theteam

Meet the team!

Our team is the foundation of clevercanines. Our exceptional team of devoted individuals is why and how we are able to offer a high level of service and support to our clients.

Every team member has completed extensive training to qualify them to be of service to you. Our intense Corporate Training Program provides our team with up to 100 hours of training, both in the classroom and in the field. Team members gain understanding of the latest training methods and techniques, while building sound knowledge in canine behaviour and handling skills. Ongoing training is important and team members have opportunities to attend seminars, utilize the company’s extensive resource library, and constantly study and observe dogs. Each team member’s high level of experience and training allows them to tailor their support and training method to each client and dog individually.

Our aim is to give you an exceptional experience and support YOU in your lifestyle with your dog. Our team is not only passionate about dogs but also passionate about people.

We look forward to meeting you and working with your dog!

click on the team you would like to meet, and the section will expand for you

office team

Ashleigh Hoffman

Office Coordinator

Team Member Since: 2016

The most exciting thing about joining the clevercanines team is simply working with people and their dogs. I am looking forward to helping people gain a positive experience with dog training; similar to what I experienced with Lucy. It is very rewarding to see your dog come to you from 200 meters away when you recall them. I love watching Lucy running towards me when I say “POPCORN” as it is something that you built together with your dog, a practical application learned from the training. That is something I look forward to clients experiencing.

The greatest value to the team would be my 10 years of experience in customer service. I understand how to handle a variety of personality types and can work in in a high pace environment.

Ashleigh with Oreo and Lucy

Joe Scorgie

Owner

Visionary

Finance

Team Member Since: 2007

My involvement with clevercanines has taught me that my dogs’ behaviour is a direct result of my own behaviour. They are the perfect mirror. By changing myself – my energy, my patterns, my body language — I can change my dog. This simple little idea is true for all aspects of our life though, sometimes, it’s easy to lose sight of it.

I love sharing with clients just how much fun you can have with a well-behaved dog. And by well-behaved, I mean a well-mannered, calm dog, who trusts ME in virtually any situation. I love talking about the adventures Foster and I have had, and continue to have, all because I can confidently bring him anywhere.

Joe with Presley

Tracie Nielson

Founder

Owner

Integrator

People Operations

Team Member Since: 2005

I am always amazed by the constant and continuous communication my dogs give to me through their signals. They are such perfect communicators and it amazes me now how it was something I didn’t see or understand for years. Learning how to pay attention and “listen” has enabled me to support my dogs – I can now communicate back in a way that they understand which is SO satisfying. It is truly rewarding to connect to my dogs this way and has really empowered and strengthened our partnership.

I love sharing the concepts of a dog’s perspective with clients and seeing the ‘ah-ha’ moment when it all comes together for them. For me, it is very motivating when clients share their realizations and developed awareness in a passionate frenzy of excitement! It means that they’re on the path to taking ownership of their actions, understanding the value of consistency, and achieving a deeper relationship with their dogs than they could have possibly imagined.

Tracie with Presley

instructor team

Alan Surasky

Instructor: core, jumpstart & club360

Team member since: 2021

While I was brought to clevercanines through a breeder recommendation… besides the results we achieved with our dog, it is the people in the company that kept us coming back. Knowledgeable, friendly, supportive team members who are willing to help us achieve our goals are what we continue to encounter.

I feel that the clevercanines confidence-building philosophy (through working in a variety of environments) has really helped our dogs. Breaking things down and seeing how you can build up to succeed at even seemingly trivial things like tying your dog to a tree for a few minutes is eye-opening. It is powerful when you can start extending those concepts to prepare for more complicated situations. For us, it culminated in what I would consider smooth sailing through our dog’s unaccompanied air travel and quarantine when we moved to Australia.

Alan with Arvo

Amber Schinnour

Instructor: core

Team Member Since: 2018

I have a passion for animals and a soft spot for dogs. I want to make a difference even if it is something so simple as to train someone how to be proud of their dog and to experience freedom. I think that for every person I will have the opportunity to instruct will be a success in my eyes.

I love sharing how much fun the staff are and how supportive they are. That even though you have completed a class with them that the support doesn’t end there and that you are and will always be a valued customer.

Amber with Kona

Ashleigh Hoffman

Instructor: pupstart, core, club360

Team Member Since: 2016

If I could give any advice to future clients it would be that there are no bad dogs; every dog is unique in their own way. Every dog can learn to sit, lay down, jump, etc. It all depends on how much effort us, as dog owners, want to put in to help the dog reach their full potential. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but with clear and consistent leadership you can build an amazing relationship with your dog.

Ashleigh with Oreo and Lucy

Bobby Peardon

Instructor: pupstart, jumpstart

Team Member Since: 2016

I think I will be a great addition to the team because of my creative thinking and curious nature. I am always thinking outside the box to find the most fun or efficient way of doing things, and am always curious to see what will happen next.

The most exciting part of joining clevercanines is a toss up between, getting to lead a class and strengthen my skills on public speaking; a very important skill in my mind, or the simple answer of getting to be around so many dogs.

Bobby with Rorschach

Diana O’Brien

Instructor: pupstart, core, club360

dayschool Trainer

Team Member Since: 2015

It’s exciting to me to join a team who’s values are in line with my own, who pride themselves in giving top quality personable customer service in a world today where too much is automated and anonymous. Growth, expansion and change is what keeps the human experience interesting and challenging and it’s so great to join a company who embraces that viewpoint, without ever sacrificing the integrity of it’s values. Variety to me is the spice of life and it’s a dream to me to be working in a field where I can be productive and contribute in so many different ways.

I believe my greatest value to the team is my ability to take on new adventures with over the top commitment and zeal. You can be sure of my dedication and loyalty as a team player who will do my best to support the team as well as ensure that I’m giving 150% to the task at hand.

Diana with Jackson

Heather Boucher

Instructor: club360

Team Member Since: 2012

Joining the clevercanines team was important to me because I was looking to do something fun and meaningful outside of my full-time job. clevercanines brings both those things together for me.

The one thing I feel that I can bring to the team is my ability to incorporate humour and knowledge together to help people learn new things and have fun at the same time!

Heather with Eddie & Keith

Heather Manuel

Instructor: pupstart

Team Member Since: 2016

When people ask me where I took my dogs for training, one thing I always tell them about the clevercanines core program is that it requires commitment and a lot of hard work, but it is really worth it in the end. It is something I always try to emphasize when I talk about my own experiences with clevercanines, because while it wasn’t an easy program to go through with my dogs, I saw huge progress at the end and the fact that it takes a lot of work just showed me how committed clevercanines was to helping me with my dogs. They’re not in it for quick fixes, they’re in it so you can create a lasting, trusting partnership with your dog(s).

I think one thing about me that I will bring to the team is my commitment to helping others. I am committed to bringing whatever experience and knowledge I can to working with every person and puppy, as well as learning as much as I can in my new role.

Heather with Elsa & Spike

Hope Egan

Instructor: core

Team Member Since: 2018

I’ve wanted to work with dogs and people for as long as I can remember, so when I saw the job posting for clevercanines I knew I had to be a part of this astounding company. Ever since the first day I stepped into the clevercanines facility and was apart of one of their sessions I have not been able to stop sharing the knowledge I receive every single time I’m there! All the staff members are so friendly and professional, it creates a really positive environment that I truly enjoy being in.

Hope with Willow

Karen Earl

Instructor: pupstart, core

Team Member Since: 2016

The trust and respect I have for every clevercanines team member that I have had contact with is what makes joining the team so exciting. It is incredible to have the opportunity to work with people who are so knowledgeable, dedicated and enthusiastic about helping people achieve their goals with their dogs.

I believe my greatest gift to the team is my natural empathy with the clients. My sense of knowing who needs support and being able to help them work through their frustrations and support them as they progress through learning new skills.

Karen with Nico

Katerina Jansen, CTDI

Instructor: club360, certified trick dog instructor (CTDI)

Team Member Since: 2012

I love how clevercanines teaches consistency. I believe this is the most important tool to have when training your dog. It allows your dog to understand what you are asking 100% of the time, instead of always guessing.

I want people to have fun with their dogs and to realize the potential their dog has. Being able to join a company that allows their clients to experience so many facets of the dog world is important to me.

Katerina with Lexi & Lizzy

Lindy Macleod

Instructor: pupstart

Team Member Since: 2017

Joining the clevercanines team is important and exciting to me because of it’s this amazing community of extremely knowledgeable and passionate dog lovers. I love animals and want to be a part of spreading knowledge to make their world a better and happier place.

I was attracted to clever canines because of the passionate and knowledgeable staff. This combination of attributes is a powerful tool in inspiring others to want to learn and grow, driving change.

clevercanines has encouraged patience and increased my knowledge, making my dogs and I a better team together.

Lindy with Clive & Tank

Rachel Ward

Coach

Instructor: jumpstart, core, club360

Team Member Since: 2013

As an aspiring veterinarian, I was eager to get as much experience working with dogs and their owners as possible. Remembering what I had heard about the clevercanines program I know that it matched my own beliefs that dog training should be about creating a balanced and understanding relationship between a dog and their owner.

The most powerful clevercanines tools that helped me with my dogs was calmness. My Golden Retriever, Fin, used to be terrified of taking baths – but once I realized that I was getting frustrated during his baths and instead, reacted by being calm. His fear of having baths disappeared very quickly and now he actually enjoys them!

Rachel with Flida

Seanna Mitchell

Instructor: jumpstart, core

Team Member Since: 2016

After a lot of research on different training organizations I decided to take my two rescues to jumpstart. I immediately fell in love with the company, culture, and philosophies. I knew I had made the best choice for my boys, and after my experience as a client I knew I wanted more!

I can finally enjoy walking my dogs and not worrying that one is too excited by everything, and one is frightened by everything. The best tool we got from clevercanines was the hands-free leash. Not many tools can help with such different problems simultaneously.

Seanna with Rudy, Henry & Molly

Trisha Hache

Coach

Instructor: pupstart, jumpstart, core, club360

Team Member Since: 2014

What brought me to clevercanines is the fact that the company does not discriminate against breeds of dogs or dog behaviors. clevercanines truly believes in removing the descriptors that influence how we behave around our dogs. This gives dog owners that believe there is no hope, a second chance to understand their dog and build a trusting relationship.

I love to share with others the fact that the unique thing about clevercanines is that training doesn’t stop in the classroom – learning and training is constant and goes beyond the classroom. It is incorporated into your everyday life.

There is a true sense of freedom when you can trust your dog to behave in a way that you never thought possible.

There is a great sense of accomplishment in experiencing fun and fulfillment with your best friend.

Trisha with Winston & Pancho

staff coaches

Colleen Marte Coach Team Member Since: 2013 My newly adopted dog Keisha, ultimately brought me to clevercanines. She would run and hide when I turned on the TV. And pull my shoulder out of its socket on walks. The clevercanines philosophy and techniques of working outdoors, at different locations, and without treats was extremely attractive to us. After jumpstart, we were hooked! clevercanines has given me the ability to experience the ultimate summer freedom – camping and hiking for two months alone with my two dogs. I was never stressed that it was only me to look after both my dogs – that I had no one else to learn on for help. I travelled without issue and was continually impressing people with how well-behaved my dogs are	Colleen with Keisha
Darren Berdine Coach Team Member Since: 2015 The skill that I bring to clevercanines is my patience and ability to connect with a wide variety of people and dogs. What is most exciting to me about joining the clevercanines team is to expand my knowledge is canine behaviour and to use that knowledge to help others experience freedom and pleasure of sharing their lives with their own dogs.	Darren with Roxie
Diana O’Brien Coach Instructor: pupstart, jumpstart, core, club360 dayschool Trainer Team Member Since: 2015 It’s exciting to me to join a team who’s values are in line with my own, who pride themselves in giving top quality personable customer service in a world today where too much is automated and anonymous. Growth, expansion and change is what keeps the human experience interesting and challenging and it’s so great to join a company who embraces that viewpoint, without ever sacrificing the integrity of it’s values. Variety to me is the spice of life and it’s a dream to me to be working in a field where I can be productive and contribute in so many different ways. I believe my greatest value to the team is my ability to take on new adventures with over the top commitment and zeal. You can be sure of my dedication and loyalty as a team player who will do my best to support the team as well as ensure that I’m giving 150% to the task at hand.	Diana with Jackson
Rachel Ward Coach Instructor: jumpstart, core, club360 Team Member Since: 2013 As an aspiring veterinarian, I was eager to get as much experience working with dogs and their owners as possible. Remembering what I had heard about the clevercanines program I know that it matched my own beliefs that dog training should be about creating a balanced and understanding relationship between a dog and their owner. The most powerful clevercanines tools that helped me with my dogs was calmness. My Golden Retriever, Fin, used to be terrified of taking baths – but once I realized that I was getting frustrated during his baths and instead, reacted by being calm. His fear of having baths disappeared very quickly and now he actually enjoys them!	Rachel with Flidas
Trisha Hache Coach Instructor: pupstart, jumpstart, core, club360 Team Member Since: 2014 What brought me to clevercanines is the fact that the company does not discriminate against breeds of dogs or dog behaviors. clevercanines truly believes in removing the descriptors that influence how we behave around our dogs. This gives dog owners that believe there is no hope, a second chance to understand their dog and build a trusting relationship. I love to share with others the fact that the unique thing about clevercanines is that training doesn’t stop in the classroom – learning and training is constant and goes beyond the classroom. It is incorporated into your everyday life. There is a true sense of freedom when you can trust your dog to behave in a way that you never thought possible. There is a great sense of accomplishment in experiencing fun and fulfillment with your best friend.	Trisha with Winston & Pancho

dayschool team

Aislinn Smadu dayschool trainer Team Member Since: 2021 Ever since I could remember Ive had a dog in my life, whether it be a family companion or a dog I’ve used for sports and shows. Through dog sports and shows I’ve learnt a lot about the importance of providing structure all while giving my dogs fun outlets to exercise them both mentally and physically. clevercanines dayschool does exactly this for dogs everyday, this is why I’m always so excited about coming into work everyday. The dayschool keeps me passionate about dog training and teaches me something new everyday.	Aislinn with Kye & Bug
Breanna Andrushko dayschool trainer Team Member Since: 2022 I love sharing with people the friendly environment and hard work that clever canines put into their work. how devoted everyone is to helping clients and their dogs have a safe and fun professional environment that they can feel completely comfortable having their furry loved ones stay at.	Breanna with Lex
Chryssi McMinn dayschool trainer Team Member Since: 2021 What brought me to clevercanines was finding their goals and philosophies align with my own. I admire the unique approach they take with training and dayschool. I love knowing that no dog is beyond being taught how to be a good citizen. I love sharing how you can clearly tell the team at clevercanines really does care about every person and dog they come in contact with. Their passion for creating a fun and engaging environment shows in every aspect of the business.	Chryssi with Byron
Isabelle McDonald dayschool trainer Team Member Since: 2022 I love telling people where I work now. I am so proud to be a member of this team. I love sharing that I have a fun job where I make a difference in the lives of dog owners.	Isabelle with Oakley
Jadyn Lamontagne dayschool trainer Team Member Since: 2022	Jadyn with Wasabi
Julia Kraska facility custodian Team Member Since: 2017 I was drawn to clevercanines right away because of the companies goal to save as many dogs as we can through our training. I was looking for the opportunity in making the world a better place and I found it here in clevercanines. The strong core values that clevercanines acts upon is one of the most inviting thing about this business.	Julia with Sesame
Liza Bochulak dayschool trainer Team Member Since: 2021 I found clevercanines before I had my puppy and promptly fell in love with their training style and philosophy that emphasized understanding and working with your dog. Even before I started my pupstart class I was calling them up for advice about all the curveballs my dog Atlys was throwing at me! They were incredibly understanding and patient with my questions, which is when I knew I made the right choice. Now working here, it is my goal for every client to feel as supported as I did in each step of their journey. Mostly, I work with the puppies here, which can be a bit of a handful. But! Being able to help owners work through challenges, early socialization, and confidence building; makes it all worth it! Seeing puppies achieve the little wins and watching them grow, is what it is all about.	Liza with Atlys
Olivia Marsan dayschool trainer Team Member Since: 2022	Olivia with Jacob
Tina Jones dayschool trainer Team Member Since: 2022