Our Advisory Board is a volunteer position, comprised of very experienced instructors. Their mission is to provide expert guidance and strategic counsel to the organization, empowering us to make informed decisions and set clear goals. Members of the Advisory Board act as Task Force Manager on special projects. They advise our team of instructors and act as a liaison between instructors and the organization.
Kelli Whitfield,
CTDI, CCFC, SDJ, AACE
Advisory Board Chairperson, onboarding
Kelli has evaluated thousand of trick and fitness titles, including champion titles. Not sure where to go? She can point you in the right direction.
Dee Hart,
CTDI, CCFC, Tridex SDJ, AACE
Animal Acting
A professional dog trainer for 23 years, Dee vets many of our new instructors through their Fastrack phone interview.
Patty Stafford,
CTDI, CCFC, SDJ, AACE
TriDex Chairperson, Kennel Club outreach
As a Stunt Dog Grand Champion and judge, Patty can answer your questions about entering the Stunt Dog ring.
Natalia Nizker, CTDI, CCFC
general
Committed to helping others have fun learning experiences.
Sherry Orich, CTDI, CCFC, SDJ, AACE
General
Sherry coaches a very popular Spark Team.
Noeline Cassettari, CTDI, SDJ, AACE
Australia. Represents all species
Noeline has titled her own mini horse, sheep, donkey, fox, and poodle. If you have a non-dog species, she’s the one to talk to.
Advisory Board Emeritus
Heather Coiner 2024
Sophie Penson 2024
Flip Collins, NZ 2022
Kelly Schumann 2021
Laura Respecki 2021
Lorrie Reynolds 2021
Daniele Pichette 2020
Melissa Fenstermaker 2020
Shelley L. McQuillin 2020
Tess Starr 2020
Elizabeth Frum 2020
Would You Like to Serve?
Do you have expert knowledge and would like to give back to the community by helping others with their dog training goals? As an Advisory Board member you have the opportunity to interact directly with our dog trainers and share your knowledge. You also help define rules and standards for the organization.
Advisory Board members serve a 6 month term.
β Terms are April – September, and October – March
A good candidate for the Advisory Board:
β is the person who genuinely wants to help people and dogs
β wants to gain experience and credentials
β can contribute 40 hours over their 6 month term
β is an expert dog trainer, and preferably has several of our instructor certifications (CTDI, CCFC, SDJ, AACE)
β has a positive attitude
Main duties include:
β Evaluate Champion applications
β Conduct CTDI Fastrack interviews
β Moderate Facebook groups and disseminate information
β Recommend changes to trick levels and additions to the tricks list and changes to the application forms
β Foster a culture that promotes positive training, enthusiasm, and skill
β Provide input on new programs
β Act as Task Force Manager on a special project