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The ABC Animal Trainers & Staff

Meet the Pack

Steve Appelbaum
President of Animal Behavior College

Steven Appelbaum, CEO/Interim 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 professional dog trainers. Founded in 1998 by Appelbaum, the ABC program takes between ten to twelve months to complete and focuses on effective positive motivational training methods. Under Appelbaum, ABC's growth has been dynamic. The school has enrolled 187 students in 2001, 389 in 2002, 597 in 2003, 792 in 2004, 1193 in 2005, 1635 in 2006, and is projecting over 1788 in 2007.

ABC currently has students/graduates in all fifty states and Canada.
 

Steve Appelbaum

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. He has also had several articles on business building and marketing published in Off Lead magazine and is a featured columnist on business building for Off Lead.
 
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 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.
 

Debbie Kendrick and Alia

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).

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.

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.

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 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.

Karen Pryor
ABC Curriculum Contributing Author

Karen Pryor is a scientist with an international reputation in two fields, marine mammal biology and behavioral psychology. Through her work with dolphins in the 1960's she pioneered modern, force-free animal training methods. She is the author of many scientific papers and monographs and seven books. She is a founder and leading proponent of clicker training, a worldwide movement involving new ways to communicate positively with pets and other animals. She is the founder and CEO of a behavioral publishing company, Sunshine Books, Inc., and its on-line divisions. Karen has three children and seven grandchildren. She lives in Boston with two clicker trained dogs and a clicker trained cat.
 

Karen Pryor and Twitchet

Bill Wolden
Program Design Coordinator for ABC

Bill's desire to work with animals has always been a lifelong goal. His quest for knowledge and his love for animals motivated him to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Science from U.C. Davis and a double Associates Degree in Animal Training and Wildlife Education from Moorpark College's Exotic Animal Training and Management (EATM) Program.

After graduating from EATM in 1992, Bill was hired as a dolphin trainer at Dolphin Quest in Hawaii. After 4 years in Hawaii, Bill relocated back to California after accepting a teaching position at Moorpark College where he taught an Animal Diversity course. During his teaching career at Moorpark College he also taught programs specifically designed to teach students how to effectively write, train, and perform in educational animal shows. It was during this time that Bill became interested in pursuing an additional career as a dog obedience instructor. Bill completed an informal apprenticeship program with one of our top instructors at Animal Behavior & Training Associates, Inc., (ABTA), and then began conducting dog obedience and puppy socialization classes in Southern California.
 

Bill Wolden with Lono and Hobi

A short time later, Bill moved back to Hawaii where he spent 2 summers working at Dolphin Quest helping to implement new programs and education projects. He also began teaching dog obedience classes in Hawaii. Bill's educational background coupled with his animal background, made him pick of the litter when ABTA decided to open Animal Behavior College, Inc., (ABC), a school for students who wish to pursue a career as a professional dog trainer. Bill was instrumental in the design and layout of the ABC Obedience Instructor Training Program and took on the role of Apprentice Coordinator initially to guarantee its success.

In the year 2000, Bill accepted a position at Dolphin Quest Hawaii as the Director of Animal Management and remained in that position for two years. He was then promoted to Director of Global Animal Program Development in 2002 and is now part of the Corporate Management Team of Dolphin Quest, which oversees all Dolphin Quest locations in Hawaii, Bermuda, and French Polynesia. Although Bill is currently employed by Dolphin Quest, he will always be part of the ABC family and continues to make himself available whenever we need him.
 

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.
 

Kristyne and Skye

She currently lives in Castaic with her husband, two kids, a gold fish and Clifford and Pooh their Guinea Pigs. She hopes to someday adopt a Pug and name him Dodger.

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. 
   

Candace Mason and Raven

n 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.

Cristina Acuña
Assistant Director of Admissions

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 and Paquita

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 VP

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.
 

Alyssa and Georgie

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 2 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.
 

Shelly with Kiki and Danny

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!”