CREDENTIALS

Education

• Master of  Science in Experimental Psychology, Brown University​ (2001-2003)

  • ​Coursework in animal behavior, cognition, and learning

• Bachelor of Science in Biology, SUNY Plattsburgh​ (1996-2000)

  • Omicron Delta Kappa​ Leadership Honor Society

  • Sigma XI Scientific Research Society

• Continuing education required to maintain certifications (Current, ongoing)

 

Certifications and Memberships

• Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist & Member: Animal Behavior Society (2004-present) 

• Certified Cat Behavior Consultant & Certified Member: International Assoc. of Animal Behavior Consultants (2005-present)

• Certified Dog Behavior Consultant & Certified Member: International Assoc. of Animal Behavior Consultants (2005-present)

• Certified Fear Free Trainer: Fear Free Pets (2018-present)

• Member Pet Professional Guild (2019-2024)

• Member: Cat Writer's Association​ (2022-2023)

• Certified Pet Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed: Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers (2003-2019)

• Certified: Pet CPR

• Certified: Human CPR

 

Professional Experience​

• Cat and dog behavior consultations and training (2003-present)

• Dog training (2001-present)

• Professional development to shelters, rescues, animal control, veterinary, and other animal professionals (2003-present)

• Animal Behavior Consultant to Humane Society of the United States Disaster Response Team (2021-present)

• Certified Behaviorist with the ASPCA's Anti-Cruelty Behavior Team (2013-present)

• Director of Educational Programs, Association of Professional Dog Trainers (2012-2015)

• Shelter Division Adviser to International Assoc. of Animal Behavior Consultants (2012-present)

• Feline Behavior Mentor and Instructor for International Assoc. of Animal Behavior Consultants (2012-present)

• Humane Educator and Animal Behaviorist, American Humane Association (2007-2011)

• Animal Behaviorist and RI's first female and youngest Special Agent, Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (2004-2007)

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Awards

• Readers Choice Top Dog Trainer, Animal Print Magazine (2008, 2007, HM 2018, HM 2020)

• Best Of: Dog Trainer, Warwick Beacon (2018)

• Animals as Other Nations Award, International Animal Assoc. of Animal Behavior Consultants (2012)

  • ​To a member who is supportive of other IAABC members, volunteers time to the IAABC’s advancement, best demonstrates IAABC’s mission and embraces LIMA

• Fetching the Perfect Dog Trainer Maxwell Medallion Nominee, Dog Writers Assoc. of America (2012)

 

Volunteer Activities

• Participating trainer for Humane Alliance of Rescue Trainers

• Rhode Island Vicious Dog Law Legislative Commission member

• Founding Member & Advisor to IAABC Shelter Behavior Division

• Founder of RI Dog Trainers Network

• Behavior consultations for area animal rescues and shelters

• Founder and President of Fences for Fidos 
  [a 501(c)3 group to provide fenced enclosures and shelter for chained dogs) (2010-2013)]

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Educational Programs (creator and instructor)

• Land on Your Feet (LYF) Feline Behavior Consulting Mentorship

• Feline Elimination Master Class & Certificate

• Dogs & Muzzles: Building Solid Relationships 

• IAABC Cat Behavior Consulting Mentorship

• IAABC Feline Behavior Solutions: Teaching Foundation Behaviors

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Notable Publications​​

• Cat content expert contributor for Cat World

• Pet Sitters International, Certificate in Professional Pet Sitting Program (pet training and behavior section)

• National Animal Control Officers Association, Animal Control Training Guide (feline chapter)

• Fetching the Perfect Dog Trainer, Katenna Jones (Dogwise Publications)

• Happy Cat Hotel Franchising, Feline Behavior Manual

• Pet Meets Baby, financially supported and distributed via Proctor & Gamble (co-author)

• Getting Started in Animal Sheltering: A Survival Guide for the Novice (co-author)

• American Humane KIDS: Kids Interacting with Dogs SafelyTM (co-author)

• American Humane Red Star Disaster Training manual (animal behavor content)

• Baby-Ready Pets (co-creator)

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Notable Contributions

• Articles and Podcasts

• On-Demand Webinars

• Petfinder

• PetMD

• Pet Sitters International, Certificate in Professional Pet Sitting Program (Behavior Content)

• Chewy.com

• Chewy videos

• Martha Stewart Magazine

• Better Homes & Gardens

• Dogster

• Pet Life Radio

• Oh My Dog, by Beth Ostrosky Stern (2010, Gallery Books)

• Cesar’s Rules: Your Way to Train a Well Behaved Dog, by Cesar Millan & Melissa Jo Peltier (Crown Archetype)

• Animal Wellness Magazine

• IAABC Journal

• LeadER Animal Specialty Hospital

• Pet Partners​​

• Podcasts, articles, and otherresources I have created or contributed to

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