Meet the Team
We’re Looking Forward to Easing the Stress in Your Life
DR. RODNEY RUSSELL
OWNER / DOCTOR
With over 30 years in holistic / functional medicine, Dr. Russell is a true "healer" focused on addressing root causes, particularly mold illness. As co-owner of Mold Dog Knows, alongside his wife Susan, he's passionate about helping others overcome the challenges of mycotoxins, a mission born from their own experiences.
SUSAN A. RUSSELL
OWNER / CEO
The driving force behind Mold Dog Knows, Susan brings a unique blend of entrepreneurial vision and personal experience with mold illness. She's committed to guiding individuals from mold challenges to renewed health and resilience, both as CEO and as a partner in the Natural Healing Center.
STEVEN ANTOMMARCHI
PARTNER / VP K9 OPERATIONS
An international gold medal winning K9 expert with 16+ years of excellence, Steven is a recognized authority innovating K9 mold detection. As VP of K9 Operations, he applies his extensive experience in training and certification to develop canine teams that perform with unmatched precision for Mold Dog Knows.
SUSAN RENNE
VP STRATEGIC GROWTH & OPERATION
Renne brings over two decades of business development expertise to Mold Dog Knows. She excels at identifying client needs and crafting innovative solutions, infusing her work with creativity and integrity.
BETH CRUICKSHANK
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT &
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Beth brings a compassionate, knowledgeable approach to helping Mold Dog Knows clients. Driven by personal experience, she's dedicated to guiding individuals through mold exposure challenges towards recovery.
RYAN WALKER
K9 HANDLER
Ryan serves as the K9 Team Lead at Mold Dog Knows, bringing extensive expertise in handling and training working dogs. A proud Marine Corps veteran, he specializes in scent detection—including narcotics and mold—and leads with precision, integrity, and a deeply rooted servant’s heart. Working fro his base in Texas, Ryan is committed to helping families uncover hidden mold threats with skill and care.
STELLA HAMMOND
K9 HANDLER
Stella brings sharp instincts and extensive experience to Mold Dog Knows as a K9 handler in Texas. A U.S. Army veteran and Senior Handler in explosives detection, she applies her deep understanding of canine behavior to mold detection. With a BAS in Early Childhood Education (cum laude) and an M.Ed. in Special Education, Stella offers a unique skill set that makes her a valued part of our team.
EMILY ILLINGWORTH
K9 HANDLER
Emily brings 13 years as a U.S. Army Military Police Sergeant and over eight years training high-performance working dogs. Based in Nevada, she now applies her precision and expertise to mold detection. As a certified Mold Inspector, Emily is committed to helping families breathe clean air and live healthier, safer lives.
JULIE FACCHINA
K9 HANDLER
Julie is a powerhouse in the K9 detection world, bringing over 30 years of experience. She holds certifications from the North American Police Work Dog Association (NAPWDA), Professional Canine Workers Association (PCWA), explosives detection, American Kennel Club (AKC) Obedience, and specialized mold detection. As a business owner, Julie blends elite scent detection skills, sharp operational leadership, and a deeply caring heart—making her an invaluable part of MDK based out of Texas.
NICK HAMER
K9 HANDLER
With a solid background in K9 scent detection and over a decade of hands-on training, Nick has worked across government, military, and residential sectors. He now applies his expertise to mold detection throughout Ohio and beyond—driven by a passion for healthier homes and giving families peace of mind. Nick is certified through NESDCA (National Entomology Scent Detection Canine Association) and CRWDA (Casino & Resort Working Dog Association).
DAVE THIEMS
K9 HANDLER
Dave brings years of experience in explosives detection, protection, and tracking to Mold Dog Knows throughout Oregon and beyond. A former Reserve Police Officer, he trains K9s in obedience, detection, and protection for both private clients and law enforcement. Passionate about preparedness, Dave also teaches CPR, First Aid, and situational awareness to help others stay ready for the unexpected.
RICH DE LA FONT
K9 HANDLER
With a foundation rooted in training police dogs in obedience and narcotics detection, along with kennel management, Rich brings over 15 years of hands-on K9 experience to Mold Dog Knows. Now based in Illinois, he applies his deep knowledge of canine behavior and scent work to mold detection—helping families uncover hidden threats with precision and care.
KATIE DE LA FONT
K9 HANDLER
Katie brings over 15 years of experience in K9 training and veterinary medicine to Mold Dog Knows. A graduate of the prestigious Tom Rose School, she has trained dogs in narcotics detection, tracking, and protection work. Now based in Illinois, Katie applies her deep knowledge of canine behavior and scent work to mold detection—helping families uncover hidden threats and restore peace of mind.
XIA
MOLD DOG
Xia, our incredible German Drahthaar, has a nose for precision and a heart of gold! This sweet girl leverages her natural hunting instincts to pinpoint hidden toxic mold with amazing accuracy, keeping homes and businesses safe. She's all business in the field, and mold doesn't stand a chance!
BUCK
MOLD DOG
Buck is our mold detection powerhouse! This smart and energetic Hound-Malinois mix has adapted his elite tracking skills to a new mission: sniffing out hidden toxic mold. With laser focus and an unstoppable drive, Buck is one of our most reliable K9s, ensuring no mold goes undetected!
TALA
MOLD DOG
Meet Tala, our incredible German Shepherd mix with a remarkable rescue story! Despite a rough start, this two-year-old dynamo has become a natural at detecting mold. Trained by Stella Hammond, under the direction of Steven Antommarchi. Tala is laser-focused on the job and thrives on every find, making her the kind of once-in-a-career partner every handler dreams of!
LOKIE
MOLD DOG
Lokie is a high-drive Brittany Spaniel with a sweet, cuddly nature and sharp intelligence. Originally a rescue struggling in a small apartment, she’s now thriving with purpose and
room to run. Her keen nose and loving spirit make her a natural fit for the Mold Dog Knows detection team.
BABY
MOLD DOG
Meet K9 Baby—a Malinois powerhouse for Mold Dog Knows with a nose for adventure and a heart of gold. A rescue, Baby is trained to detect even the sneakiest traces of mold. She blends playful charm with professional focus – but don’t be fooled by the belly rubs—once her vest goes on, she’s all business and mission ready.
EROS
MOLD DOG
Eros is a high-driven 7 year old Belgian Malinois with an exceptional work ethic and unwavering focus. He has dedicated several years to service as an explosives detecton K9 and has successfully transitioned to mold detection, where he continues to demonstrate precision, reliability, and drive. Outside of detection work, Eros enjoys life as a farm dog, thriving in the outdoors and maintaining his active lifestyle.
DUKE
MOLD DOG
Duke Silver is a Belgian Malinois with a strong background in mold detection and a serious nose for the job. Trained from puppyhood, he’s focused, fast, and a total pro. Off duty, Duke loves running with his pack—and stealing dryer sheets during laundry time. He’s all business… until he’s not.
Thirty years ago, I embarked on what I thought would be the highlight of my career, moving from San Francisco to Fort Myers, Florida, to take a new elevating position as the main TV news anchor in great market. This dream opportunity quickly turned into a nightmare as I began suffering from debilitating migraines and unexplained health issues, marking the start of a long battle with mold illness – unbeknownst to me.
Despite seeking help from numerous healthcare professionals, the root cause of my suffering went undiagnosed. Bound by professional obligations, I struggled through the pain until I had no choice but to return to California, facing broken contracts, a loss of income and a sense of failure.
A New Beginning With Old Shadows
Back in California, while the physical pain subsided, the emotional toll lingered. I eventually managed to return to the broadcasting world, but the underlying health issues persisted as they can with mold illness that’s not treated, eventually forcing me out of the career I dearly loved. Extreme newsroom stress was a big instigator.
It wasn’t until years later, after more health setbacks and personal changes and challenges, including a move to Colorado and a marriage to Dr. Rodney Russell, that the true culprit was identified—toxic MOLD. This discovery came too late to prevent the profound impact it had on my life, but began a journey of healing and understanding.
Mold Dog Knows: Turning Adversity Into Advocacy
My experiences with mold illness, coupled with my husband’s professional insights, led us to establish Mold Dog Knows, a North Texas-based canine mold detection company. Our mission is to help others identify and address mold issues more swiftly and effectively, saving them the prolonged suffering I endured.
Our journey, though fraught with challenges, has equipped us to support and guide others through the maze of mold illness. It’s a calling we embrace wholeheartedly, driven by a desire to turn our trials into triumphs for those we serve. And it’s a perfect fit for our functional medicine practice, the Natural Healing Center where my husband helps many mold sick patients (who frequently have no idea).
In sharing my story, I hope to illuminate the path for others affected by mold, offering hope and practical solutions through the work of Mold Dog Knows and our continued advocacy for health and wellness in the face of environmental challenges.
~Susan Russell / Owner & CEO
COPYRIGHT © 2025 MOLD DOG KNOWS