CPDT, KPA-CTP, CCC, CTDI, AKC Stunt Dog Judge

Melissa has always had an interest in working with dogs. She started working at Union Lake in 2003. Shortly after joining us here, she went to school at National K-9 to become a Certified Dog Trainer. Melissa is a Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Certified Training Partner. Melissa is also a Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI), Canine Conditioning Coach (CCC), Certified Stunt Dog Instructor and AKC Judge, and AKC Canine Good Citizen Approved Evaluator.

Melissa enjoys working with every dog that walks through the doors. Training dogs to learn behaviors that make their owners happy is what she enjoys most. This might mean obedience or trick training, confidence building, or any other behavior. The look on an owner’s face is the most satisfying reward. Her goal is to improve the bond between owner and dog by opening lines of communication through positive reinforcement training.

Melissa currently teaches the Puppy Pre-School, Basic Obedience, Advanced Obedience, Agility, Trick Training, Stunt Dog Training, Canine Conditioning, Therapy Dog Classes, and the Drop-off & Kennel Training Programs. Melissa also oversees Daycare Introductions and leads the entire training team.

As far back as Jennifer can remember, she has had compassion and love for animals. She has taken in and fed stray cats, found lost dogs and reunited them with their owners and stopped to save hurt animals.

Jennifer has volunteered at the Humane Society, Oakland County Animal Control and other animal rescues. She fostered groups of kittens that had upper respiratory infections, nursing them back to health so that they could be adopted into forever homes. Other responsibilities included husbandry work (providing food and water and cleaning cages), walking dogs and providing lots of cuddles and pets until the animals were adopted into their forever families. She has also fostered puppies and dogs. Her last 3 dogs have been shy/fearful, which gives her valuable perspective into what our clients and their pets are experiencing.

Jennifer is drawn to the dogs that are shy/fearful and a bit different. She says it is rewarding to see a dog or puppy come out of its shell and become more confident. She loves to see a dog learn something new and experience life through a different lens.

Jennifer joined the Union Lake Pet Services training team in 2018. She feels training is amazing, especially the moment where she sees the lightbulb go on. Where the work and time she has put into teaching a sit command, teaching loose leash or teaching a new trick, sinks in and the dog in front of her gets it. She loves building a connection with the dog she’s working with, the process of building trust, and how all of it ties into training and handling. Pets are part of our families and when she helps a pet, she is helping a family and helping an animal live its best life. She feels part of a larger process and she loves that.

Ashley started working here at ULPS in 2018 as a kennel assistant and working in daycare. She was always playing and running around with the dogs, making sure they had a great time, and making sure they were tired when they got picked up at the end of the day. Growing up with dogs her whole life, she learned the different quirks each breed has, and what activities they truly enjoy.

Ashley started training in 2020. She works closely with our young pups by helping them build up their confidence and socializing them in this new environment. Her favorite part is when we have a new puppy come in who’s a bit timid and nervous and seeing their true personalities shine once they have the help that they need. With a quirky dog of her own, she knows how a lot of people are feeling with their own dog and wants to help as much as she can.

Ashley has worked in our puppy pre-school class, puppy play night, and our basic obedience classes. She enjoys teaching obedience and working on impulse control. She strives to make sure the dogs she’s working with not only learn new behaviors and tricks, but have a fun day and enjoy what they’re working on.

Erin has been involved with animals her entire life. Her first job was working at a kennel in high school. She continued her love of animals by studying Zoology at Michigan State University where she graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Animal Behavior/Neurobiology. Erin completed an internship at the Potter Park Zoo and also at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago implementing training and enrichment programs across several species. Erin accepted a position at the Detroit Zoo as a senior trainer/keeper in the mammal department. She trained multiple species in positive reinforcement training and implemented protocols for animal husbandry behaviors for multiple departments. Erin is also a member of a retriever club that trains and competes in AKC Hunt Tests and Field Trials throughout the Midwest.

Erin joined the Union Lake Pet Services training team in 2019 and works part time, primarily with the puppy play night classes, puppy pre-school and Basic Obedience classes. Erin loves teaching clients how to better communicate with their dogs and especially loves working with new dog owners who are eager to learn. Teaching people to train their dogs is a rewarding job, and she enjoys watching them grow together. She firmly believes a well-trained dog makes for a more enjoyable family member with years of benefits to come

LVT (Fear-Free), KPA-CTP

Felicia has been a lifelong animal advocate and became a licensed veterinary technician in 2010. Actively practicing, she enjoys providing compassionate, low-stress patient care and educating clientele. Having had her own dogs with challenging behaviors, her passion for helping fearful and anxious dogs while supporting their guardians is sincere. She earned certification as a professional trainer through the Karen Pryor Academy in 2014 and has offered private counseling for dog and cat guardians.

Felicia joined the Union Lake Veterinary Behavior Department in 2021 and the Training Department in 2022. She believes in a force-free, reward-based methodology for all species. Being part of a like-minded team motivates her to collaborate, mentor, and challenge her skills. Her efforts are dedicated to confidence-building and instinctually fulfilling activities, like scent work and co-hosting our Quirky K9s group class, coaching that addresses reactivity (“big feelings”). She occasionally offers one-on-one counseling.

As a credentialed trainer, bull-breed advocate, and Fear-Free certified technician, she is committed to animal welfare and enriching the human-animal bond. Felicia is a fitness enthusiast, novice photographer, and a self-proclaimed nerd. She remains current on advancements within both veterinary and behavioral sciences. Spending time with both her warm and cold-blooded critters helps her relax and recharge.

After experiencing the demands of working in the mental health field, Kamryn decided to pursue a new path at Union Lake Pet Services. She began in the kennel and daycare departments, where she quickly discovered a passion for large dog breeds—especially Labs, with Black Labs holding a special place in her heart. Within two years, Kamryn transitioned into dog training, developing a strong interest in basic obedience and agility training.

Kamryn finds the most rewarding part of her work is helping clients build stronger bonds with their dogs through effective training and communication.

Outside of work, Kamryn is an avid sports enthusiast who enjoys playing softball and golf, as well as cheering on her favorite hometown teams, the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers.

As a former client of ULPS, Kelly jumped at the opportunity to work in training. Since 2023, he has been a full-time member of the training staff. Kelly enjoys teaching Basic Obedience and Intermediate Obedience classes, as well as working alongside Ashley as a Therapy and Comfort Canine trainer.

Outside of work, Kelly spends most of his time with his wonderdog, Miggy.

Abby has been surrounded by animals her entire life, growing up with cats, dogs, guinea pigs, lizards, and more. After taking some time off from pursuing her PhD, she joined ULPS as a trainer in 2023.

Abby especially enjoys working with timid, shy, and nervous dogs who may not yet feel comfortable being away from home. She takes extra time and care to help these dogs adjust to new surroundings and experiences, and she loves watching them gain confidence, make new friends, and learn to navigate the world around them.

In addition to one-on-one training, Abby teaches group classes such as Puppy Preschool and Basic Obedience, and she also works on dog enrichment programs.

When she’s not at work, Abby enjoys spending time at home with her four cats and three dog.

Growing up with a love for animals, Noah once considered becoming a veterinarian. He joined ULPS in 2022 as a member of the daycare staff and quickly earned the nickname “The Daycare Guy” thanks to his enthusiasm and natural connection with the dogs.

After developing a strong interest in dog training, Noah became part of the training team in 2024. He is passionate about helping dogs and their owners learn new skills and behaviors that improve everyday life. Noah especially enjoys working with puppies, guiding them through important life skills and helping owners raise happy, healthy, well-rounded dogs.

When he’s not training, Noah enjoys playing video games, attending church, and spending quality time with his pets and family.

Michaela has always loved spending time with animals. She has fond memories of walking the family dog and three cats down their dirt road growing up. With a deep appreciation for animal-assisted therapy, she graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in Behavioral Science and minors in Social Work and American Sign Language.

After college, Michaela worked as a dog trainer and at a dog rehabilitation center in Colorado before returning to Michigan and joining Union Lake Pet Services, where she specializes in behavior modification and training.

Michaela’s favorite part of her job is seeing the progress pets make, but her top priority is helping keep them in their homes. She is passionate about working with dogs that have behavioral challenges and strives to improve the quality of life for both animals and their owners so they can strengthen their bond. Michaela believes strongly in fear-free, positive reinforcement–based training and handling methods.

Michaela is also studying cooperative care and incorporating it into her grooming and handling practices to help pets feel more comfortable and confident during their visits.

Outside of work, Michaela enjoys skiing, figure skating, and crafting. She often brings in handmade snuffle mats and festive accessories for the dogs to model during the holidays.