Our Management Team
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The Heart and Soul Behind Braveheart Bio-Dog Academy
Meet Our Exceptional Team
Get to know the passionate professionals who make Braveheart Bio-Dog Academy a world leader in dog training. Our team combines expertise, dedication, and a love for dogs to ensure the highest standards in training and care. From our founder’s groundbreaking research to our trainers’ hands-on experience, each member brings a unique set of skills and a shared commitment to excellence. Discover the faces behind the academy and learn how their combined efforts create a nurturing and effective environment for our canine companions.
John Greyvenstein
Founder and CEO
John Greyvenstein, founder of Braveheart Bio-Dog Academy, is an expert in working dogs. With BSc and MSc degrees in Genetics, his research and extensive experience have made him a world authority. He has led significant projects and developed advanced training methods for narcotics and explosives detection.
John Greyvenstein
Founder and CEO
John H Greyvenstein
Second-in-Command and Training Facilitator
John H Greyvenstein, the youngest son, grew up immersed in the dog training industry. With degrees in Health Sciences and Nutrition, he joined Braveheart in 2015. He plays a crucial role in social media marketing, dog and handler training, and research on sniffing aids.
John H Greyvenstein
Second-in-Command and Training Facilitator
Mariana de Bruin
Manager: Training Facilitator
Mariana de Bruin started her career in secretarial work, gaining strong organisational skills before joining Braveheart Bio-Dog Academy in 2013. At the academy, she discovered her passion for canine training, earning SAQA accreditation as an assessor and facilitator. Mariana now manages learner registration and assists clients with protection dogs and socialisation services. Her dedication and expertise ensure personalised support, making her an integral part of the academy’s success.
Mariana de Bruin
Manager: Training Facilitator
Chantal
Manager: Administration, HR & Finances
Chantal joined Braveheart Bio-Dog Academy in 2015, bringing a vibrant mix of international experience and a knack for keeping everything running smoothly. As our Manager of Administration, HR, and Finances, she’s the powerhouse behind our daily operations, ensuring we meet all industry standards with flair and precision. But Chantal's talents don’t stop at paperwork—she’s also the go-to person for HR support and offers invaluable guidance to families in caring for their dogs. Whether she’s juggling finances or helping clients, Chantal’s holistic approach keeps our team happy, organised, and always one step ahead.
Chantal
Manager: Administration, HR & Finances
Melissa Smit
Marketing
Melissa became a valued member of the Braveheart Bio-Dog Academy team in 2021, bringing with her a wealth of enthusiasm and dedication that is truly admirable. Her deep love and commitment to working with dogs and clients shine through in everything she does, demonstrating the passion that is inspiring and essential in such a specialized field. This enthusiasm for her work extends to the dogs and her interactions with their owners, where she strives to create lasting and meaningful relationships based on trust and understanding.
Melissa Smit
Marketing