christina’s certifications

• PhD in Social Sciences (training in social learning + behavior research), University of Southern California

• IAABC/International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants–Accredited Dog Trainer + evaluator

• IAABC Foundation Education Consultant

• L.E.G.S. Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediator (FDM#7bdtxzoqi9)

• Carefree Companion Educator, advanced certification (in progress)

• Science Matters Academy member since 2023

• LLA with Susan Friedman “the science and technology of behavior change” Winter 2025

• Nosework (NACSW) member and competitor since 2022; Sunshine, ORT, NW1

• Mentor for new dog trainers at Noble Woof and Whole Dog Academy

• Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT) + Aggression in Dogs + Control Unleashed workshops

• AKC/American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen evaluator

• American Red Cross Pet First Aid/CPR Certificate holder

a little more about christina

Christina has an advanced degree in the social sciences and a lifelong love of learning from the world around her through observation, practice and collaboration. Before becoming a dog trainer, she taught dance and was a Professor of Political Science (read more about how this informs our approach to training dogs).

Christina fell in love with animals as a child; they were her best friends. She began her animal behavior odyssey with a reactive rescue dog named Pippa who stole her heart in 2010. Living with Pippa (and now a new generation of companion animals) motivates Christina’s belief that working with dogs can make us better humans. Instead of just working on dogs to fix them, or making dogs work for us, working with dogs helps us practice and hone skills of collaboration and kindness that serve to improve and expand who we are in the world.

When she’s not training clients or her own dogs, you’ll find Christina enjoying the great outdoors; tending her vegetable garden; upcycling anything and everything; or making healthy, human-grade (it’s been verified!) dog treats from scratch. She shares her life adventures with two one-of-a-kind rescue dogs, an amazing partner and a fabulous flock of friends, family and students.