Meet the Speakers

Dr. Jesús Rosales-Ruiz is an associate professor in the Behavior Analysis Department at the University of North Texas, where he has worked since 1994. In 1995, he received his Ph.D. in Experimental Child Psychology from the University of Kansas, where he studied under Dr. Donald M. Baer and Dr. Ogden R. Lindsley. Since 2020, he has served as the director of the Beatrice H. Barrett Behavior Analytic Neuroscience Initiative at the University of North Texas. Among his many significant contributions to behavior analysis is the behavioral development cusp, introduced in 1996 together with Dr. Baer. This groundbreaking work provides a behavior analytic account of the rapid changes that are often considered developmental and offers practitioners guidance when selecting target behaviors. Additionally, Dr. Rosales-Ruiz has been at the forefront of bringing the science of behavior to the growing field of human-animal interactions. His work on functional analysis and shaping has helped bridge the gap between academia and applied animal training. He is also the co-creator of PORTL, the Portable Operant Research and Teaching Lab, a tabletop game which allows students and practitioners to experience behavioral principles and practice their teaching skills. Dr. Rosales-Ruiz is a fellow of the Association for Behavior Analysis International and of the Eastern Psychological Association.

Dr. Brian Hare is a core member of the Center of Cognitive Neuroscience, a Professor in Evolutionary Anthropology, and Psychology and Neuroscience at Duke University. He received his PhD from Harvard University in 2004, and in 2005, following his work at the Max Planck Institute in Leipzig was awarded the Sofia Kovalevskaja Award, Germany’s most prestigious award for scientist under 40. In 2007, Smithsonian Magazine named Hare one of the top 35 scientists under 36. Hare has published over 100 scientific papers and his research has received consistent national and international attention. In 2019, Hare and his research were featured in Steven Speilberg’s documentary series Why We Hate.

Vanessa Woods is the Director of the Duke Puppy Kindergarten, a project funded by the National Institute of Health, with the goal of helping graduate more service dogs by studying the development of their cognition. From 8 to 20 weeks old, puppies go through their final, rapid stage of brain development. By playing problem solving games with puppies at regular intervals, researchers can assess which cognitive skills come online at which time points. The results can predict which puppies are most likely to graduate as service dogs.  Vanessa is also an award-winning writer and lives with her husband, Dr. Brian Hare, and their dog in North Carolina. Their first book together, The Genius of Dogs was a New York Times Bestseller, and their second book Survival of the Friendliest was an international bestseller. Their recently released third book is called Puppy Kindergarten and was the basis for the Netflix special, Inside the Mind of a Dog.

Sarah joined the staff of the Richmond SPCA in 2001, soon after graduating valedictorian and with honors from Jean Donaldson’s Academy for Dog Trainers at the San Francisco SPCA. Her earlier career at IBM followed her graduation from Sweet Briar College with a bachelor’s degree in math and economics. Sarah’s career change was inspired by Crosby, a dog she found, adopted and began training, which led her to pursue additional education in animal behavior at the University of Richmond where she completed three years of graduate work in psychology and neuroscience. The dogs who share Sarah’s home have competed in canine agility, trained in tricks, done commercial work for local and national brands, appeared on the cover of Bark Magazine, and visited local retirement communities as part of the Richmond SPCA’s Paws for Health® Program. Her Henrico County farm is also home to cats, chickens and miniature horses, all of whom have benefited from some degree of clicker training.

Rick Hester is the Curator of Behavioral Husbandry for the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado. He oversees all the zoo's behavior programming. His work includes the zoo's animal training for husbandry, medical, and public show behaviors, environmental enrichment, developing programs to improve problem behavior situations, the zoo's formal animal welfare assessments, and exhibit design for behavior goals. He has worked at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo since 2006. He spent 10 years working as an animal keeper caring for a wide variety of species, including small primates, great apes, penguins, African lions, and bears. In 2015, he started working with Dr. Susan Friedman and began to understand the importance of behavior analysis and its application for animals in human care. He has curated the zoo’s behavior programs since 2018, is affiliative faculty at Colorado State University in the Department of Biology and a consultant and course co-instructor for Susan Friedman's Behavior Works LLC.

Sean Will studied under Dr. Jesús Rosales-Ruiz and earned a master's degree in Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas. While studying at UNT, he spearheaded the development of Constructional Affection and developed constructional shelter programs to increase efficiency in animal shelters. Sean has over 15 years of experience as a professional trainer and has provided consulting for individuals and organizations that oversee the care of animals. Currently, Sean is in Florida Tech's doctoral program researching problem-solving and animal training. In 2020, Sean co-founded the nonprofit organization Constructional Approach to Animal Welfare and Training (CAAWT), and serves as its chief executive officer. CAAWT provides free and reduced-priced training to individuals and organizations in need of training but cannot afford it. To carry out CAAWT's mission, Sean provides mentoring to hundreds of trainers across the globe, and an online membership and group classes to educate individuals on the Constructional Approach, in-person and remote workshops and conferences, and disseminates free educational materials, like “The Bailey Interviews” through CAAWT.com.

Fanna specializes in separation anxiety and compulsive disorders (even the most challenging cases). She owns Positive Pooch Behavior, which offers online behavior protocols. Occasionally, Fanna will leave her desk for a challenging in person private lesson. Fanna and her team developed, launched, and led a new positive reinforcement training program nationwide for over 1,500 Petco stores and a dog trainer program for over 2,000 Petco dog trainers in 2010. She was APDT's 2022 Chair (Eli Joseph, her Bull Terrier was on 2022 merch!) and worked for a veterinarian, which specializes in behavior, in a large urban area for over a decade- she's seen some things!  While she's earned multiple behavior and training certifications, apparently sharing her life with Bull Terriers provides more appreciation from her peers and the veterinary world.

Victoria Stilwell is a world-renowned dog trainer best known as the creator and host of the international hit TV series and social media sensation It's Me or the Dog as well as The Dog Academy (Channel 4), Greatest American Dog (CBS), Dogs Might Fly (Sky TV), Dogs with Extraordinary Jobs (Smithsonian Channel), Help My Dog is Out of Control (BBC One), and various featured web series including Arson Dogs, Guardians of the Night and Unsung Heroes. Having filmed over 150 episodes of It’s Me or the Dog since 2005, Stilwell reaches TV audiences with her philosophy of positive training methods in over 135 countries, while the show’s popular YouTube, Facebook and TikTok channels inspire new generations of dog lovers. A best-selling author of 5 books including her latest, The Ultimate Guide to Raising A Puppy, Stilwell appears frequently in the media and is widely recognized as a leader in the field of animal behavior. A passionate advocate for positive dog training methods, Stilwell is the Editor-in-Chief of Positively.com, the founder of the Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training & Behavior, and the CEO of Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Training – the world’s premier global network of positive dog trainers. Stilwell is the recipient of multiple awards and is committed to helping the cause of animal rescue and rehabilitation and is heavily involved with organizations around the world to increase awareness of puppy mills, dogfighting, animal abuse, pet overpopulation, dog bite prevention and other animal-related causes, but she is best known as a champion for humane positive reinforcement dog training methods. She is an Ambassador for the RSPCA, International Ambassador for the Soi Dog Foundation and serves on the Advisory Boards of RedRover, The Georgia Pet Coalition, The Grey Muzzle Foundation, and DogTV.

Kenny Lamberti is a community organizer and grassroots activist at his core. After completing his degree in Psychology, Kenny spent the decade of the 90’s working at the grassroots level in his hometown of Boston. Kenny worked for the Boston Public Schools, Harvard University, and The YMCA along with many other community-based programs.  Kenny has always shared his life with and loved dogs. In the early 2000’s he started combining his expertise in community organizing and passion for dogs, specifically bully breed dogs.   Kenny's first job in the animal world was a dog trainer, where he started facilitating group classes with the gang involved young people he was counseling.  This led to him being hired by Animal Farm Foundation and later The Humane Society of the United States where he lead the Philadelphia end dog fighting program and played a leadership role in the creation of the Pets for Life program.  Kenny later became Vice President of the companion animals’ department at HSUS.  Kenny later worked as Regional Director and Director of grassroots advocacy at Best Friends Animal Society.  After almost two decades in national animal welfare Kenny now does consulting as founder of K.L Strategies and is also a mediation and Reiki instructor working for the betterment of both people and pets in all endeavors.

Dr. Lisa Gunter is an Assistant Professor of Animal Behavior & Welfare at Virginia Tech in the School of Animal Sciences and directs the Center for Applied Animal Behavior & Education (CAARE). Before beginning her graduate studies, she worked for nearly a decade in animal shelters and with pet dogs and their owners. Her research focuses on the behavior and welfare of companion animals with a special focus on our interactions with them. The goal of Lisa’s research and extension is to better the lives of people and their pets. Prior to joining Virginia Tech, she was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Coastal Carolina University and the Maddie’s Fund Research Fellow at Arizona State University. Lisa earned her PhD and MA degrees in the behavioral neuroscience and comparative psychology program at Arizona State University.

As Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorists, we understand the challenges of pet guardianship and training. Every day we diagnose and treat behavior problems. And, every day we help pets and their people navigate the sea of confusing, misleading, and downright false information swirling around on the internet and social media. We provide clinical insight into underlying causes of behavior problems, make cynical sense of nonsense, disprove myths, and promote positive, trusting human/animal relationships. We're dedicated to modern, science-based intervention without the use of pain, fear, force, or intimidation. It is our mission to drive comprehensive pet wellness to the forefront of veterinary medicine and mainstream pet culture.

Dr. Erica Feuerbacher is an Associate Professor in the School of Animal Sciences at Virginia Tech and director of the Applied Animal Behavior & Welfare Lab, where she focuses her research on dogs and horses. She also coordinates the online Masters program in Applied Animal Behavior & Welfare at Virginia Tech. She earned her Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of Florida and her Master’s in Behavior Analysis at the University of North Texas. She is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Her research focuses on understanding domestic animal behavior and learning from a behavior analytic perspective, using applied animal behavior to solve behavioral issues in dogs and horses, and identifying interventions that improve shelter dog welfare. She has published her research in a variety of scientific journals and has won awards for her research and teaching. She is passionate about humane, effective animal training, and working with owners, trainers, and shelter staff to improve our interactions with animals.

Michael Shikashio, CDBC, is the founder of AggressiveDog.com and focuses on teaching other professionals from around the world on how to successfully work aggression cases. He is a five-term president of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and is a full member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT). Michael is sought after for his expert opinion by numerous media outlets, including the New York Times, New York Post, Fox News, The List TV, Baltimore Sun, WebMD, Women’s Health Magazine, Real Simple Magazine, SiriusXM Radio, The Chronicle of the Dog, and Steve Dale’s Pet World. He also hosts the popular podcast show “The Bitey End of the Dog” where he chats with the foremost experts on dog aggression. He is a featured keynote speaker at conferences, universities, and seminars around the world, and offers a variety of educational opportunities on the topic of canine aggression, including the Aggression in Dogs Master Course and the annual Aggression in Dogs Conference.

Deb Bauer has been working with dogs professionally for 35 years.  She brings to her work a lifetime of learning about canine behavior and wellbeing, and she has completed specific training in many modalities including the Tellington TTouch Method, among others.  Her business, Your Inner Dog, offers a holistic approach to canine behavior and wellbeing. She supports and assists families to meet their dogs' needs in a way that provides for a wonderful quality of life as well as behavior that is easy to live alongside.  Her Well-Rounded Dog program considers the ideal lifestyle for both human and dog to create a plan which allows everyone's needs to be met, and for the dog's best behaviors to shine through.  Deb specializes in working with tougher cases, including reactivity, repetitive compulsive-type behavior patterns, fearful and unsocialized behaviors, as well as those cases where multiple methods and practicees have been tried without success.  Taking a holistic approach allows her to pinpoint the real reason behind the dog's behavior to create lasting change for the dog and their family. Deb is an international expert in working with dogs with visual and/or hearing differences, and their families.  She has published several boooks, including Through A Dark Silence: Loving and Living with Your Blind and Deaf Dog, as well as providing a blog and an online resource center to share her expertise with others.  She regularly offers virtual classes and personalized sessions to her students, and is the creator of the Sense-Ability Method for Blind Dogs, a step-by-step program to compassionately support dogs and their families through the transition into blindness.  She shares her life with two amazing blind and deaf dogs: Vinny, a Rough Collie, and Delight, a white fluffy mix.  Together they enjoy being out in nature, doing therapy visits, inspiring others, and  participating in a variety of fun dog sports.

Miranda Hitchcock (she/her) is the founder and executive director of Every Dog Behavior and Training. She’s a multi-certified dog behavior consultant with experience in both sheltering and private training, and works predominantly with dogs showing fear, anxiety, and aggression. Miranda holds a Master’s degree in Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare from Virginia Tech, where her research focused on behavioral euthanasia. Her work has been peer reviewed and published, with “Factors Associated with Behavioral Euthanasia in Pet Dogs” being published in the journal Frontiers of Veterinary Science in 2024. Miranda is a behavior nerd who believes that everyone deserves access to up-to-date information, including about behavioral euthanasia and diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is a proud member of the APDT.

Heidi Meinzer, J.D., CPDT-KSA, NWI, has been practicing as an attorney since 2000, licensed to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Washington State. In 2013, she set up the Law Office of Heidi Meinzer, PLLC, in Alexandria, Virginia, to focus her practice on animal law and the pet care industry. Heidi’s clients include companies in the animal industry, and individuals facing dangerous dog allegations, ownership disputes, or other animal law issues. Heidi is also a trainer with Fur-Get Me Not and Canine Copilots. She is CPDT-KSA and CNWI certified. She devotes countless hours to animal welfare and state and local legislative efforts. Heidi serves as a board member for the APDT International, the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies, and Homeward Trails Animal Rescue and is a member of the National Association of Canine Scent Work.

David Pearsall is vice president of Business Insurers of the Carolinas (BIC) in Chapel Hill, NC, which provides the Dog Training Insurance Policy and other insurance products to APDT members.

Dr. Learn grew up outside Philadelphia, PA and spent summers visiting family at the Jersey Shore where she still loves to visit. She attended received a BS in Biology and worked at a wildlife conservation park in Texas before being accepted to the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, she completed an internship at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in NJ. Dr. Learn remained in general practice for many years before she began her residency in Clinal Behavioral Medicine under the mentorship of Dr. Lisa Radosta in South Florida, and Dr. Amy Pike in NoVA. She completed her residency training and was certified as one of only 90 board certified behavior specialists in the world by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. She is currently the Chief of Clinical Behavioral Medicine at the Animal Behavior Wellness Center in Richmond VA. Dr. Learn has contributed to several veterinary behavior textbooks, journal articles, blogs and received the prestigious RK Anderson Resident Achievement Award for outstanding research in the field of applied animal behavior.

Kim Brophey, CDBC, CPDT-KA, FDM, is an applied ethologist and accomplished behavior consultant and trainer who has been working with dogs and their families for over 25 years. Kim’s commitment to Family Dog Mediation® has been recognized internationally, awarded the APDT Outstanding Trainer of the Year in 2009 and the Best Dog Trainer of WNC eight years in a row. She is a member of the International Society for Applied Ethology and the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, and a certified member and past board member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants as well as the Asheville Humane Society. Kim Brophey’s L.E.G.S.® model of integrated canine science has been endorsed by prominent canine scientists such as Raymond Coppinger, and embraced by reputable academics and dog trainers worldwide. Her market-disrupting L.E.G.S.® Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation® Course is the flagship of a rapidly growing worldwide initiative that is leading the charge in setting a new direction for the pet industry and culture- a welfare-first understanding of pet dog behavior. From the Family Dog Mediation Education Center ® to the L.E.G.S. in Motion Conference, and her Dog Key® Canine Genetic Heritage Testing Software to the thousands of active FDM student community members collaborating in a functional professional ecosystem, Kim’s work is a meaningful contribution to the advancement of the pet dog industry. Her groundbreaking, awarded, sold-out first edition book - MEET YOUR DOG, TED talk, Beyond The Operant (BTO) collaborative, The Dog’s Truth documentary, numerous public speaking venues at institutions & conferences around the world, references in various publications, and countless radio and podcast features have made profound waves throughout the dog behavior world as well as the general public. Kim continues to endeavor to build bridges and invite others to contribute to a new conversation about dogs - one that challenges us to redefine how we perceive, talk about, provide for, and live with our canine companions as a society.

Ruth has been playing, competing, and teaching dog agility for more than 20 years. Somewhere along the way she was introduced to the sport of Canine Musical Freestyle and quickly realized that the movements and behaviors used in the sport had significant cross-training and body-conditioning benefits for her agility dogs. The value-added benefit was the joy and playfulness that emerged in herself and her dogs through the use of music. She competes in freestyle but more importantly teaches and coaches others to experience this same joy and to pull out their own dance moves. In 2019 she received the Trail Blazer Award from Rally Freestyle Elements for “creating a path for others to follow, supporting, encouraging, and inspiring other to dream more, learn more and do more together.” They followed up in 2023 with a Take a Bow award in recognition of her efforts in continuing to inspire others.  Ruth also has her certification in Canine Fitness Training because even a fit couch potato is happier, healthier, and longer lived and loved. Happy at home in Wisconsin, Ruth shares the house with three active Border Collies who, in addition to agility, nosework, and freestyle, all love to go on adventures hiking, swimming, camping.

Dr. Hall is an Associate Professor of Companion Animal Science at Texas Tech University and the Director of the Canine Olfaction Research and Education Laboratory in the Department of Animal Science. Dr. Hall earned his PhD at the University of Florida, specializing in the study of Behavior Analysis and canine olfaction. As a post-doc, he continued his studies at Arizona State University investigating the optimization of training to enhance canine’s detection of Homemade Explosives. At Texas Tech, his work continues to explore canine olfactory perception and how experience influences odor perception. His lab also investigates predictors and correlates of problem behavior, behavioral predictors of working aptitude, and canine health. Dr. Hall has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles and 4 book chapters with extensive research on canine olfaction and detection.

Dr. Quinn's career was set in motion when she was just 8 years old and her family acquired a beagle mix named Peanuts. Inspired by this childhood canine friend and the English veterinarian and author, James Herriot, she spent her school-age years completely obsessed with getting to veterinary school. Following high school she headed off for 2 years of undergrad work at Purdue University, after which she was accepted into their Veterinary Program and made a dream come true in 1991! She practiced in Ohio for a year before moving back to Indiana, to a mixed animal practice just outside of Ft. Wayne, which she eventually purchased in 2003. Always having had an interest in behavior and welfare, she began to offer puppy classes, work to help open a local Humane Society, and adopted many critters herself, both large and small! Trying to incorporate behavior into a busy general, by now small animal only practice, she became Fear Free and Low Stress Handling certified as well as a Karen Pryor Academy  Certified Training Partner. In 2018 she opened an independent Training and behavior business called Pet Pals Country Club. Selling her vet practice in 2020, literally the week of the COVID shutdown, and becoming the Veterinary Division Head for Kim Brophey's Family Dog Mediators inspired her to open a new practice, Quinn Veterinary Clinic and Behavior Center in 2023, which is entirely set up to help anxious, fearful, and traumatized pets. She and her technician see patients for both medical and behavioral appointments, and integrate the two branches of veterinary medicine to treat the whole animal.

Maasa Nishimuta studied under Dr. Jesús Rosales-Ruiz and earned a master's degree in Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas. In her master's thesis, she studied the reinforcing effects of affection in the form of petting and gentle scratching with rescued equines. She modified Constructional Affection for use with equines and continues to apply Constructional Affection with animals in shelters where she volunteers. ​In 2021, Sean and Maasa founded the Constructional Approach to Animal Welfare and Training (CAAWT). CAAWT is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help dogs in shelters get adopted and help dogs living with humans stay together. To fulfill this mission, CAAWT aims to remove financial barriers preventing people and organizations from accessing needed behavior support and training.  CAAWT has helped develop programs that have improved the lives of animals and their caretakers across the globe—helping to resolve issues relating to hyperactivity, anxiety, fear, aggression, and more. Through connecting with trainers, shelters, rescues, zoos, and people living with animals, CAAWT has been able to continue to reach the animals and their humans in need of behavioral and training support.

Mary Hunter earned an undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Chicago and a master’s degree in behavior analysis from the University of North Texas. Mary’s business, Behavior Explorer, offers educational courses and programs for individuals interested in the science of behavior. In addition, she teaches as an adjunct instructor in the behavior analysis department at the University of North Texas. In 2019, Mary and Dr. Jesús Rosales-Ruiz published their first book, PORTL: The Portable Operant Research and Teaching Lab. Mary’s research interests include studying the process of shaping and finding better ways to teach people to train animals. Her master’s thesis, which examined the effects of a single reinforcer during shaping, was published in 2019 in the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior. She is a full member of the Association for Behavior Analysis International and has presented her research at the organization’s annual convention.

Chrissy Joy is a celebrity dog trainer, live performer, studio canine trainer, and educator through demos and workshops, and mom, and devoted wife of a veteran. A past equestrian with a Bachelor of Science in Equine Studies and now dog trainer – she has over two decades of animal training experience. Aside from training animals, she also speaks out on mental health awareness as she has struggled with anxiety and depression since childhood. Today she uses her live performances and educational opportunities to have a platform to encourage self-esteem, entrepreneurship, and creating a stronger bond with your pet. Her mission is to not only better the life of dogs, but to promote self-care and joy to pet parents worldwide. Chrissy Joy manages the Bone-A-Fied Talent Group – the entertainment division of BFF Pet Services. This group is made up of elite and skilled dogs and owners who are interested in set work and live shows, bridging the gap between talent and casting calls. BTG, commonly referred, helps to educate dog owners and trainers through dynamic workshops regarding tricks and the entertainment industry. BTG also performs exciting live shows nationwide to include frisbee, agility, tricks, and more. Today Chrissy enjoys her journey with The Joy Crew on road trips, hiking, set work, sports, and creative content through social media. Today she competes in canine sports such as agility and frisbee – including her 6 year old daughter Elowen. Her lifelong motto is “Take chances, make opportunities” and she thrives to make a worldwide positive impact on people and their pets alike – to build a stronger community of pet lovers who pursue their passions in life.

Tim Lewis, Ph.D., has taught courses in biology, ecology, environmental science, and scuba. He spent many years directing study abroad courses in The Bahamas and the United Kingdom as well as off-campus courses in U.S. wilderness areas. His current professional work focuses on the biology of domestic dogs. He is a frequent speaker at APDT and for Puppyworks, amongst other venues. He recently published a book, The Biology of Dogs: from Gonads through Guts to Ganglia. His post-graduate degree and his doctorate are in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Beth Bowers is the lead dog trainer for Power to the PawZ of Dallas, Texas. She has been in the industry for more than 20 years, including being a veterinary technician for more than 10 years. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Certified Professional Pet Sitter, and a Certified Master Pet CPR and First Aid Instructor, and one of 13 pet tech master instructors in the county. Her business offers positive reinforcement, force-free dog training, pet sitting, dog walking, pet grooming and many educational programs such as Pet CPR and First Aid classes across the Dallas area along with instructor trainings across Texas. Beth has spoken to thousands and educated more than 500 pet parents and pet care professionals who have earned the Certified Master Instructor title. Her most proud accomplishment is her daughter (#notapuppy) who has been assisting her with clients.

Sue Alexander has been teaching and consulting about dog training and behaviour since 1993. Sue has an extensive speaking portfolio including speaking at the Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers National Conference in 2009, presenting at the Dogs in the Park Service Dog Conference for 6 years, and being interviewed on countless podcasts, television shows and radio programs. Sue has mentored over 20 individuals through the CPDT-KA exam, as well as developing and overseeing a dog behaviour rotation for fourth year veterinary students. For the past two years, Sue hasdevoted her energy to consulting in the dog training industry, helping other trainers to learn, grow and optimize their dog training professionalism.

Laurie C Williams BA CCUI FFC has had a love of and connection with dogs from as far back as she can remember. She is the owner and Director of Training and Behavior Counseling at Pup ‘N Iron Canine Enrichment Center in Fredericksburg, VA. where she has been serving her community as a canine education specialist and dog behavior counselor for the past 15 years. She holds a B.A. from Norwich University in Montpelier, VT and was a member of the adjunct faculty of the Natural Sciences Department of Northern Virginia Community College for 7 years. Laurie is a nationally published writer with works appearing in the APDT Chronicle of the Dog, The Whole Dog Journal, Dog & Handler, 911, Essence, Fitness, and Good Housekeeping magazines. She is currently a member of the Board of Governors of the Dog Writer’s Association of America and is an AKC licensed ATT, Farm Dog, Fetch and Rally Obedience judge and Canine Good Citizen evaluator.

Jess Adam, MA, LPC is a licensed professional counselor based in Pennsylvania, where she lives with her husband, twin boys, an 11-year-old reactive pit mix named Dio, and a cat named Bat. Passionate about both mental health and animals, Jess has combined these interests to create a niche coaching business that helps dog owners and canine professionals navigate the human side of dog training. Drawing from her personal experience managing Dio’s reactivity and over a decade as a therapist and counseling professor, Jess brings a unique perspective to bridging mental health and animal stewardship. Through her business, Handlers & Humans, she offers individual coaching for dog guardians, trainers, and animal welfare workers, as well as group programs and online courses—all rooted in evidence-based therapeutic skills and a deep, firsthand understanding of life with a reactive rescue dog.