THE ADVENTURE TEAM
Meet the Adventure Team who care for your dogs at The Homestead Nottawa.
Meet the pack behind the paws! Our team of dedicated dog lovers brings together years of experience, endless enthusiasm, and a genuine passion for making every pup's day special. From early morning zoomies to afternoon snuggle sessions, we're here to ensure your furry loved one gets the care, attention, and playtime they deserve. We treat every dog like our own, and we can't wait for you to meet the friendly faces who'll be looking after your best friend.
Founder & Experience Director
Maureen McFarlane
Team Member Since: June 2023 (…or really, always) Auntie Mo is the founder of The Homestead Nottawa. Just before the pandemic, she traded the classroom for muddy paws and started something small for family and friends—which, as it turns out, didn’t stay small for long. The Homestead was built on a simple belief: dogs should get to be outside, moving, exploring, and part of a pack—not stuck inside waiting for their day to start. That idea still shapes everything here. With a background in teaching (and a natural instinct for dogs), she brings both structure and intuition to the pack. She can read a dog in a moment, step in when needed, and just as importantly—know when to let them be. Most days, you’ll find her out with the dogs—on the trails, in the pond, or watching the kind of quiet moments that remind you you’re doing something right. Behind the scenes, she’s always thinking, adjusting, and finding ways to make things even better for the dogs, their people, and her team. (And yes… probably trying a new idea she just had.) Favourite breed: Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Best part of my job: Being home with my extended furry family every day My dog superpower: Reading a dog with one quick look Favourite Homestead memory: The relationships and trust built with every dog and family Favourite spot: The pond (usually in it), or the white pines in the forest Muddy paws or wet dog smell: Muddy paws Funniest moment: Anything involving Frankie the Frenchie Dream adventure: Summers in Elliot Lake with my family. Favourite season: Summer—pond days, always When I’m not with dogs: I’m always with the dogs
Facilities & Finance Manager
Stuart McFarlane
Team Member Since: June 2023 Stu is co-owner of The Homestead Nottawa and the steady force behind much of what keeps it running day to day. Outside of his full-time career, he manages the financial side of the business, maintains the trails and back acreage, and supports both the team and clients with a calm, easygoing presence. Whether he’s on the tractor or checking in with the pack, Stu brings a practical, hands-on approach that helps keep The Homestead operating smoothly and thoughtfully. Alongside his work here, Stu and his family run the McFarlane Family Foundation, supporting initiatives in health, education, amateur sport, and the arts. Favourite breed: Cattle Dogs Best part of my job: Being outdoors and staying active My dog superpower: Outrunning them Favourite Homestead memory: When my favourite dogs come to visit Favourite spot: Anywhere on the tractor Muddy paws or wet dog smell: Wet dog smell Funniest moment: Themed photo days—especially the pugs Dream adventure: Mountain biking in Moab Favourite season: Summer (less mud) When I’m not with dogs: At my other job
Adventure Leader (Supervisor)
Jacquelyn Goodman
Team Member Since: March 2025 Jay brings a grounded, capable presence to The Homestead, shaped by years of working with both horses and dogs. She has a natural feel for animal behaviour—reading body language, energy, and subtle shifts with ease—which allows her to create a calm, structured environment where dogs can settle and thrive. She’s detail-oriented, organized, and quietly confident in her approach. Whether she’s caring for the dogs, connecting with clients, or keeping the space running seamlessly, Jay brings a level of consistency that both the team and the dogs rely on. Most often, you’ll find her outdoors—where she’s happiest—moving with the dogs, observing, and ensuring each one feels safe, understood, and part of the pack. Favourite breed: Airedale Terrier Best part of my job: Watching dogs come out of their shell and feel at home My dog superpower: Reading body language and energy Favourite Homestead memory: Paddleboarding with the dogs in the summer Favourite spot: The hydro cut along the fence line Muddy paws or wet dog smell: Muddy paws Funniest moment: Dolly’s “stump dumps” Dream adventure: Hiking in the Rockies Favourite season: Fall—crisp mornings and fireside resets When I’m not with dogs: At the barn or out hiking with my own dogs
Adventure Leader (Assistant)
Carly Strunc
Team Member Since: May 2025 Carly joined The Homestead Nottawa team in May 2025 and has become a trusted leader who is passionate about creating a safe, fun, and enriching experience for every dog in our care. Having grown up surrounded by dogs and other animals, she has developed a deep understanding of their behaviour and needs. Carly's goal is to ensure every dog feels comfortable, confident, and truly at home while they're with us. Whether she's leading pack adventures, supporting the team, or getting to know each dog's unique personality, she is dedicated to providing the highest level of care. Favourite dog breed (or mix): All of them! Best part of my job: Caring for each dog's individual needs and getting to witness all of their fun personalities My dog superpower is: Crowd control Favourite Homestead memory so far: Dog Day Camp—watching the dogs have so much fun participating in all the activities Favourite trail or spot at The Homestead: All of the trails and the pond Muddy paws or wet dog smell? Either! Funniest dog moment: Watching dogs go on a treat hunt Dream dog adventure: Taking a busload of dogs on a field trip Favourite season with dogs and why: Spring and fall—the cooler temperatures mean the dogs can play longer and have even more fun outdoors When I'm not with dogs, I'm: Spending time with my own fur babies, going on adventures, and enjoying lots of swims.
Adventure Guide
Mackenzie Dupont
Team Member Since: November 2025 Mackenzie’s path to The Homestead started with her own dog. After working as a vet assistant and kennel attendant, she had heard so many good things about The Homestead that she first wanted to experience it as a client—then quickly knew she wanted to be part of the team. She brings a mix of hands-on care experience and natural warmth to her role, often being one of the first friendly faces clients see. Whether she’s at reception, helping with daily flow, or out with the dogs, Mackenzie has an easy, upbeat presence that helps both dogs and people feel at home right away. She’s always ready to jump in, lend a hand, and keep things moving—usually with a smile. Favourite breed: Aussie & Lab mixes Best part of my job: Being outside with the dogs all day My dog superpower: Teaching tricks Favourite Homestead memory: Carrying a little dog in the front of my overalls Favourite spot: Around the fire with the dogs Muddy paws or wet dog smell: Wet dog smell Funniest moment: Georgia dropping rocks on my toes Dream adventure: A camping trip with my dog Favourite season: Summer—less mud, more play When I’m not with dogs: Reading a good book
Adventure Guide
Julia Price
Team Member Since: October 2025 Julia brings a natural ease with dogs that comes from growing up surrounded by them—and now raising her own. With four family dogs and her dog Zeus (who, by her count, knows over 100 tricks), she’s deeply immersed in training, behaviour, and building strong connections with the dogs she works with. At The Homestead, she’s always eager to learn, quick to step in, and fully focused on making sure each dog has a positive, well-supported experience. She has a calm way of handling even high-energy or emotional moments, and a genuine excitement for every dog she meets—especially her dream breeds. Favourite breed: Boston Terrier Best part of my job: Simply being with the dogs My dog superpower: Staying calm in high-emotion moments Favourite Homestead memory: Meeting Ruby the Rough Collie Favourite spot: Creekside trail Muddy paws or wet dog smell: Muddy paws Funniest moment: Getting pooped on by Dude Dream adventure: Hiking in the spring and fall Favourite season: Fall—perfect in-between weather When I’m not with dogs: With all my other animals
Adventure Leader
*On Leave August 2026*
Brianna Goodman
Team Member Since: February 2025 Bri grew up in a home where dogs were simply part of everyday life. With her mom running an in-home daycare, there was always a mix of personalities under one roof—something that shaped her calm, patient way of working with them today. She has a natural ability to read dogs and meet them where they are, which makes her a steady, reassuring presence within the pack. At The Homestead, you’ll find Bri out on the trails, down by the pond, or welcoming clients and their dogs with an easy warmth that immediately puts both at ease. She’s just as comfortable in the day-to-day rhythm with the dogs as she is helping behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly. Favourite breed: Golden Retrievers Best part of my job: The endless hikes My dog superpower: Patience—always Favourite Homestead memory: Summer camp days Favourite spot: The pond Muddy paws or wet dog smell: Muddy paws Funniest moment: Watching dogs bounce through long grass like little deer Dream adventure: The Westminster Dog Show Favourite season: Fall—the trails are at their best When I’m not with dogs: Still thinking about them
Adventure Guide
Naomi Edery
Team Member Since: April 2026 (Summer Crew) Naomi joined The Homestead Nottawa's Summer Crew in April 2026 and brings a calm, caring presence to every adventure. She's currently completing her Master's in Archaeology at the University of Edinburgh and recently returned from Wales, where she spent a month working on a Neanderthal archaeological excavation beneath a Tudor castle as part of her dissertation research. When she's not studying or making incredible discoveries, Naomi is happiest outdoors with animals. Whether she's carrying tired dogs around like babies or bottle-feeding a newborn calf at her family's 5 Bridges Farm, caring for animals comes naturally to her. Her love of dogs, nature, and adventure makes her a wonderful part of The Homestead team. Favourite dog breed (or mix): Bull Terriers Best part of my job: Being outdoors My dog superpower is: Staying level-headed when stressful situations arise Favourite Homestead memory so far: Seeing a dog riding on a paddleboard Favourite trail or spot at The Homestead: The pond and the trails Muddy paws or wet dog smell? Wet dog smell! Funniest dog moment: My dog, Sprout, sneezes whenever she gets excited, so it's always funny spending time with her. Dream dog adventure: A national park road trip in a camper with my dogs. Favourite season with dogs and why: Winter—my boxers love staying warm in their winter coats and playing in the snow. When I'm not with dogs, I'm: Studying, writing my dissertation, or helping care for the animals at my family's farm.
Youth C.R.E.W.
(Canine Recreation & Experience Worker)
Fiona McFarlane - Youth CREW
Team Member Since: June 2023 Fiona is a lucky gal—she’s grown up with dogs her entire life and lives right here at The Homestead Nottawa! A natural caregiver, she showers every pup she meets with love and is never shy with her cuddles, especially on the couch. As she says, “I like watching movies with the dogs.” You’ll always find Fiona with a smile on her face, working hard to make sure every pup has what they need to enjoy their best day and that every client feels welcome during arrivals. While she enjoys her extracurricular activities, Fiona loves working at The Homestead for one simple reason—the dogs, who she treats like family. Favourite dog breed (or mix): I don’t have a favourite—I love them all! Best part of my job: Dogs! My dog superpower is: My ability to bond with any dog and make them feel part of our family Favourite Homestead memory so far: Snuggling on the couch with pups Favourite trail or spot at The Homestead: The cottage Muddy paws or wet dog smell? Muddy paws Funniest dog moment: When dogs try to sit on my lap all at once Dream dog adventure: Camping with pups Favourite season with dogs and why: Summer—not too cold, lots of swimming, and great temperatures When I’m not with dogs, I’m: Reading, sleeping, and doing homework and chores
Ewan McFarlane
Youth CREW
Team Member Since: June 2023 Ewan is a lucky guy—he’s grown up with dogs his entire life and lives at The Homestead Nottawa! As he puts it, “I love how it is at my house.” He enjoys the freedom of working at The Homestead and earning some extra money to do the things he loves most: dirt biking, skiing, biking, running, and hanging out with friends. You’ll often find Ewan greeting clients and chatting with the dogs using the nicknames he’s coined just for them. When he’s off the clock and enjoying downtime with his family, he’s usually indoors snuggled up with the boarding dogs—and often posing for a photo to send to their owners. Favourite dog breed (or mix): Golden Retriever, Corgi, Australian Shepherd Best part of my job: Money My dog superpower is: Everything Favourite Homestead memory so far: The first time I met King George Favourite trail or spot at The Homestead: The property Muddy paws or wet dog smell? Neither Funniest dog moment: King George’s crowning ceremony Dream dog adventure: Hiking in the mountains Favourite season with dogs and why: Summer (reason not specified) When I’m not with dogs, I’m: Doing homework, biking, or hanging out with my friends
Hannah B.
(Away from the Homestead touring the world July - Dec. 2026)
Team Member Since: July 2025 Hannah is a team member who, as she puts it, “loves, loves, loves dogs.” When she’s not caring for our Homestead guests, she occasionally walks her neighbour’s dog and enjoys staying busy with her extracurricular activities. You’ll always find Hannah smiling and eager to make sure every dog is having the best possible time. Favourite dog breed (or mix): Labrador Retriever Best part of my job: Getting to meet so many dogs and play with them My dog superpower is: Making dogs feel happy, safe, and loved Favourite Homestead memory so far: Working with my friends and meeting new dogs Favourite trail or spot at The Homestead: The trails Muddy paws or wet dog smell? Muddy paws—I’d much rather deal with those than wet dog smell Funniest dog moment: When dogs get the zoomies and run around like crazy Dream dog adventure: Going on a road trip with dogs Favourite season with dogs and why: Summer, because it’s great weather for walks and outdoor play When I’m not with dogs, I’m: At the dance studio or playing a school sport
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