Pam Yano, CPDT-KA, CTDI
OWNER, TRAINER, EDUCATOR & THERAPY DOG SPECIALIST
Pam brings more than 25 years of professional dog-training experience to every team she supports. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI), Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator, and Helping and Healing Paws Evaluator. Her training philosophy is rooted in positive reinforcement, giving dog owners practical, effective solutions that create real improvement—often faster than they expect. Pam believes training should be fun, not stressful, and she helps people build stronger, happier relationships with their dogs through kindness, clarity, and science-based methods.
Therapy Dog Expertise
Pam has taught hundreds of puppy and obedience classes in Downers Grove and is widely recognized for her work developing and training therapy and facility dog teams. She serves as both a foster dog trainer and a Field Rep Network Coordinator for Paws With a Cause, supporting Assistance Dog placements and helping dogs prepare for life-changing work.
Pam’s journey in dog training spans more than two decades, during which she has worked with hundreds of dogs of all ages, breeds, and backgrounds. Her extensive experience includes teaching basic, advanced obedience, and tricks, addressing behavior challenges, and supporting owners with specialized training needs. Pam’s expertise shines in her ability to connect with dogs and humans alike, fostering trust and positive relationships that lead to lasting results. Her calm, encouraging approach empowers both ends of the leash.
Therapy Dog Specialty
Pam has taught hundreds of puppy and dog obedience classes in Downer’s Grove and specializes in training therapy dogs. She is a foster mom for Paws With a Cause (a non-profit for Assistance Dogs) and is a field rep for Paws With a Cause as well. Pam is confident working with dogs who have behavior issues, such as being leash-reactive, anxious, or fearful with other dogs or people. Pam can help both you and your dog using positive reinforcement methods, no matter how big, strong, fearful, or tiny your dog is.
On-Set Animal Training
Beyond the classroom, Pam has trained animals for film and television. Her Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever starred in Road Warrior, a commercial recognized internationally for excellence. She has also worked with animals on the sets of Chicago PD and the series 61st St., and Justice: Primeval, bringing professionalism, patience, and precision to every production.
Keeping Training Fun & Effective
As a parent and dog owner herself, Pam understands the realities of busy family life. She helps pet parents integrate training into their routines in ways that are enjoyable, sustainable, and successful. Her goal is simple: to help you and your dog enjoy each other more every day.
Professional Certifications & Affiliations
Certified Evaluator – Helping and Healing Paws (HHP)
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, CGC, CGCA, CGCU Evaluator
AKC Trick Dog Instructor & Evaluator
Member, Pet Professional Guild (PPG)
Member, Assistance Dog International
Member, Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals
Karla Paschon, ABCDT
PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINER
Karla is certified through the Animal Behavior College (ABCDT). She has trained a variety of dogs and taught classes both in Downers Grove and Chicago. Karla has a deep understanding of dog communication and body language by serving as a playgroup leader for several dog daycare businesses. She also enjoys using clicker training, which can often help speed up your dog’s learning process for both basic obedience and behavior issues.
Karla has a passion for working with collies. She even trained her collie to become a Certified Therapy Dog through Therapy Dogs International and visited nursing and retirement homes together. As a Collie Rescue volunteer, she has fostered rescue dogs to help them through the transition to their forever home. This frequently involves training as well as building trust in humans and creating a relationship bond. Karla believes seeing the joy a dog can bring to others can be very humbling, and that every day with your dog is a chance to learn something new and exciting.
Siamese Cat Riley is the top training project in Karla’s home! He is an active guy who enjoys learning new tricks! Some of his favorites are a nose target (Touch), jumping through hula hoops and other agility exercises, and jumping off walls (Rebound!) to get his toys. Riley also enjoys playing with his flirt pole and yelling at his mom as it gets close to mealtimes!
Mindy Miller, BS, IAABC Member
PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINER
Mindy Miller is a passionate and skilled professional trainer with a rich background in animal care, behavior, and training. She brings a unique blend of hands-on experience—from working as a veterinary assistant and at doggy daycares to volunteering at animal shelters and interning at zoos. Mindy's approach to training is rooted in scientific knowledge and enhanced by her genuine sense of humor, ensuring a positive and encouraging environment for both dogs and their owners, no matter the behavioral challenge.
A 2010 graduate of Hope College with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Mindy’s college years were filled with rescue volunteer work, internships, and positions at wildlife rehabilitation centers, zoos, and research facilities throughout Michigan. Her commitment to animal welfare began early, starting as a volunteer with West Suburban Humane Society in 2004. Since then, Mindy has fostered countless dogs, puppies, and kittens, while also gaining experience training a wide variety of animals—including parrots, mice, rats, cats, birds of prey, goats, farm animals, and even big cats (lions, tigers, and yes, one bear!).
After five years as a veterinary assistant, Mindy transitioned to five more years working in two different doggy daycares, deepening her understanding of canine behavior in group settings. As a dedicated member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG), she remains committed to ongoing education, staying current with the latest scientific research and training philosophies.
Mindy has a special place in her heart for what she affectionately calls her “nervous kids”—dogs who need extra support, confidence-building, and patient relationship development. Her compassionate, individualized approach helps these dogs thrive.
At home, Mindy is kept on her toes by Scamp (“the Golden Child” Corgi Mix), Jake (“The Goofy One” Pit mix), and Rocky (“Dog who thinks he’s a cat”) who often join her in classes and feature in her social media adventures. Scamp and Jake have competed in NACSW and CWAGS nose work trials. Scamp also holds four trick titles through Do More With Your Dog and enjoys Parkour and canine fitness routines. Jake holds three Do More With Your Dog trick titles and enjoys Dance class. The household menagerie includes a cat who thinks he’s a dog, a ferret, a bearded dragon, and—more often than not—a rotating crew of foster animals from various species.
Specialization in Behavior Modification
Mindy specializes in behavior modification, with a particular focus on reactive, shy, and fearful dogs. Her deep experience allows her to craft individualized plans that address each dog's unique challenges, supporting their journey toward confidence and calm.
Expertise with Shy and Fearful Dogs
Drawing from years of hands-on work, Mindy has developed compassionate training strategies for dogs who are nervous, anxious, or fearful—whether their concerns stem from new environments, social situations, or specific experiences. She is especially skilled at helping dogs who are apprehensive about visits to the groomer or veterinarian, making those necessary appointments less stressful for all involved.
A Leader of Our Renowned Reactive Program
Mindy, together with Sara, leads our highly successful reactive program. Their innovative approach and unwavering dedication have transformed the lives of countless dogs and their families. Under their joint guidance, the program has become a cornerstone of our training offerings, consistently helping reactive dogs build confidence and thrive in their communities
Owner Benefits
Owners working with Mindy benefit from her tailored, science-based approach. They often notice rapid improvements in their dogs' ability to cope with stressful situations, increased confidence, and a strengthened bond built on trust and understanding. Her compassionate guidance ensures a more harmonious relationship between dogs and their people.
Debbie Gardiner, CPDT-KA, CTDI, CCUI
CERTIFIED DOG TRAINER
Debbie is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI), Certified Control Unleashed Instructor (CCUI), Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator, and Stunt Dog Judge. Debbie teaches dog owners how to work with their puppy or dog on obedience, challenging behaviors, tricks, beginning agility, Canine Good Citizen certification, stunt dog skills, Rally-FrEe, dancing with your dog, and Therapy Dog Certification.
She is a retired educator after 33 years of working in Champaign-Urbana and the Northwest Suburbs for 19 years. Debbie has been working with dogs since she was 12 years old and is happy to be living her passion as a certified professional dog trainer.
Debbie's dog, Sophie, is an energetic Maltese who has taught Debbie so much about supporting the needs of your dog with training and nutrition. Sophie is a Trick Dog Champion and is always working on her dance moves. Debbie believes dogs bring so much joy to life, and she hopes to help you experience that joy, too.
Dogs thrive under Debbie’s guidance because her training approach is built around understanding each dog as an individual. She creates an environment where dogs feel safe, supported, and motivated to learn, using methods that build confidence rather than pressure. As a result, dogs develop stronger communication skills, better emotional regulation, and more reliable behavior in real‑world situations. Debbie’s thoughtful, positive training helps reduce stress-based reactions, encourages calmer decision-making, and strengthens a dog’s ability to focus—even in distracting environments. With Debbie, dogs become happier, more resilient learners whose improved manners and behavior carry over into everyday life, giving families the joy and ease of living with a truly well‑behaved dog.
Jacquee Broderick
DOG TRAINER
Jacquee has been with Enjoy Your Dog as a trainer for many years and is always excited to share new and exciting training information with her students. Jacquee understands that each dog learns in its specific way - and that having a multitude of tools in an owner's toolbox helps better the relationship for both parties.
Jacquee has attended Susan Smith's ’Raising Canine' professional training course and is always seeking continuing education opportunities to stay informed on the knowledge being circulated in the dog training industry.
Jacquee shares her home with two dogs (GiGi and Rubble) along with a multitude of other species (cat, rabbit, fish, turtle, lizards, chickens, and a duck). She spends time volunteering at her local shelter and has worked with rescue groups to streamline newly adopted dogs through the transition to their new homes.
Jacquee’s favorite quote is: “When I’m training a dog, I develop a relationship with that dog. He’s my buddy, and I want to make training fun.” - Dr. Ian Dunbar
Stephanie Rheingruber MOT, OTR/L
EXPERTISE, COMPASSION, AND A LIFELONG COMMITMENT TO ANIMALS
Stephanie brings a unique blend of professional expertise and heartfelt passion to her role as a dog trainer on our team. A proud graduate of Ripon College, Stephanie earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry-Biology, along with minors in Spanish and Psychology. Her commitment to helping others led her to Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL, where she completed her occupational therapy program in 2015. Stephanie is now a registered and licensed pediatric occupational therapist, dedicating her career to supporting children from birth through age six with significant needs in the Joliet area. She provides school-based, clinic-based, and homebound therapy services, making a meaningful impact on families and young children every day.
A Lifelong Love for Animals
Beyond her work with children, Stephanie’s lifelong passion for animals shines through in everything she does. Raised in a home filled with a variety of pets, she has always been an avid animal lover and an active volunteer with local rescue groups. In 2016, Stephanie took this passion a step further by founding Wish Upon a Rescue, a small, foster-based animal rescue organization. As president, she champions the belief that every animal—regardless of age, breed, medical condition, or physical ability—deserves a loving forever home. Under her leadership, Wish Upon a Rescue is able to save more than 250 dogs and cats each year by providing them medical care and behavior support and adopting them into loving community homes, while promoting force-free training and compassionate care.
Dog Training Philosophy and Experience
Stephanie’s journey into dog training began as a hobby while volunteering with rescue organizations and attending training classes with her own dogs. She soon discovered a fascination with the science behind canine behavior and positive training techniques. Motivated by the need for effective training support in foster homes, Stephanie dived into ongoing education—regularly attending workshops, collaborating with local trainers, and expanding her skills. She specializes in working with dogs who need extra attention, including those who are deaf, blind, senior, three-legged, or have emotional challenges such as fearfulness and reactivity.
A Leader of Our Renowned Reactive Program
Stephanie, together with Jacquee, leads our highly successful reactive program. Their innovative approach and unwavering dedication have transformed the lives of countless dogs and their families. Under their joint guidance, the program has become a cornerstone of our training offerings, consistently helping reactive dogs build confidence and thrive in their communities.
Advocate for Safe, Happy Homes
Stephanie is passionate about fostering safe and positive interactions between children and dogs. She has experience teaching Family Dog Safety, utilizing The Family Dog curriculum to educate families on creating nurturing environments where children and pets can thrive together.
Home and Heart
At home, Stephanie shares her life with her supportive husband Patrick, their two beloved dogs, Sophia and Lu, two special-needs cats, Marie Curie and Tartufo, and a rotating cast of foster dogs and cats. Her dedication to both people and animals inspires everyone around her and makes her an invaluable member of our team.
We are thrilled to have Stephanie guiding our clients and their dogs on their training journey, blending science, compassion, and years of hands-on experience to help every dog become a happy, confident member of the family.
Sara Ivetic, BS
DOG TRAINER
Sara grew up working with dogs as the daughter of a dog groomer. She first got started washing dogs for her Mom and taking their family's dogs to training classes. Sara earned her BS in Equine Science from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. She spent several years working with horses before making the transition back to dogs.
Since then, she has earned certificates in Dog Grooming (Animal Arts Academy), Canine Massage (Chicago School of Canine Massage), and Companion Animal Nutrition (SIUC). Sara has worked in dog daycares, as a trainer, and in canine-specific retail, all in attempts to broaden knowledge of dog behavior and communication. She now focuses her time on grooming, massage, and training. Sara believes our pets have a lot to communicate with us. She enjoys helping people understand their canine companions better through positive and force-free means. Sara currently lives with two opinionated hound mixes, Chloe and Mable.
Elizabeth (Liz) Grenis, CBATI-KA
YOUR DEDICATED DOG TRAINING PARTNER
Liz is your trusted resource for all things dog training and canine care! As an AKC Certified CGC, STAR Puppy, and Trick Evaluator, Liz brings a wealth of expertise and enthusiasm to every interaction. Whether you're just starting your journey with a new puppy or seeking advanced tricks for your best friend, Liz is committed to helping every dog and owner build a joyful, lasting bond.
Professional Journey: From Playroom to Pavement
Liz’s career began in the heart of a bustling doggie daycare, where she served as the playroom manager. Caring for dogs of all sizes, ages, and personalities gave her a deep understanding of canine body language, social dynamics, and the unique needs of each pup. This fast‑paced environment sharpened her ability to notice subtle signals—shifts in posture, play styles, stress cues, and communication patterns—that help her support dogs before small moments turn into big behaviors. Her experience was further enriched by her time as a dedicated dog walker, where she learned to build trust quickly and adapt her approach to fit every type of leash‑puller and squirrel‑chaser she met!
Personal Story: Luna’s Legacy
At the heart of Liz’s journey is her beloved canine companion, Luna. Training, learning, and growing with Luna gave Liz firsthand experience in overcoming challenges and celebrating successes. Luna’s quirks and strengths inspired Liz to dive deeper into dog behavior and positive reinforcement, shaping her into the compassionate trainer she is today.
Training Philosophy: Positive, Playful, and Partnership-Focused
Liz believes that the best results come from positive, fun, and clear communication. She tailors her approach to fit each dog’s unique personality and learning style, always focusing on building trust and confidence. Her sessions are filled with encouragement, laughter, and a genuine love for bringing out the best in every dog and human team.
Let’s Connect!
Whether you’re seeking expert training or just some guidance on your dog’s journey, Liz is here to help. Her unique blend of experience gives her an exceptional ability to understand canine behavior and teach skills that truly stick. Dogs trained with Liz learn to communicate more clearly, manage their emotions, and make better choices—even in distracting or challenging environments. Her thoughtful, positive approach helps dogs become calmer, more confident, and beautifully well‑behaved companions at home and out in the world. Reach out today to start building a happier, more harmonious relationship with your furry friend!
Lori Kantner
PROFESSIONAL TRAINER, AKC CGC, TRICK DOG, FETCH EVALUATOR
Passionate Dog Trainer, Animal Lover, and Inspiring Teacher
Meet Lori—a lifelong animal enthusiast with a heart for helping pets and their people thrive together.
Lori’s transition into dog training began with the life-changing adoption of a dog who arrived with a solid foundation in formal obedience. That experience opened the door to a deeper passion for training, behavior, and eventually, the world of dog sports and competition.
Diverse Experience and Competition Success
Today, Lori is known for her hands-on experience across a wide range of dog sports, including Obedience Trials, Rally, Agility, Tricks, Hunt Tests, and Dock Diving. She has earned titles with her dogs in both AKC and UKC events and has even competed in prestigious venues such as the Labrador National Trials. No matter the breed or background, Lori is committed to bringing out the best in every dog she works with.
In addition to her broad expertise of teaching many of our classes, Lori leads our Rally classes, guiding teams through the sport’s unique challenges with clarity, enthusiasm, and a deep understanding of how dogs learn. Her hands-on approach helps handlers navigate Rally courses with confidence and precision.
Teaching with Heart—For Every Handler
Lori’s approachable teaching style has been shaped by years of working with diverse groups—from eager 4H students and brand-new pet owners to adults seeking deeper partnerships with their dogs or preparing for competition. She believes every handler deserves practical guidance, encouragement, and a training environment built on trust. Her philosophy centers on real-world skills and positive reinforcement, always aiming for dogs who want to work with their people, not dogs who work out of fear or pressure.
Committed to Growth and Positive Training
As a lifelong learner, Lori stays at the forefront of positive reinforcement training and animal behavior science. She regularly attends classes, private sessions, workshops, seminars, and continuing education courses to ensure her methods remain effective, humane, and up-to-date. Her dedication shines through in every class she teaches and every dog she supports.
A Personal Commitment to Animal Welfare
At home, Lori shares her life with her family and a joyful pack of dogs who inspire her daily. Whether volunteering with rescue organizations or cheering on her students at competitions, her passion for animal welfare is woven into everything she does.
Why Working With Lori Leads to a Well-Behaved Dog
Lori’s unique blend of competition experience, deep behavioral knowledge, and positive reinforcement expertise creates an environment where dogs learn to make thoughtful, confident choices. She understands how to build skills step-by-step, prevent problem behaviors before they start, and strengthen communication between dog and handler. Dogs trained with Lori become more focused and responsive—resulting in a well-behaved companion at home, in public, and anywhere life takes you. With Lori, training isn’t limited to skill‑building; it’s about helping your dog think clearly, trust deeply, and choose to engage with you. Her approach nurtures a dog who feels confident, connected, and eager to work as your partner—resulting in behavior that is reliable, thoughtful, and grounded in a strong relationship.
Ashley Balsitis, CPDT-KA, FDM
PROFESSIONAL TRAINER
With a background ranging from family pets to extensive work with shelter and rescue dogs, Ashley is well known and respected for her work in the animal field. She specializes in working with dogs with big feelings, ranging from dog reactivity to fear-based behaviors. She also enjoys helping families be successful with their new puppies, beginning their learning journey.
Ashley holds the credential of Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and Certified Family Dog Mediator (FDM) & the only Drink With Your Dog® Instructor in Illinois. She is an AKC Canine Good Citizen & Trick Dog evaluator and is avidly pursuing continuing education courses in the animal behavior and professional dog training fields
Ashley shares her home with her husband, Bob, her son Logan, her recently passed rescue Pittie Lily, and a bearded dragon, Atlas. Ashley and Lily spent 14 years doing extensive training, including Barn Hunt, Nose Work, Cooperative Care Training, and earning their Advanced Trick Dog Title. Lily was Ashley's soulmate dog and the reason that she became so invested in learning all she could about training and behavior.
Sydney
TRAINER
Sydney has been surrounded by dogs her entire life, and her passion for working with them started early. At just 17, she stepped into her first professional role at a boarding kennel—a job that sparked a deep curiosity about canine behavior and a desire to learn everything she could. Over the next four years, she worked in dog daycares, gaining hands-on experience with a wide range of breeds and personalities while honing her ability to read and understand dog body language.
Her dedication and growing skill set eventually led her to the opportunity she’d been dreaming of: becoming an apprentice at Enjoy Your Dog. During her apprenticeship, Sydney trained in basic obedience, nose work, agility, and tricks, and learned how to support dogs and their families through reactivity challenges. As she grew as a trainer, so did her passion for teaching people—helping them truly understand how to communicate with and train their dogs. That enthusiasm and commitment ultimately prepared her to step confidently into leading her own classes.
Clients love working with Sydney because she brings a rare blend of patience, clarity, and genuine enthusiasm to every lesson. She meets each dog and handler exactly where they are, making training feel approachable, encouraging, and fun. Her calm presence helps nervous owners feel supported, and her sharp eye for canine body language allows her to tailor training plans that set both ends of the leash up for success. Whether she’s guiding a first-time puppy parent or helping a family navigate reactivity, Sydney is dedicated to creating a positive, empowering learning experience.
When she’s not training, she enjoys spending time with her sassy (and thoroughly spoiled) lab mix, Brooklyn, who keeps her laughing and learning every day.