SOUND DOG CONNECTION
MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
My name is Amy DeMuth and I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA and moved to Raleigh, NC in 2004. I have been in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis for over 15 years, working with children and adults with Autism both as an in person and telehealth provider.
In 2021, I completed my Dog Training Comprehensive coursework through the Karen Pryor Academy along with obtaining my certificate in Applied Animal Behavior under the instruction of Dr. James Ha at the University of Washington. Through our alumni network, I met Ann and was introduced to Sound Dog Connection.
I have always had a passion for animals, especially dogs. Over the past 5 years, I have been a part of the Triangle Beagle Rescue, where I serve as a volunteer and behavior consultant for new dog owners. My drive for learning more about animal behavior came in the year 2018 when my husband and I adopted our rescue beagle, Tito. About 3 months into his adoption, we started seeing high rates of aggression towards us as well as our other dog.
With the help of an animal behaviorist and a solid behavior plan, our sweet Tito is now a loving and cherished member of the family. After that consult with the animal behaviorist, I had a desire to learn more about how our animals learn and behave and from there I have decided to make the switch to working with both humans and animals. I love teaching others about behavior and the functions that those behaviors serve. When we learn how to respond appropriately to behaviors, the better our communication is not only with other people, but also with our four-legged friends. I very much am looking forward to being a part of Sound Dog Connection. Their core values, dedication, and drive for helping both people and their pets to live a better, happier, and more fulfilling life together is what I am most excited about.
My name is Shivani Seastone. I’ve always been fascinated by how people learn, how to make learning fun, and how to follow the learner. Throughout my career, I’ve been focused on design and production of educational content for children – from handheld and digital games, interactive museum exhibits, and a Montessori-inspired cooking school for kids.
Shortly after moving to Gig Harbor, my husband and I adopted a one-year-old corgi mix. We were Auggie’s fourth home and we soon realized we were ill-prepared to help him with anxiety-related behaviors that were causing him a great deal of distress. I began reading everything I could find on positive reinforcement training while also searching for a trainer. Through extensive reading, trial and error, and the help of a wonderful trainer we ultimately found, Auggie blossomed. We were learning a new way to interact and communicate and it resonated deeply with my years of learning design. Working with Auggie was a turning point for me and inspired me to become a certified professional dog trainer through the Karen Pryor Academy. When we brought home our little 22-pound furry family member, I had no idea he would set me on the path of a career change.
As part of Auggie’s enrichment plan, he began scent work classes with Ann and I was struck by her commitment to animals and the humans who love them. Her knowledge, experience, and values are reflected in the environment and training approach at Sound Dog Connection. I’m excited to be a part of her team, helping animals and their humans to build stronger communication skills, deepen their bonds, and improve their day-to-day lives together.
