Category 1: Teaching, Training, & Facilitation
1. Listing of Where and How Learning Took Place:
- Professional certification & accreditation: The Academy for Dog Trainers Professional Dog Trainer Course (non-credit), BCSPCA’s AnimalKind Dog Training Accreditation, and Fear Free Professional Animal Trainer & Pet Sitter certification.
- Professional development course: Trauma- & Violence-Informed Care Foundations
- Work-based learning at School District #62 and K9HQ Doggy Daycare: mentorships, direct training by supervisor, collaboration with colleagues
- Self-employment learning: Authentic Canine Training
- Community outreach and public education: Royal Bay Secondary School Life Skills Symposium and Seeking Balance mental health event presentations and BCSPCA AnimalKind representation at Pet-a-Palooza.
- Self-directed learning and personal experience: Parenting a child with high support needs.
2. Date and Duration of the Learning: 2013 – present (13 years)
3. Major Topics Covered
- Adult and youth education, facilitation, and knowledge sharing on canine behaviour, training, and responsible pet ownership through presentations
- Dog training and behaviour modification instruction in both individual and group settings
- Trauma-informed practices, self-regulation, and supportive learning environments
- Instructional design, curriculum development, and facilitation strategies
- Learning theory, behaviour modification, and evidence-based dog training methods
- Individualized programming and adaptation of instructional practices and learning environments to support diverse needs
- Coaching, mentorship, and learner support strategies
4. Evidence in Support of Learning
1.1 Basic Life Skills Dog Training Class Homework for Clients
1.2 Dog Training Video
1.3 Presentation for High School Students
1.3 Reference Letter
2.1 Reference Letter – Allison
4.1 Puppy Training Camp Video #2
7.1 Audit Summary for Accreditation Renewal
8.2 Certificate in Dog Training & Counseling
Category 2: Business Ownership & Entrepreneurship
1. Listing of Where and How Learning Took Place:
- Professional certification and accreditation: Certification in Training and Counselling from the Academy for Dog Trainers and accreditation from BCSPCA’s AnimalKind Dog Trainers program
- Entrepreneurial learning at Authentic Canine Training and Westshore K9 Club: mentorships, personal research, online webinars
- Business management at K9HQ Doggy Daycare
- Community outreach and public engagement: presenting at Royal Bay Secondary School ‘s Life Skills Symposium and Seeking Balance mental health event
2. Date and Duration of the Learning: 2012 – present (14 years)
3. Major Topics Covered
- Financial management, operational systems, and administrative processes
- Ethical business practices grounded in evidence-based companion animal welfare
- Evaluating market needs to develop and refine programs and services.
- Strategic decision-making, business growth, and adapting to changing market conditions
- Planning, creating, launching, and sustaining service-based small businesses
- Client relationship management, customer service, and long-term client engagement
- Developing operational procedures, policies, and service standards
- Leadership, mentorship, and team development within small business settings
- Program development, curriculum design, and service innovation
- Designing individualized and group-based educational services
- Building collaborative partnerships and professional referral networks
- Quality improvement through client feedback, professional development, and reflective practice
- Aligning business strategy, service delivery, and organizational practices with ethical and evidence-based values
4. Evidence in Support of Learning
1.3 Reference Letter
2.1 Reference Letter – Allison
2.2 Daily Staff Calendar Schedule
3.1 Training Intake, Consultation & Session Notes
7.1 Audit Summary for Accreditation Renewal
8.1 Proposal to Manager for System Change
8.2 Certificate in Dog Training & Counseling
Category 3: Research & Professional Learning
1. Listing of Where and How Learning Took Place:
- Professional certification and accreditation: Certificate in Training and Counselling at the Academy for Dog Trainers, BCSPCA’s AnimalKind Dog Training Accreditation, and Fear Free Professional Animal Trainer & Pet Sitter certification.
- Professional conferences: attendance at the BC SPCA Animal Behaviour Science Symposium and a science-based Aggression in Dogs Conference.
- On-the-job learning at K9HQ, Authentic Canine Training, and School District #62: continuing education through webinars, online courses, books, and mentorships
- Independent professional development through webinars, books, online courses, and evidence-based educational resources.
- Professional networking events and collaboration within the education and companion animal sectors.
- Self-directed learning and personal development for supporting a child with high support needs and navigating individualized support systems: books, coaching by professional therapists, webinars, online parent networking platforms
2. Date and Duration of the Learning: 2013 – present (13 years)
3. Major Topics Covered
- Evidence-based research methods, critical evaluation of scientific literature, and application of current research to professional practice
- Researching and critically evaluating evidence in behaviour science, animal welfare, child development, education, and applied behavioural practices
- Researching and evaluating therapeutic interventions, educational supports, and community resources to make informed decisions and support child development and neurodevelopmental differences
- Researching and applying communication and behaviour strategies for conflict management
- Analyzing and translating research and evidence-based information into practical strategies for personal and professional settings
4. Evidence in Support of Learning
2.1 Reference Letter – Allison
6.1 Client Reframes Assignment
8.2 Certificate in Dog Training & Counseling
Category 4: Leadership, Management, & Human Resources
1. Listing of Where and How Learning Took Place:
- On-the-job leadership experience at K9HQ Doggy Daycare: job-shadowing, mentoring by supervisor, and supervising, mentoring, and managing employees
- Self-employment and entrepreneurial learning at Authentic Canine Training: conferences, webinars, and professional networking
- Independent contractor recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and supervision at Authentic Canine Training
- Co-presenting for Royal Bay Secondary School’s Seeking Balance mental health event
- Professional certification: The Academy for Dog Trainers Professional Dog Trainer Course (non-credit)
- Self-directed learning for personal and professional growth
- Experiential learning through parenting a child with high support needs: managing, coordinating, and collaborating with educational and professional support teams
2. Date and Duration of the Learning: 2014 – present (12 years)
3. Major Topics Covered
- Leadership and team development to support individual and professional growth
- Training, mentoring, and professional development
- Interprofessional collaboration and coordination of service delivery
- Emotional intelligence, resilience, and reflective decision-making
- Employee and independent contractor recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, and supervision, maintaining professional standards and collaborative practices
- Coordinating services and collaborating with multidisciplinary educational, healthcare, and therapeutic professionals to support a child with high support needs.
- Project planning and delivering educational programming as part of a collaborative team, coordinating presentation delivery and facilitating interactive learning experiences.
4. Evidence in Support of Learning
1.3 Presentation for High School Students
2.1 Reference Letter – Allison
8.1 Proposal to Manager for System Change
8.2 Certificate in Dog Training & Counseling
Category 4: Communication, Customer Service, & Conflict Resolution
1. Listing of Where and How Learning Took Place:
- Professional certification & accreditation: The Academy for Dog Trainers Professional Dog Trainer Course (non-credit)
- Professional development courses: Trauma- & Violence-Informed Care Foundations, Fear Free Professional Animal Trainer & Pet Sitter certification
- Continuing education: Responsive Feeding Program, Kelly Mahler Occupational Therapy online courses
- Work-based learning at School District #62 and K9HQ Doggy Daycare: job shadowing, mentoring by supervisors, online training modules, written SOPs, student IEPs and safety plans
- Experiential learning through self-employment at Authentic Canine and Westshore K9 Club
- Community outreach and public education: presentations at Royal Bay Secondary School’s Life Skills Symposium & Seeking Balance mental health event and representing the BC SPCA’s AnimalKind program at Pet-a-Palooza.
- Personal experiential learning: attending mediation for a high-conflict relationship and parenting a child with high support needs
- Self-directed learning and personal development through ongoing study of communication, emotional intelligence, health, and wellness practices.
2. Date and Duration of the Learning: 2012 – present (14 years)
3. Major Topics Covered
- Trauma-informed communication, empathetic communication, and relationship-based approaches
- Minimizing demands through declarative language
- Behavioural communication, observation, and interpretation of verbal and non-verbal cues
- Client education, coaching, counselling, and relationship building
- Conflict resolution, de-escalation strategies, and managing challenging interactions
- Public speaking, audience engagement, and communicating complex information effectively
- Professional collaboration, advocacy, and communication within multidisciplinary canine and child support teams
- Emotional regulation, self-awareness, and mindfulness strategies for effective communication
- Responding calmly and confidently to impromptu questions
- Recording, documenting, and communicating observations to support informed decision-making and continuity of care.
4. Evidence in Support of Learning
1.1 Basic Life Skills Dog Training Class Homework for Clients
1.1 Dog Training Video
1.3 Presentation for High School Students
1.3 Reference Letter – Joelle
2.1 Reference Letter – Allison
4.1 Puppy Training Camp Video #2
4.2 Client Follow-Up
6.1 Client Reframes Assignment
7.2 Transcript for Adoption Education Program
8.1 Proposal to Manager for System Change
8.2 Certificate in Dog Training & Counseling
Category 5: Advocacy & Support
1. Listing of Where and How Learning Took Place:
- Professional certification & accreditation: The Academy for Dog Trainers Professional Dog Trainer Course (non-credit) and BCSPCA’s AnimalKind Dog Training Accreditation
- Professional development courses: Trauma- & Violence-Informed Care Foundations, Fear Free Professional Animal Trainer & Pet Sitter certification
- Continuing education: AFABC Adoption Education Program, Responsive Feeding Program, Kelly Mahler Occupational Therapy online courses
- Adoptive Families Association of BC webinars: Parenting a Child with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), Support & Strategies for Substance-Exposed Children, FASD: Becoming the Sensory Detective at Home
- Work-based learning at School District #62 and K9HQ Doggy Daycare: job shadowing, mentoring by supervisors, student Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
- Self-employment at Authentic Canine and an in-home dog boarding business
- Community outreach and public education: presentations at Royal Bay Secondary School’s Life Skills Symposium & Seeking Balance mental health event and representing the BC SPCA’s AnimalKind program at Pet-a-Palooza
- Personal experiential learning through parenting a child with high support needs: reading material, coaching from professional therapists, personal research
- Self-directed learning and personal development through ongoing study of communication, emotional intelligence, health, and wellness practices.
2. Date and Duration of the Learning: 2013 – present (13 years)
3. Major Topics Covered
- Trauma-informed care, attachment theory, and inclusive support practices
- Child development, neurodevelopmental differences, sensory integration, adapted environments, and inclusive learning practices
- Individualized supports, accommodations, and promoting autonomy through person-centred approaches
- Behaviour support, emotional regulation, and evidence-informed interventions
- Promoting animal welfare through humane, ethical animal care practices
- Communication, collaboration, and navigating support systems
- Mindfulness, stress management, and personal wellness practices
- Educating clients and the public on humane, evidence-based training, animal welfare, and responsible pet ownership
- Collaborating in the development of industry standards through critical evaluation of animal welfare practices
4. Evidence in Support of Learning
1.3 Presentation for High School Students
1.3 Reference Letter
2.1 Reference Letter – Allison
7.2 Transcript for Adoption Education Program
8.1 Proposal to Manager for System Change
8.2 Certificate in Dog Training & Counseling
Category 6: Administration & Technology
1. Listing of Where and How Learning Took Place
- On-the-job training at K9HQ Doggy Daycare: job-shadowing, manuals, online training modules, mentoring by supervisor, software system research and implementation, website management
- Self-employment and entrepreneurial learning at Authentic Canine Training: software system research and implementation, website management
- Life-based experiential learning: parenting a child with high support needs
2. Date and Duration of the Learning: 2012 – present (14 years)
3. Major Topics Covered
- Scheduling, coordination, and operational processes
- Financial administration and business record keeping
- Using business data and financial records to evaluate performance, identify trends, and support operational decision-making
- Technology-based business administration, including researching and evaluating software options, implementing new administrative systems, transferring and organizing client data, developing staff procedures, and training staff to support consistent adoption of new technology
- Strategic digital communication and website management, including developing client-focused content, organizing information, collaborating on website design, and maintaining online platforms
- Recording observations and data, maintaining accurate documentation, and information organization to support continuity of care.
- Managing funding applications, coordinating appointments, and organizing records related to therapeutic and educational services.
- Professional document creation and information management, including developing policies, procedures, client resources, training materials, reports, and organizational documentation
4. Evidence in Support of Learning
1.1 Dog Training Video
1.3 Presentation for High School Students
2.2 Daily Staff Calendar Schedule
3.1 Training Intake, Consultation & Session Notes
3.2 Boarding Dogs’ Information
4.1 Puppy Training Camp Video #2
Category 7: Marketing, Advertising, & Public Relations
1. Listing of Where and How Learning Took Place
- On-the-job training at K9HQ Doggy Daycare: job-shadowing, manuals, online training modules, direct coaching by supervisor
- Professional dog training business mentorship
- Self-employment and entrepreneurial learning at Authentic Canine Training
- Community engagement through representing the BCSPCA’s AnimalKind program at Pet-a-Palooza
- Volunteering as a presenter at Royal Bay Secondary School Life Skills Symposium and Seeking Balance mental health events
2. Date and Duration of the Learning: 2012 – present (14 years)
3. Major Topics Covered
- Developing and promoting a values-based brand grounded in humane, evidence-based training practices
- Building professional partnerships and referral networks with local vet clinics, rescue organizations, and pet care businesses
- Building long-term client relationships through trust, education, and individualized support
- Client relationship development and customer retention
- Community engagement, public awareness, and professional representation
- social media and digital marketing to educate the public, increase brand visibility, and attract clients.
- Website content development
4. Evidence in Support of Learning
1.3 Presentation for High School Students
2.1 Reference Letter – Allison
Category 8: Safety
1. Listing of Where and How Learning Took Place:
- On-the-job training at School District #62, and K9HQ Doggy Daycare: job-shadowing, manuals, online training modules, mentoring by supervisor
- Self-employment and entrepreneurial learning at Authentic Canine Training and Westshore K9 Club
- Professional certificate course: The Academy for Dog Trainers Professional Dog Trainer Course (non-credit)
- Continuing education certificate courses: Trauma- & Violence-Informed Care Foundations, Fear-Free Professional Animal Trainer, DogSafe Canine First Aid
2. Date and Duration of the Learning: 2012 – present (14 years)
3. Major Topics Covered
- Assessing canine behavioural risks and safely implementing appropriate training strategies.
- Safe, low-stress animal handling and humane training practices to support animal welfare
- Risk assessment, safety planning, and incident prevention
- Emergency preparedness and response plans, including evacuations
- Screening protocols and safety practices for group management and dog-human interactions
- Workplace health and safety practices
- Recognizing and responding to medical emergencies, behavioural crises, and situations requiring immediate intervention.
- Adhering to individual safety plans for high risk students in school settings
4. Evidence in Support of Learning
1.3 Presentation for High School Students
3.1 Training Intake, Consultation & Session Notes
3.2 Boarding Dogs’ Information
4.1 Puppy Training Camp Graduation Video #2
4.2 Client Follow-Up
8.2 Certificate in Dog Training & Counseling