“Our expectations of our dogs and their roles in our families have changed- so must our training. That is the foundation of Modern Dog Training RI: Training People for their Pups. ”
Kristen Noel BA CBCC-KA FDM CPDT-KA FFCP CTP; Certified Behavior Consultant, Certified Family Dog Mediator, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Fear Free Certified Professional, Certified Reactivity Specialist, Certified Puppy Specialist, Certified Children & Dogs Specialist, Certified Canine Body Language Specialist, Canine Training Professional, Owner
Kristen grew up in the sticks of Foster-Glocester where they actually did go to school but they didn't: walk their dogs, train their dogs or pick up after their dogs. The transition from growing up in the country on 18 acres of land to her first job in the “city” forever changed her idea of what a pet dog was. While waiting for her first job interview at Petsmart, Kristen remembers wandering over to the store’s training ring to watch the class. It was there that she realized dog training was a “real job” that she could make into a career.
Kristen has come a long way from the makeshift backyard agility courses she would design for her aging Jack Russell Terrier;she has now spent more than half her life learning, building and enhancing her skills in the industry.
This is more than a side job or a hobby- it is all she has ever done; her past, present and future is dedicated to the hundreds of clients and dogs she has worked with and continues to serve every day. Her experiences in this industry, both good and bad, have shaped and continue to strengthen her decision to provide behavior consultation services to the public as her career. Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Kristen has worked as a Pet Care Specialist, Companion Animal Specialist, Operations Support Specialist, Puppy Preschool Teacher, Livestock Manager and Dog Trainer at pet specialty establishments around the state. She became a trainer through the Petco Dog Training Instructor Program (DTIP) in the summer of 2010. After graduating summa cum laude from the University of Rhode Island where she studied Animal and Veterinary Science, she became the Operations Support Specialist at Bow chika Wow Town Indoor Dog Park and Dog Daycare, where she created and ran the first Puppy Preschool Day Training program in Rhode Island. She sought out and went on to be mentored by two outstanding local trainers.
Kristen is now an internationally Certified Behavior Consultant Canine (CBCC-KA) and Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). The CCPDT is the only independent, standardized certification for dog training professionals that confirms and awards credentials based upon a rigorous examination and thorough verification of the skills and knowledge a professional has attained through education and experience. The CCPDT is unlike certificate programs, which can be offered by any individual or organization and award certificates upon graduation.
Kristen is one of the first 50 internationally Certified Family Dog Mediators (FDM) through industry expert and Applied Animal Ethologist Kim Brophey. Family dog mediation is dedicated to bridging the gap between people and dogs, between the sciences, between the history of humans and dogs and our modern dog world.
Kristen is one of four Fear Free Certified Professionals (FFCP) Trainers in Rhode Island and a Canine Training Professional (CTP) with The Pet Professional Guild- the organization for force free pet professionals.
Kristen is a Certified Reactivity Specialist as well as a Certified Puppy Specialist, Certified Children & Dogs Specialist and Certified Canine Body Language Specialist though the Dog Training College.
She is also certified by the American Kennel Club as a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Instructor and Evaluator, STAR Puppy Instructor and Evaluator and AKC Trick Dog Evaluator. She is a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), the international Initiative for Force-Free Dog Training and the AKC Dog Training Community. She has completed instruction in Suzanne Clothier’s Treat-Retreat certificate course and Dr. Amy Cook’s “Play Way! For Reactivity and Aggression Challenges!”
Kristen has completed the Aggression in Dogs Master Course by Michael Shikashio (CDBC) and attended the 3-day Aggression in Dogs Conference in 2022.
Kristen has also earned the Canine Good Citizen title with her dog, Ryder, as well as Novice and Intermediate Trick Dog titles (TKN and TKI). She is also certified in Pet CPR & First Aid through the Pet Emergency Education program.
Kristen believes that continued education is a necessity for those in the dog training profession. She devotes herself to staying up on the latest advancements in dog training and is committed to training with force-free training techniques.
Kristen specializes in puppyhood coaching; she will help you and your pup get started on the right paw while guiding your relationship and helping it grow. She will work tirelessly with you to prevent future behavior problems- including things you may not even think of! Kristen has a special talent (and patience) for puppy problems such as nipping, jumping, barking, crate training, potty training, proper socialization and communication. She also specializes in puppy and adolescent resource guarding cases.
Kristen will guide you through the dog training process with honesty and integrity. Training will be tailored to your lifestyle and goals, but more than anything to your dog as an individual. Our expectations of our dogs and their roles in our families have changed- so must our approach. That is the foundation of Modern Dog Training RI: Training People for their Pups.
Kelsey Shank MS FDM; Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis, Certified Reactivity Specialist, Reactive Rascals Certified Instructor, Certified Family Dog Mediator, AKC FIT Dog Certified Instructor
Kelsey studied psychology and sociology with a focus in Applied Behavior Analysis at the University of Rhode Island and went on to earn her Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University. Her strong foundation in behavior science is evident in every aspect of her work with both dogs and people. Kelsey has over 10 years of experience working with individuals with special needs, and she has since expanded her passion for behavior science to include canine behavior, applying these evidence-based techniques to the dogs she works with.
She has volunteered with multiple rescue organizations, assisting with the evaluation and preparation of dogs to improve their readiness for successful placement in permanent homes.
Kelsey has been the guardian of multiple high-energy, large-breed rescue dogs, each with their own behavioral challenges, giving her extensive first-hand experience with complex behavior cases. Her current rescue mix, Cher, has worked through concerns including anxiety, reactivity, and aggression. Through both her professional training and personal experience, Kelsey brings a deep, empathetic understanding of the needs of fearful, anxious, and reactive dogs.
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Kelsey is one of the first 50 internationally Certified Family Dog Mediators (FDM) through industry expert and Applied Animal Ethologist Kim Brophey. Family dog mediation is dedicated to bridging the gap between people and dogs, between the sciences, between the history of humans and dogs and our modern dog world.
She is also among the first Certified Reactivity Specialists through Dog Training College and one of the first Certified Reactive Rascals Instructors. Kelsey holds multiple certifications through the American Kennel Club, including Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Instructor and Evaluator, STAR Puppy Instructor and Evaluator, AKC Trick Dog Evaluator, and AKC FIT Dog Level 1 Instructor.
Kelsey is a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certified through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). She has completed advanced coursework including Suzanne Clothier’s Treat-Retreat certificate course and Michael Shikashio’s Aggression in Dogs Master Course (CDBC).
Kelsey was an internationally Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). The CCPDT is the only independent, standardized certification for dog training professionals that confirms and awards credentials based upon a rigorous examination and thorough verification of the skills and knowledge a professional has attained through education and experience. The CCPDT is unlike certificate programs, which can be offered by any individual or organization and award certificates upon graduation. Kelsey has chosen to let this certification lapse to focus on other priority credentials.
She has earned multiple titles with her own dog, including AKC Canine Good Citizen, AKC Novice Trick Dog (TKN), and Novice Trick Dog (NTD) through Do More With Your Dog. Kelsey is also certified in Pet CPR & First Aid through Pet Emergency Education.
Kelsey is currently enrolled in the Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program at Arizona State University, where she is expected to graduate in May 2026. She continues to expand her expertise in behavior modification using positive reinforcement, with the goal of helping more dogs thrive safely and comfortably in their forever homes. As a trainer and behavior specialist with Modern Dog Training RI, her mission is to reduce preventable owner surrenders and decrease the number of dogs entering rescue care in her community.
Amanda Sikorsky AS ABCDT FDM FFCP; Associate in Applied Animal Behavior, Animal Behavior College Certified Trainer, Certified Family Dog Mediator, Fear Free Certified Professional, Certified Canine Reactivity Specialist, Certified Children and Dogs Specialist, Certified Canine Body Language Specialist, Certified Companion Obedience Specialist, Certified Separation Anxiety Specialist, Certified Scentwok Specialist, AKC Certified CGC and STAR Puppy Evaluator
Amanda found her love and passion for dog training at the age of 13. Born and raised in Massachusetts, Amanda found her way to Norfolk County Agricultural High School in Walpole where she majored in Canine Science. She was the President of the school’s Kennel Club and taught dog training classes to children through the school’s summer camp programs. Amanda and her Whippet, Ripley competed at the school’s local dog shows where they achieved Best in Show and highest score in agility titles.
Amanda continued her education in Animal Science at the University of New Hampshire where she earned her Associate’s Degree in Applied Animal Science. She studied the health, behavior and anatomy of canines as well as small and large animals.
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After graduation, Amanda earned her National Dog Training Certification from The Animal Behavior College. She is a Fear Free Certified Professional as well as certified by the American Kennel Club as a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Instructor and Evaluator, STAR Puppy Instructor and Evaluator and AKC Trick Dog Evaluator.
Amanda is an internationally Certified Family Dog Mediator (FDM) through industry expert and Applied Animal Ethologist Kim Brophey.
Amanda is a Certified Reactivity Specialist as well as a Certified Children & Dogs Specialist, Certified Canine Body Language Specialist, Certified Companion Obedience Specialist, Certified Separation Anxiety Specialist, and Certified Scentwok Specialist through the Dog Training College.
Throughout her adult years, Amanda has found success in many different animal occupations, but dog training has always been her passion. When she is not teaching training classes, Amanda works as a Veterinary Technician. Being a Vet Tech has taught her first hand the importance of basic training and socialization in dogs’ lives. Amanda has dedicated her life to helping people form a happy, healthy, life-long bond with their canine companions that every dog deserves.
Kayla Morin; Communications Coordinator
Kayla and her two dachshunds
Kayla studied communications and public relations at the University of Rhode Island with a concentration in digital marketing. She recently worked at a local doggy daycare where she learned more than she ever thought possible about dog body language and social cues. During her time at the daycare she took on digital marketing roles to help create social media content and organize their monthly activities.
Two years ago Kayla and her family rescued a senior dachshund, Lucy, who was surrendered by her owners. She grew up with dachshunds all her life and now has two miniatures at home. Kayla has enjoyed incorporating the methods and techniques she is learning at Modern Dog into her dog's daily lives!
Kayla has always loved animals and hoped to find a career that combined her passion for dogs with her marketing background. She is ready to answer your questions and get you started with Modern Dog Training RI. Whether you are looking for group classes, private training, or are unsure where to start, Kayla will point you in the right direction and help you book your next session with one of our trainers!
