Meet the Pack - Administrative Staff

Steve Appelbaum
President of Animal Behavior College

Steven Appelbaum, CEO/ Director of Animal Behavior College, Inc. (ABC), and President/CEO, Animal Behavior and Training Associates, Inc. (ABTA).

Animal Behavior College is a highly innovative school for animal lovers looking to pursue and succeed in animal careers. Currently ABC offers two vocational programs. The first is for people wanting to become professional dog trainers and the second for those wishing to become Veterinary Assistants. Founded in 1998 by Appelbaum, ABC has grown to the largest school of its kind with students in all 50 states and every Canadian province. The school projects over 2800 students in 2009 and will look to launch a Groomer program in 2010.

ABC is not the first company Steve piloted to success. Previously, Appelbaum, due to a unique combination of expertise and entrepreneurial vision, created the only nationwide dog training company in an industry that to date is largely fragmented and disorganized. Appelbaum's belief that pet chains and super stores would carve a sizable niche for themselves in the pet supply industry and that their one-stop shopping format would include obedience training, predated the actual event by several years.

In 1986 Appelbaum pioneered a unique profit sharing and marketing plan with Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. (Petco) that within four years resulted in his small Los Angeles based company, ABTA, growing to be the largest of its kind in California.

Appelbaum's foresight and proven track record resulted in Petco naming ABTA in 1995 as the exclusive provider of dog obedience classes for the entire chain of Petco stores. In 1998, ABTA was named exclusive provider of dog obedience classes for all Canadian Petcetera Warehouse stores. These arrangements coupled with numerous others, allowed Appelbaum's company to become the largest independent dog training company in North America. At its peak, ABTA employed over 525 trainers in forty-three states, Washington D.C., and every Canadian province west of Quebec.

In February 2004, Petco and Appelbaum concluded a negotiated agreement in which Petco hired ABTA trainers and took the obedience program in home. This freed Appelbaum to focus on his school for trainers, Animal Behavior College (ABC).

Aside from his ground breaking work with ABTA and ABC, Steve Appelbaum also works with a number of pet product manufacturers by assisting them in capitalizing on the strong influence dog trainers have in stimulating pet product sales.

Appelbaum has written a book called "The ABC Practical Guide to Dog Training", published by Howell.

From May 2007 through December 2008 Appelbaum was the editor of Off Lead Magazine a publication focusing on professional dog trainers.

In addition to his work as an editor Appelbaum has had several articles on business building and marketing published in Pet Business and a variety of other dog related publications. Steve has also been a featured columnist on business building for Off Lead Magazine.

Steve has been featured as a speaker at the American Boarding Kennel Association's (ABKA) annual conference, Barkleigh's Animal Behavior West conference, Hershey Groom and Train Expo, and the IACP annual conference. Appelbaum has also been utilized as an expert witness on dog/animal related legal cases.

Steve Appelbaum is a former BOD member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP). He also belongs to the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC), Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA) and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Appelbaum is also an honorary friend of the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association (SCVMA).

Debbie Kendrick
Vice President of Animal Behavior College

Debbie Kendrick is the Vice President of Animal Behavior College, Inc., (ABC) and has been with ABC since they opened their doors in 1998. She is also a devoted dog owner and dog lover with over twenty-three year's of experience as a professional dog trainer and behavior modification specialist. Ms. Kendrick is a master in forging relationships with other organizations in the pet industry, including manufacturers, retailers and animal shelters. She is also recognized as a top-level trainer, instructor and lecturer and is a trainer that other professionals frequently consult for advice. This coupled with her professional writing skills has made her a highly regarded addition to the ABC pack.

Debbie was born in New York but has lived in California since she was a teenager. She has successfully raised three daughters as a single mom and is now the proud grandmother of two granddaughters. Her four-legged family consists of three large dogs and one rescued cat.

Debbie began her career in 1974 by serving a one-year apprenticeship with an AKC Dog Obedience Judge and Master Trainer. She states "schools for dog trainers didn't exist back then". Between 1975 and 1979 she competed in obedience trials statewide, titling her own dogs in basic and advanced obedience. The high light of her competition years was winning the Top Dog Award at the Southern California Dog Obedience Trials. From 1980 until 1988 she owned and operated a successful dog training business in Southern California offering group classes and private lessons for basic and advanced obedience training and problem solving strategies.

In 1988 she accepted the position of Head Trainer at Animal Behavior & Training Associates, Inc., (ABTA). As Head Trainer she was responsible for the dog training programs at 3 training locations. All 3 training locations were ranked in the top ten, statewide. Her success in the Head Trainer position prompted numerous other promotions between 1990 and 1998 including Regional Training Manager and National Sales Manager. In 1998, Steven Appelbaum, President of ABTA, asked her to share in his vision of creating a nationwide school where dog lovers could get the education needed to become professional dog trainers. Ms. Kendrick enthusiastically accepted the position of Vice President of Animal Behavior College, Inc., (ABC).

She is the author of numerous articles and quotes on dog behavior in national and local pet industry magazines including Fido Friendly Magazine and Dog Fancy Magazine. Debbie is an ABC Certified Dog Trainer and a Professional Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. In addition, Ms. Kendrick was honored with a nomination for the 2001/2002 edition of the International Who's Who of Professionals. This is the definitive work on the world's leaders in commerce, economics, policy, and trade.

Ms. Kendrick's contribution to the ABC Dog Obedience Instructor Training Program is extensive. Her personal quest to improve shelter dog rehabilitation and adoption has lead to ABC students performing a projected 400 hours of volunteer work each month in animal shelters, humane societies and rescue locations nationwide.

Debbie was also instrumental in the creation of ABC’s Veterinary Assistant Program. Her research skills coupled with her due diligence made her contribution to this programs development invaluable. In addition Ms. Kendrick played a key role in the selection process of ABC’s Veterinary Assistant staff. Her commitment to the education of our students was a key component in hiring educators with strong customer service skills and a high level of commitment to quality education. Debbie states “I interviewed many candidates and purposely selected individuals who possess the desire to teach others and pass on the skills and nurturing attitude that is required to be successful in this vocation.”

Debbie attributes her success to the fact that she followed her dream and is thankful for the opportunity to be part of the pack that promotes humane animal training through scientific education.

Kristyne Bennett
Executive Assistant to President

Kristyne is the Executive Assistant to ABC President Steven Appelbaum. Originally from Pennsylvania, she relocated to Northridge, CA after earning a BS in Mathematical Sciences from University of California, Santa Barbara in 1990.

In September of 1996, Kristyne was hired as a part time Assistant for Animal Behavior and Training Associates, Inc. (ABTA). After just a few months, Kristyne decided that being at ABTA was the career for her, so she left her position at a local vocational college and went to work for ABTA full time.

During her time with ABTA, Kristyne has worn many hats. She worked in the Human Resources Department, Payroll Department, Accounting Department, as well as the comptroller.

Due to her years of dedication and hard work, in January of 2004, Kristyne was promoted by ABC to the Executive Assistant to the President. Kristyne describes her career as “the most rewarding experience I could ever imagine!”

Animals have always been a part of Kristyne’s life. The ones that stand out in her memory were a Dachshund named Greta Lee Von Twinkle Toes which she chose and named herself when she was four, a mixed breed named Charles Herbert Ivonovich Puppy (CHIP for short) which she saved from a neglectful home, and a black long-haired cat, Sperry, who was named after a brand of shoes.

She currently lives in Castaic with her husband, two kids, and a rescued Saint Bernard named Koda.

Kristyne states, “It has been a wonderful experience being part of ABC from the beginning. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and am thrilled to be part of the ABC family.”

Candace Mason
Director of Admissions

Candace Mason was born and raised in California in a busy household with 2 younger sisters and at least 4 dogs at all times. She says "working and playing with the dogs was our way of life. I have never known anything else. Before I was even old enough to start school, I was going with my mom (also a professional dog trainer) on private and group class training lessons. By the time I was 7, I was entertaining my friends with the tricks I had taught my Golden Retriever, Amber."

Ms. Mason first began her professional dog training career in 1994 when she was hired by Animal Behavior and Training Associates (ABTA) as a part time Dog Trainer for Petco. Since 1996, she has also been teaching private lessons on her own. Candace strongly believes in having a wide array of training techniques at her disposal to be able to effectively help dogs and their owners achieve the best possible relationship.

Ms. Mason is not only a dedicated dog owner and dog lover with over 10 years of professional dog training experience, but she has also trained horses professionally using the Natural Horsemanship techniques taught by Pat Parelli's followers. Candace has attended numerous seminars learning to effectively train horses by building a partnership, establishing ground skills using trust and psychology, and has even learned to ride bareback and bridle-less for the 'Ultimate Harmony' experience. In the late 1980's, Candace started competing in AERC Endurance Riding. To date, Candace has completed over 1000 Race miles with AERC. In 1989, she became the youngest rider to ever successfully complete the 700-mile Pony Express XP ride from Nevada to Utah.

In 2000 ABTA promoted Candace to Human Resources Director. As the HR Director, she was responsible for overseeing the testing and hiring of over 400 ABTA Dog Trainers who conducted Petco group classes nationwide.

In 2003, ABC recruited Candace from her job as Director of the Human Resources team at ABTA, which at the time was the largest independent dog training company in the country. Candace's dog training knowledge, organizational skills, customer service, and work ethic had earned her the position of Director of Admissions for Animal Behavior College.

Candace states "There is nothing like having a career you truly enjoy. I am proud to be part of the ABC family positively impacting hundreds of dogs and people every year. Training people and dogs is such a rewarding career and makes each day that much more worthwhile."

Julie Meisl
Assistant Director of Admissions

Julie comes to Animal Behavior College with fifteen years of management experience along with extensive admissions knowledge. With her applied management skills, Julie was able to facilitate the growth of one small office to a thriving three offices with over forty employees in just under two years.

Julie has always wanted to be around animals. As a child, she remembers her very first puppy, Freckles, as a delightful Cock-a-poo (Cocker Spaniel Poodle mix) with whom she spent most of her time. At eleven years old, Julie fell in love with horses. Once she taught herself how to draw them in various states of ride, her love of the equestrian life began. Every weekend, she remembers going to the stables in Box Canyon to “hang out” and ride. Just being around them made her feel at home. At twelve years old, she started working with horses by volunteering at a summer camp in Mulholland Canyon, CA. There she helped to feed, walk, groom and taught the summer camp kids how to ride, five days a week.

Ten years ago, Julie started her own business as a dog walker and animal sitter while also working as a dog and cat groomer at the local pet shop. Currently, Julie’s home is filled with many loveable creatures; five dogs, Missy-Miniature Australian Sheppard, Bella-Jack Russell/Chihuahua mix, Winnie-Long hair Chihuahua, Chochie Pop-Reindeer Chihuahua and last but not least Max-Terrier/Chihuahua.

Julie says, “I am very excited to be part of the Animal Behavior College team. We find the right people to fit into our unique program and help them reach their dreams as either a Certified Veterinary Assistant or a Certified Dog Trainer and often times both! It’s a fabulous feeling to assist our students to learn about, care, and train the animals.”

Cristina Acuña
Admissions Executive Assistant

Cristina Acuña has always had pets in her house. This includes everything from birds, cats, dogs, hamsters, fish, and even a pet tarantula, named Einstein. Animals have always played a major role in Cristina’s life and from an early age she thought it would be wonderful to have a career working with animals.

This dream became a reality in 2002 when Cristina started working for Animal Behavior and Training Associates as a Human Resources Representative. At that time, Cristina was part of the Human Resources Team responsible for finding professional dog trainers to train out of the Petco Stores throughout the United States and the Petcetera stores throughout Canada.

In 2004, Cristina was hired by Animal Behavior College and her dedication to the ABC program has earned her the position of Assistant to the Director of Admissions. Cristina takes great pride in being part of the ABC family and doing her part to help educate the next generation of professional dog trainers.

Cristina believes so strongly in the relevance of the ABC program that she enrolled and has now completed her certification. As an ABC Certified Dog Trainer, she looks forward to the great things in the future.

Cristina states, “Working at ABC has been one of the best experiences in my life. It is so rewarding to know I work for an exceptional institution that is helping to make a positive difference in people and animals lives.”

Alyssa Knerl
Executive Assistant to Vice President

Alyssa Knerl was born into an animal loving family in Sacramento, California. She jokingly admits that her family has always had more four-legged members than two-legged ones.

Alyssa is an avid reader and has been collecting and reading dog and cat books for over a decade. Her favorite books focus on dog training and behavior modification.

Early in her childhood Alyssa knew she wanted to strive for a career in the animal industry. She had first considered becoming a veterinarian to help improve the health of many animals. Unfortunately, the thought of possibly losing a patient was too heartbreaking for her so she selected a career where she could help save the lives of animals instead.

In the fall of 2001, Alyssa was hired in the Admissions Department of Animal Behavior and Training Associates, Inc (ABTA). Her primary function was to set up a structured program for people and their dogs that would best address the specific challenges the owners were having with their dog. This involved enrolling them in group classes at their local Petco store or arranging for an ABTA Trainer to work with them one on one in their home. Working with trainers gave Alyssa an invaluable learning experience as she interacted with some of the top trainers in the country.

Ms. Knerl has an AA in Business Management and plans on earning her BA by 2008. In 2003, her talents caught the attention of the Vice President of Animal Behavior College, Inc (ABC) and she was recruited to join the ABC pack.

Alyssa has attended numerous seminars regarding all areas of training to keep herself updated in the dog world. She is an honor student graduate of Animal Behavior College and has been assisting in and teaching group classes for over 5 years.

Alyssa is a valued member of the ABC team and we are lucky to have her.

Shelly Levin
ABC Marketing Representative

Along with being the Marketing Representative for ABC, Shelly is also a soon to be a graduate of Animal Behavior College. She has always had a connection with animals and was raised in an animal loving vegetarian family.

Shelly started formally working with dogs while attending grooming school many years ago. She left the grooming profession after several years to pursue a career where she could make a difference in the plight of homeless dogs everywhere. For the past four years she has worked with a rescue group in Southern California and has fostered and adopted out over fifty homeless dogs and even some kittens! It has been a dream come true for her to see so many successful adoptions and happy endings.

Working with animals has always been a passion for her and she is an inspiration to all who know her. Shelly knows that a properly trained dog is more likely to keep their home and joined the ABC team to promote our school and our dog trainer certification program. Shelly says “Spreading the word about ABC to other dog lovers everywhere is so exciting. I absolutely love to encourage others to follow their dream of working with dogs and I truly believe that we can make a difference!”

Fawna Kiefer
ABC Junior Administrative Assistant

Fawna currently lives in Winnetka California with her two American Pit Bull Terriers named Chica and Lucky. Fawna often says that Chica and Lucky or “the kids” as she affectionately calls them are overgrown lap dogs. She often chuckles to herself when thinking about the reputation that the pit bull breed has been labeled with because her dogs love everybody and are without a doubt, the worst ‘watch dogs’ she has ever seen.

Although Fawna has always had a passion for animals, she didn’t officially start pursuing a professional career in dog training until 2006. Fawna’s biggest motivation was her loving sweet boy Lucky. Fawna shared with us that even though Lucky has always been a big baby and a lover when it came to people, getting him to play nice with other dogs did take some work.

When Lucky was about a year old, Ms. Kiefer began working as a dog handler at Bow Wow Bungalow in Burbank California. After working there for several months she was given the opportunity to watch private dog training lessons with the animal behaviorist on staff at the facility. Fawna was so impressed by the transformation of the dogs during their training with the behaviorist, she asked if there was anything that could be done to make Lucky more friendly around other dogs.

The behaviorist mapped out a Treatment Plan for Fawna and Lucky which Fawna diligently followed. The plan involved many components which included achieving excellent basic obedience skills around all types of distractions. Fawna also was taught how to utilize calming techniques, how to identify Lucky’s behavioral threshold and gradually break it down, as well as, the importance of redirection and the power of positive motivation. To her absolute delight, Lucky was an outstanding pupil and is now very accepting and friendly toward other dogs.

After seeing the turn around in Lucky, she was hooked. She wanted to learn as much as she could and then share her education with others.

Fawna is an avid reader on the subject of canine behavior and thinking and has also worked for the Doberman Rescue Foundation gaining invaluable front line experience in the rehabilitation of dogs.

Wanting to further expand her knowledge in the dog training field, Fawna searched for a job that focused on educating people about dogs and dog training. In her search she found Animal Behavior College (ABC) and was hired as an ABC Externship Coordinator shortly thereafter.

Fawna plans to officially become an ABC Certified Dog Trainer by 2008. She also would like to run her own rescue someday which would focus on the breeds that get a bad rap from the media. She believes helping to educate owners on their responsibilities is the first step in helping the dogs. To do that she feels we need educated trainers out there, helping the people. Being a part of ABC will allow her to do accomplish this very worthy goal.

Marc Appelbaum
Shipping Department Director

Marc has had animals in his home throughout his life. As a child, he aspired to become a veterinarian (as many animal lovers do). All of the animals that he has ever owned have been rescues, and they always quickly become members of the family. Marc has always cared for his animals and regards them as having been significant parts of his life.

Being the nephew of ABC’s president, Steven Appelbaum, had a big influence over how Marc related to animals. Since his entire family was full of animal lovers, he naturally became one himself. As a result, he followed in his uncle’s footsteps and has become a valued member of the ABC team.

In 1999, Marc became an employee of Animal Behavior & Training Associates (ABTA), ABC’s sister company, as the shipping assistant. Marc became the full-time shipping director in 2001. He has been with the company ever since and has watched it grow to what it is today.

Marleigh Green
ABC Junior Administrative Assistant

Marleigh is a native to California, and has always surrounded herself with animals, big and small. Her experience with animals began at a very young age, when she used to ride horses at summer camp, and care for her pets at home. She has always been an animal enthusiast, and, to the dismay of her parents, brought home the many homeless animals that she found. More often than not, her family usually fell in love with the animals in need and ended up keeping them, which is why she currently harbors seven pets including a dog, four cats, a rabbit, and a turtle!

In her senior year of high school, Marleigh participated in a volunteering project at a Canoga Park animal rescue, The Pet Adoption Fund. It was there that Marleigh discovered her true passion — working with animals. She says: “Working at The Pet Adoption Fund was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Spending time caring for these animals that so desperately needed love made me feel as though I was truly making a difference.” While volunteering, she learned about how often the needs and issues that animals have go ignored by pet owners. She enjoyed working at The Pet Adoption Fund because the people who worked there were so incredibly dedicated to accepting and caring for all of the animals that were admitted to the shelter. It was this that inspired her to find a job within the animal industry.

Marleigh was drawn to ABC when she learned about their all-positive dog training methods, as she had seen the results of the improper training of dogs and the bad effects it had on them. She is currently furthering her education in the animal industry, and plans to one day become an ABC Certified Dog Trainer. “I believe that what ABC teaches its students truly improves and saves the lives of dogs who would not otherwise have a chance of being adopted. I am so glad to be a part of it.”