Bark Smart
Meet the Team
Mikki Wills
Programme Director
Mikki Wills is the founder and Programme Director of Bark Smart. He leads the development of a structured, evidence-informed dog safety education programme designed to reduce dog-related incidents and promote safe, respectful interactions between children and dogs.
With a strong background in dog welfare, education delivery and programme development, Mikki oversees curriculum design, school partnerships, safeguarding standards, tutor training and national expansion.
His vision is simple: proactive education that prevents incidents before they happen.
Ann DeRizzio & Albert
Handler & Canine Assessor
Ann brings extensive experience in canine training and performance. She is widely recognised for her work within heelwork to music and competitive dog training at the highest level.
Albert, her delightful Tibetan Spaniel, is a firm favourite during Bark Smart sessions. A true ball of joy, Albert thrives on attention and loves the cuddles he receives from the children. His calm, affectionate temperament makes him a wonderful ambassador for positive dog interaction.
Albert competes and has qualified for Crufts, reflecting the high standards of training and temperament upheld within the Bark Smart team.
Together, Ann and Albert help children understand dog body language, calm approaches and respectful engagement.
Claire Kirk & Viva
Handler
Claire has a lifelong passion for dogs, particularly the Afghan Hound. She competes annually at Crufts and is recognised as an ambassador for the breed, producing and presenting Afghan Hounds to an exceptional standard.
Viva’s outstanding temperament and playful yet composed nature make her a true credit to the Bark Smart team. She provides children with a positive, gentle example of how dogs communicate and interact safely.
Claire’s experience in breed standards, presentation and welfare ensures professionalism and consistency within every session.
Angela & Boomer
Handler
Angela and Boomer have transitioned seamlessly into their role within Bark Smart following Boomer’s successful career in heelwork to music.
Boomer, a beautiful Newfypoo (Newfoundland × Poodle), brings warmth, character and calmness to every school session. His friendly and steady presence helps children feel relaxed and confident and on occasion, he delights pupils by showing off a few extra dance moves.
Angela ensures every interaction is structured, safe and educational, reinforcing clear boundaries and respectful behaviour around dogs.
Together, they help children understand that dogs of all shapes and sizes communicate in the same ways, reinforcing Bark Smart’s core message of safety, respect and responsible interaction.
Kim Gallagher
Canine Assessor
Kim brings a strong behavioural background to the Bark Smart team. She has worked with a variety of organisations and supported initiatives linked to The Kennel Club, including involvement with the Good Citizen Dog Scheme.
As an obedience judge and experienced behaviour specialist, Kim works daily with complex and serious canine behavioural cases across the country.
Her expertise ensures that all dogs involved in Bark Smart meet rigorous temperament and suitability standards for working safely within school environments.
Stef Gail, Rani & Dava
Handler
Stef Gail is the founder of Flaxside Scottish Deerhounds and a respected ambassador for the breed. Passionate about education and responsible ownership, Stef supports breed education within the Discover Dogs area at Crufts and participates in programmes linked to The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme.
Rani and Dava, Stef’s magnificent Scottish Deerhounds, offer children a rare opportunity to meet and learn about this gentle and historic breed. Despite their impressive size, both dogs are exceptionally calm, well-natured and beautifully mannered qualities that make them outstanding ambassadors within school environments.
Our Commitment to Safety & Standards
All Bark Smart dogs:
Are temperament assessed • Work under professional handler supervision
Are selected for calm, stable and child-appropriate characteristics • Operate within structured safeguarding protocols
Our team works collaboratively to ensure every session is educational, safe, engaging and memorable.