About Us
Chris Heikkila – General Manager
Chris was born in Cromwell, MN and graduated high school in Eden Prairie, MN. Shortly after graduation, he left for Basic Training for the United States Air Force at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. Chris was later stationed at Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona, with the 355th Logistics Group. He deployed to Saudi Arabia (and surrounding regions) with the 4404th Provisional Wing, and returned to Davis Monthan AFB with the 355 Logistics and 355th Aggressors. When Chris moved back to MN after his enlistment, he joined Winthrop Resources Corp/TCF National Bank in 1998 in commercial/asset finance, and after 26 years he officially retired.
“I am humbled to be married to my wonderful wife Janell (Chicken,) and we have lived in Saint Michael, MN the last 14 years. I have two absolutely amazing children that I am extremely proud of every day: CJ Heikkila (Saurus), Ashleigh Heikkila (Minnow), the two best granddaughters in all of the world: Isla Rae and Indie Leigh (Grandpa’s Girls!), three beautiful grand puppies: Finn, Cooper and Arkansas, along with their precious kitty Tiny. Chicken and I have our own fur babies now, our K9 Leo and cat Frank. After almost 26 years in finance, I retired in 2023 when all the stars and moons aligned with an opportunity of a lifetime. A true purpose that is meaningful to my heart. I was honored and excited to join the KLN Family to be a part of The Spot Training Facility. My soul is where it belongs, with our mission and our team at The Spot. I look forward to working each day with our First Responders, Veterans, and our community.”
Rylie Stenstrom – Head Dog Trainer
Rylie comes from a life of service to our country at a young age. After attending Centennial High School, Rylie attended UW of River Falls, WI for a Bachelors in Animal Science. After Rylie’s second year of college she enlisted in the US Army Reserves and attended Basic Training at Ft. Leonard Wood. She then attended advanced individual training (AIT) at Ft. Bragg with a military occupational specialty in Civil Affairs. After AIT, Rylie returned to UW of River Falls.
After school, Rylie was an expert in the world of fitness as she was a personal trainer, as well as a Flexologist and General Manager for Stretch Lab. Meanwhile, Rylie had been training her own Service Dog, and during this process she became a recipient of Soldier’s 6. It was at this time Rylie quickly realized her love for training dogs and humans. Rylie began assisting trainers from Soldier’s 6, as she has been doing her entire life. Previously Rylie had her own dog training business and personally trained Bjorn who is a Therapy Dog for a doctor at University of Minnesota, who utilizes Bjorn with patient care.
This began the new chapter for Rylie as she became a full-time trainer for Soldier’s 6 with her own Service Dog, K9, Sgt. Annie. Rylie’s style of training the human and dog team is compatible with the morals and values of Soldier’s 6 and The Spot. Rylie has joined The Spot team and strives to give the customers and recipients of Service Dogs the high-class training and service they deserve.
We know your pet is part of the family and when they’re here, they’re part of ours! Whether you’re going away for the weekend, the day, or an extended stay, we’re doggone committed to keeping your special family member happy and healthy!
The Spot offers a safe, healthy, and encouraging environment for you and your pet to train in a variety of settings, with the guidance of our passionate team. Our goal is to support our Veterans and First Responders on their journey towards healing through specialized canine training with their “Battle Buddy.”
