MEET the Stokeshire team
James G. Stokes
Founder & Breeder | Photographer | MBA ‘26, Marketing & Entrepreneurship
As the founder of Stokeshire Designer Doodles, James brings over a decade of experience blending genetics, temperament testing, and early puppy enrichment to produce exceptional companion dogs. With an MBA in Marketing and a background in luxury wedding photography, James has a passion for storytelling and creating beautiful, meaningful experiences—from the moment a puppy is born to the day they go home.
At Stokeshire: James oversees strategic breeding, genetic pairings, Doodle School curriculum development, and client relations.
Fun Fact: He’s a father of ten, lover of coffee, and devoted to raising both puppies and people with purpose.
Katie M. Stokes
Lead Trainer & Puppy Specialist | Co-Founder
Katie is the heartbeat of Stokeshire, blending motherly intuition with hands-on puppy raising experience. With over 10 years of involvement in early canine development, she has a natural gift for nurturing puppies during their most formative weeks.
At Stokeshire: Katie leads our Doodle School training program, puppy evaluations, and enrichment protocols. She ensures each puppy is emotionally and behaviorally prepared for life beyond our home.
Fun Fact: Katie’s calm, confident presence helps both puppies and families feel safe, seen, and supported.
Dr. Lori Lee, DO, CWSP
Medical Advisor | Board-Certified General Surgeon
Dr. Lori Lee brings over 20 years of clinical expertise to Stokeshire. As a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and Certified Wound Specialist, she ensures our puppies receive compassionate, science-based care. Her veterinary oversight during pregnancy, whelping, and puppy development reflects the highest standards in health and safety.
At Stokeshire: Dr. Lee supports health screenings, emergency protocols, neonatal care, and ongoing breeder education.
Fun Fact: Lori’s heart for healing extends beyond animals—she’s also a mentor, horse lover, and advocate for ethical care.
Anakin “AJ” Stokes
Flight Manny | Pet Transport & Digital Support
Anakin is part of the next generation of Stokeshire, combining his interest in psychology and technology with a love for animals. After attending Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, he’s continuing his education closer to home at Northcentral Technical College while supporting the family business.
At Stokeshire: Anakin serves as our trusted Flight Manny, personally escorting puppies to families nationwide. He also assists with digital marketing and keeps our systems running smoothly behind the scenes.
Fun Fact: With a curious mind and a compassionate heart, Anakin is equally at home navigating airport terminals as he is diving into human behavior and emotional intelligence.
Rivalee R. Stokes
Senior Handler | Puppy Midwife | Growth & Enrichment Specialist
Rivalee is a true cornerstone of the Stokeshire team—combining grit, grace, and an eye for design with her deep passion for canine care. A Wisconsin State Discus finalist and high school senior, Rivalee balances athleticism with artistry, serving as both a hands-on Kennel Technician and our in-house Puppy Midwife.
At Stokeshire: She plays a vital role in whelping, early puppy development, and socialization—bringing structure, enrichment, and love to every stage of puppyhood. Whether she’s preparing birthing areas, supporting newborns, or leading our pups through socialization challenges, Rivalee ensures each dog receives the attention and stimulation needed to thrive.
Titles she proudly owns:
Fecal Matter Remediation Professional
Pup Growth & Enrichment Maven
Pooch Poser Pro & Puppy Model
When she’s not midwifing litters or modeling with pups for photo shoots, Rivalee enjoys fishing, sports, and dreaming up beautiful interiors—she hopes to one day become an interior designer and live among the landscapes of Utah.
Fun Fact: Rivalee is “mom” to two Stokeshire favorites—Mack and Luna—who adore joining her on walks and adventures around the farm.
Flight Nanny | Groomer | Bootcamp Trainer
Karissa joined the Stokeshire team in 2021 as a Flight Nanny, personally escorting puppies to their new families across the country. Her dedication and heart for the dogs quickly made her an invaluable part of our program.
At Stokeshire: Karissa now serves in a multifaceted role—offering gentle, in-home grooming services for our local clients, and beginning this fall, she will be expanding her impact as a Bootcamp Trainer in our 4- and 8-week Doodle School programs. She works closely with our lead trainer, Karlee, to ensure each puppy receives compassionate, consistent care rooted in positive reinforcement.
For families in Central Wisconsin, Karissa provides professional grooming tailored specifically to Stokeshire puppies—ensuring they not only look their best but enjoy a calm, loving grooming experience.
Fun Fact: Karissa has a natural ability to connect with animals and a calming presence that makes her a favorite among even our most wiggly puppies!
Kelsey Lutz RDH, MBA
Doodle School Trainer | Puppy Socialization Specialist
Kelsey brings both warmth and wisdom to her role as a Stokeshire Doodle School Trainer. She and her husband co-own Lutz Family Farms, a thriving farm-to-table, grass-fed beef operation in Amherst Junction, Wisconsin. Her unique environment allows her to provide puppies with exceptional early exposure to livestock, open spaces, and real-life experiences—an invaluable foundation for therapy and family companion dogs alike.
At Stokeshire: Kelsey specializes in structured in-home training for puppies who benefit from advanced socialization, especially around larger animals such as horses and cattle. Her calm demeanor, attention to detail, and agricultural setting make her an ideal match for puppies who need to build confidence in dynamic environments.
During her farm's quieter seasons, Kelsey trains a limited number of puppies while also working remotely for Delta Dental, ensuring each puppy in her care receives personalized attention and consistent routines.
Fun Fact: Kelsey’s farm-trained doodles have gone on to thrive in family homes and as potential service dogs—bringing calm and balance wherever they go.
Gary “G-Man” S.
Doodle School Trainer | Flight Manny | Therapy Dog Specialist
Gary is not just part of the Stokeshire team—he’s part of the family. Living just two miles down the road in Medford, Gary plays a hands-on role in our day-to-day operations, from training puppies in our Doodle School Program to flying pups across the country as a trusted Flight Manny.
At Stokeshire: Gary specializes in preparing puppies for future roles as therapy and facility dogs. With a deep heart for service and emotional support work, he’s currently completing over 300 hours of one-on-one training to become a certified Therapy Dog Handler. His calm presence and natural empathy make him a perfect guide for puppies destined to bring healing and joy into schools, clinics, and care facilities.
When he’s not working with puppies, Gary enjoys bowling, golfing, grilling out with friends, and relaxing with his children.
Fun Fact: Gary’s gentle approach and big heart have made him a favorite among our most emotionally intuitive puppies—especially those training for therapy work.
Behavior Modification Trainer
She is the owner of Elite K9 LLC and has a Degree in Small Business Entrepreneurship. She works with Stokeshire as a Trainer, Educator, and Virtual Training Consultant for our clients.
She attended Highland Canine School For Dog Trainers in Hanceville, Alabama for an Obedience and Behavior Modification Program. She is a Certified Professional Pet Dog Trainer located in Medford, Wisconsin.
Karlee is available to help dog owners and our clients with their companions to achieve their training goals after Doodle School and beyond. She enjoys interacting with clients and giving them all the information and tools needed for them to better understand their dog and its needs enhancing their relationship throughout the training process.
Ro & Jo Stokes
Canine Nutrition & Hygiene Specialists | Doggie Care & Maintenance Associates
Meet Ronan and Joren Stokes—the energetic brothers who bring both athletic drive and heartfelt dedication to the Stokeshire team. When they’re not scoring goals on the soccer field or defending the net in hockey, they’re hard at work behind the scenes caring for our puppies.
As Canine Nutrition and Hygiene Specialists, Ronan and Joren ensure that each dog receives balanced meals, fresh water, and the highest standard of cleanliness. Their attention to detail helps maintain a healthy, happy environment for all our pups.
Serving as Doggie Care & Maintenance Associates, they are responsible for daily cleaning routines, sanitization protocols, and the overall well-being of our puppies’ living spaces. Their commitment to excellence and their natural affection for animals make them an integral part of Stokeshire’s day-to-day operations.
Their strong work ethic, sense of responsibility, and love for dogs shine through in everything they do—whether it’s prepping the perfect puppy meal or giving a post-bath snuggle.
Fun Fact: Ronan and Joren say the only thing better than scoring a goal is getting a big, wet kiss from a happy pup!
Bowser’s Guardian Family &. Vet
We simply could not run Stokeshire without this family and their friendship! Bowser is our premier stud who is so fortunate to be loved by this incredible family. Dr. Matt Moodie and his wife Jennifer run a small hobby farm and also are owners in the Medford Vet Clinic. Dr. Moodie personally cares for all of our adult dogs and our puppies.
Eveline J. Stokes
Chief Puppy Entertainment Officer - Pooch Posing Princess - Puppy Care Specialist in Training
Introducing Eveline J. Stokes, the ultimate bundle of energy and joy in the world of puppies! As Chief Puppy Entertainment Officer, she brings endless giggles and playfulness to our furry friends, ensuring their tails wag with delight. Eveline's talents extend beyond puppy playtime—she's a Pooch Posing Princess, capturing perfect shots that showcase the bond between humans and their canines. With her nurturing spirit, she's mastering the art of being a Puppy Care Specialist, while also tending to the well-being of our feathered friends as a dedicated Chicken Caretaker. Off the animal kingdom, Eveline shines as a talented Soccer and Hockey player, scoring winning goals, and as a proud model for Stokeshire, radiating with her smile and natural poise. Eveline J. Stokes is a remarkable young individual, combining her love for animals with her passion for sports and modeling, making her a true asset in the world of puppies and beyond.
Becky Lutz
Doodle School Trainer
Doodle School Trainer | Retired Educator | Farmstead Matriarch
Becky Lutz is a cornerstone of kindness, wisdom, and care—qualities that have defined her journey across generations of family, farm, and faith. With deep Wisconsin roots, Becky spent decades as a Special Education Teaching Assistant in the Tomorrow River School District, where she cultivated inclusive learning spaces and empowered students with diverse needs to flourish.
Her gift for nurturing doesn’t end in the classroom. As a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Becky has gracefully balanced the rhythms of family and farm life, navigating the seasons with strength and compassion.
Now stepping into a new season, Becky joins our Doodle School team as a co-trainer for our 4-week Puppy Foundations Program. Her patience, attentiveness, and gentle demeanor make her a natural with our pups—bringing both structure and warmth to every interaction.
Whether she's tending to grandkids or guiding young dogs through their first weeks of training, Becky brings a quiet strength and deep care to all she does. Her presence is a gift to both our puppies and the families who will one day love them.
Carlye Baker
Puppy Paparazzi Extraordinaire | Snuggle Session Supervisor | Georgie’s Mom
Meet Carlye Baker—the warm and whimsical heart behind the lens at Stokeshire. As our Puppy Paparazzi Extraordinaire, Carlye has a magical way of capturing each puppy’s personality in a single frame—whether it’s a mid-air leap, a soulful gaze, or that iconic head tilt that makes hearts melt.
With her gentle spirit and endless patience, Carlye doubles as our Snuggle Session Supervisor, creating safe, soothing spaces where puppies feel seen, secure, and ready for their close-up. Her camera may be in one hand, but her other is always ready with a squeaky toy or a cozy cuddle.
More than just documenting moments, Carlye is a Canine Cuteness Curator, telling the story of each pup’s journey from birth to their forever family. Her images are treasured by our clients and shared with pride as part of the Stokeshire legacy.
When she's not at the farm capturing furry faces, Carlye is photographing families around Medford or spending time with her beloved pup, Georgie. Her joyful laugh, compassionate heart, and sharp creative eye make her an irreplaceable part of the Stokeshire team.