • Lindsay Nelson

    Lindsay Nelson Field Technician | Colorado Forensic Canines

    Lindsay Nelson brings a lifelong passion for the outdoors to her role as a field technician with Colorado Forensic Canines. Raised in Wyoming, she developed strong wilderness navigation skills through hiking, backpacking, and geocaching. Her comfort in remote terrain enhances her contributions to SAR operations.

    A former Army physical therapist with nearly eight years of active duty service, Lindsay now serves in the Reserves and works at a civilian clinic in Colorado Springs. She enjoys global travel and actively volunteers with local athletic and outdoor organizations.

  • Susan Schwartz

    Susan Schwartz Field Technician | Colorado Forensic Canines

    Susan Schwartz brings decades of backcountry experience to her role as a field technician with Colorado Forensic Canines. Her outdoor pursuits include hiking, climbing, mountaineering, canyoneering, and snow sports, with extensive travel using traditional navigation methods prior to GPS availability. Since 2003, she has actively geocached, combining technology with exploration.

    Susan has summited all 14,000-foot peaks in the lower 48 states and all peaks above 13,000 feet in Colorado and Utah. She has also completed two long-distance thru-hikes. Her deep familiarity with rugged terrain and logistical planning makes her a valuable asset to CFC’s search operations.

  • Ben Shontz

    Ben Shontz Field Technician I Colorado Forensic Canines

    Ben Shontz joined Colorado Forensic Canines in 2024, bringing a background in anthropology and biology along with professional experience as a death investigator in Utah. His strong foundation in forensic science and fieldwork supports his role in search operations across varied terrain.

    An avid outdoorsman, Ben enjoys hiking, climbing, and playing hockey, and values time spent with friends and family. His passion for wilderness exploration and commitment to continued learning make him a valuable member of the CFC team.

  • Eric Sorensen

    Eric Sorensen Field Technician | Colorado Forensic Canines

    Eric Sorensen joined the Search and Rescue community in 2018, bringing a lifelong passion for the outdoors and a strong technical background. Raised in rural Nevada, he has spent decades hiking, hunting, and exploring remote terrain. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Utah State University and worked in aerospace for NASA before spending the past 20+ years at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

    Eric is NM SAR Field Certified, has completed advanced mantracking courses, and works with a certified wilderness air scent dog. His navigation skills and field experience make him a valuable asset to CFC operations.

Adjunct Team Volunteers

  • Gary Scott

    Gary Scott Board Member | Field Coordinator | Forensic Anthropologist Colorado Forensic Canines

    Gary Scott holds a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of North Dakota and an M.A. from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he studied under Dr. William Bass, founder of the first forensic research facility known as the "Body Farm." He has served as an adjunct anthropology instructor at Metropolitan State University of Denver since 2011 and volunteers with their Human Identification Laboratory. He also spent 25 years teaching at the Community College of Aurora.

    As a forensic archaeologist, Gary specializes in the recovery and identification of human remains, from scattered skeletal elements to clandestine graves. He has assisted numerous law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, and local levels. Gary values the strong collaboration between Colorado Forensic Canines and the forensic anthropology community.

  • Don Blair

    Don Blair Training Advisor | Colorado Forensic Canines

    Don Blair began his career in K9 work as a police officer, serving five years as a K9 handler before advancing through multiple roles with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, including Canine Enforcement Officer, Instructor, Course Developer, and Canine Branch Chief. His responsibilities included overseeing anti-terrorism inspections, special enforcement operations, and canine training and research programs for the Department of Homeland Security.

    In 1984, Don founded Canine Intelligence Academy (CIA), where he has spent decades refining canine learning through operant conditioning techniques studied worldwide. He applies these methods across disciplines, including AKC obedience, Schutzhund (IPO), and K9 Nose Work, and continues to consult for law enforcement, military, SAR teams, Amtrak, and personal protection organizations.

    Don is a certified judge with the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) in tracking, detection, obedience, and protection, and serves as an AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) evaluator. Colorado Forensic Canines is honored to train with Don a minimum of six days annually.

    More about Don and his full CV can be found at www.ciak9.com/about.

  • Cyndal Groscof

    Cyndal Groscof Anthropologist | University of Denver

    Cyndal Groscof began her anthropology career at the University of Denver in 2010, where a geophysics course sparked her specialization in ground-penetrating radar (GPR). Over the past decade, she has applied this non-invasive technology to a wide range of projects, including law enforcement investigations, cemetery mapping, and historical archaeology.

    Cyndal has collaborated extensively with Colorado Forensic Canines, combining expertise to navigate complex terrain across multiple states. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Archaeology at the University of Denver, with a continued focus on GPR and minimally invasive research methods.

    For consultation inquiries related to ground-penetrating radar, Cyndal can be reached at 719-641-9284 or cyndalgroskopf@gmail.com.

  • Silvia Pettem

    Silvia Pettem Historical Research | Cold Case Specialist

    Silvia Pettem is a self-employed researcher, author, and public speaker with a focus on cold cases, unidentified remains, and long-term missing persons. After two decades of historical research for individuals, businesses, and local governments, she shifted her focus in 1996 following the discovery of a Jane Doe gravestone—launching a successful investigation chronicled in her book Someone’s Daughter: In Search of Justice for Jane Doe.

    An associate member and Medal of Honor recipient of the Vidocq Society, Silvia serves on the consulting committee of the American Investigative Society of Cold Cases, volunteers with the Boulder Police Department’s Detectives Section, and sits on the advisory board of Families of Homicide Victims & Missing Persons. She also teaches NamUs courses sponsored by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.

    Her latest book, Cold Case Research: Resources for Unidentified, Missing, and Cold Homicide Cases, supports investigators working on unresolved cases.

    For more information, visit www.silviapettem.com or contact her at pettem@earthlink.net.

Our Canine Partners

  • AJ

    AJ SAR K9 | Certified Human Remains Detection

    Handler: Kim Sadar

    AJ is a Golden Retriever and loves porcupines, belly rubs and tennis balls.  He loves going and doing just about anything.

  • Brody

    Brody SAR K9 | Certified Human Remains Detection

    Handler: Kim Sadar

    Brody is a golden retriever. A true foodie!  Will do almost anything for ice cream and a good party.  Has a slow methodical work style.

  • Colt

    Colt SAR K9 | Certified Human Remains Detection

    Handler: Kris Brock

  • Dimash (Mashi)

    Mashi SAR K9 | Certified Human Remains Detection

    Handler: Bonnie Guzman

  • Echo

    Echo SAR K9 | Certified Human Remains Detection

    Handler: Dayna Dominguez

    Fijne Dromen Echo is a Dutch Shepherd who loves “doing”. This busy girl enjoys swimming, running, and playing fetch. 

  • Finley

    Finley SAR K9 | Certified Human Remains Detection

    Handler: Lette Birn

    Finley is a very good boy and is tri-lingual - English, Danish and German!

  • Gambel

    Gambel SAR K9 | Certified Human Remains Detection

    Handler: Linda Meincke

    Gambel has a nose for very smelly things!

  • Indy

    Indy SAR K9 | Certified Human Remains Detection

    Handler: Mary Berry

    Indy is the best boi. He searches with great care and is sure to “color in” his whole search area with a huge smile on his face.

  • Jack

    Jack SAR K9 | Certified Human Remains Detection

    Handler: Martha Miller

    Jack is quiet and methodical but loves his work! His final response is a huge smile :)

  • Josie

    Josie SAR K9 | Certified Human Remains Detection

    Handler: Cheryl Oetting

  • Kismet

    Kismet SAR K9 | Certified Human Remains Detection

    Handler: Jeff Liddle

    Kismet is a German Shepherd. Kismet loves helicopters but does not like small airplanes.

  • Pete

    Pete SAR K9 | Certified Human Remains Detection

    Handler: Cheryl Oetting

  • Princeton

    Princeton SAR K9 | Certified Human Remains Detection

    Handler: Cindy Oliver

  • River

    River SAR K9 | Certified Human Remains Detection

    Handler: Linda Meincke

    River has the sweetest squinty smile and is very photogenic all around!

  • Stryker

    Stryker SAR K9 | Certified Human Remains Detection

    Handler: Kris Brock

  • Tanner

    Tanner SAR K9 | Certified Human Remains Detection

    Handler: Mary Berry

    Tanner says “go, go, go, faster!”

  • Santo

    Santo SAR K9 | Certified Human Remains Detection

    Handler: Katy Lindberg

  • Marshall - In Training

    Marshall SAR K9 I In Training

    Handler: Kim Sadar

    Marshall is golden retriever - Sweet, hardworking and loves to retrieve his ball. 

  • November - Retired

    November SAR K9 | Certified Human Remains Detection

    Handler: Dayna Dominguez

    November is a GSD X Karelian Bear Dog cross with a bossy streak to rival any dog. She loves squeaky tennis balls, rolling in the grass, and hiking in the woods.