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Our People

At For the Love of Dogs Academy, we’re lucky to have a passionate, down-to-earth team of people who are all here for the same reason: to create meaningful opportunities for people and dogs to connect, learn, and grow together.

Our Board

Our volunteer board brings together a diverse mix of experience across varying sectors. They provide the strategic guidance and accountability needed to keep our mission on track and help shape the future of our programs and services.

Canine Care Team

Our Canine Care team is the heart of the action at our Northern Beaches site. From sunrise tail wags to home time snuggles, they make sure every dog in our care feels safe, enriched, and loved, while also supporting our program participants to build confidence and hands-on skills in the animal care space.

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Each member of the team brings professional experience, a calm and caring approach, and a deep love of dogs. Whether they’re managing group play, leading training activities, or giving pups a fresh clip in the grooming salon, they do it with patience, kindness and a strong focus on animal wellbeing.

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Maxine Fernandez

Canine Programs Manager

I first started working with animals many years ago at the RSPCA, Yagoona. I developed a passion for dog training and especially behaviour and started offering puppy classes, which I did for many years. During this time I completed my Veterinary Nursing Certificate and Certificate IV in Dog Behavioural Training.

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I was also lucky to have worked at the Veterinary Specialist Centre, in Sydney as a senior surgical nurse and completed my Diploma in Surgical Nursing. During this time I continued to run training classes and established Canine Kindergarten.

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Owner of a a french bulldog named Evie.

 

My qualifications include:

  • Dip.CBST-Diploma of Canine Science and Technology (casinstitute.com)

  • Canine Good Citizen (CGC™) instructor, accredited through the Delta Society of Australia

  • Certificate IV in Dog Behavioural Training

  • Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

  • Diploma in Surgical Nursing

  • KPA CTP-Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner

  • Completed 12 months study at the grooming school in Newcastle with Christine Speerin ICMG

Demi Ward

Canine Care & Training Assistant

My goal is to help dogs feel safe, seen and supported. 

 

From my early days as a Canine Teaching Assistant to working with Guide Dogs Australia, I have always been passionate about positive, fear-free training that builds lasting trust, confidence and connection. I take a whole-dog approach to behaviour. Not just looking at what is happening but exploring why it is happening. By understanding the root causes of behaviour and supporting your dog’s needs, I aim to help build a calm, connected life together. 

 

I am also the founder of Pillar of Paws – a space dedicated to emotional wellbeing and holistic support for both dogs and their humans. It is more than training – it’s about helping families truly understand their dog and bringing kindness, clarity and care to every step of the journey.


My qualifications include:

  • Cert II Animal studies with TAFE NSW

  • Cert IV Companion Animal Services with TAFE NSW 

  • Certified Training Partner with Karen Pryor Academy (KPA-CTP)

  • Certificate of Dog Training - Foundations with Karen Pryor Academy 

  • Diploma in Canine Behaviour and Science Technology with CASI (Dip.CBST)

  • Fitness Certificate with CASI

  • Canine First Aid with Absolute Dogs

  • Pro Dog Trainer with Absolute Dogs 

  • Pro Dog Trainer Geek with Absolute Dogs 

  • Canine Conditioning Fitness Coach with Do More With Your Dog (CCFC)

  • Canine Massage Certificate with Dogs 4 Motion Academy

  • Aromatherapy for Pets with Australian College of Aromatherapy 

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Erika Wills

Canine Care & Training Assistant

I started with the team in 2021 to further my experience in the animal care industry. I previously worked as an animal attendant at Frenches Forest Vet and enjoyed the role of caring for sick animals. I have learnt important skills in using positive training methods and redirecting inappropriate behaviour. I am passionate about animal welfare, training and enrichment.

My qualifications include:

  • Certificate II in Animal Studies

Kayla Beetson

Canine Care, Training & Grooming Assistant

I started working with Canine Kindergarten in 2020 after working with horses and other farm animals before realising my passion was with dogs. During my time at CK, I have completed Certificate III in Animal Care (pet grooming).
 

I have a keen interest in styled teddy bear clips and would like to further my education in canine training and behaviour in the near future.
 

My fur baby is Squid, a 2yr old koolie x catahoula leopard dog.

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My qualifications include:

  • Certificate III in Animal Care (pet grooming)

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Rachel Coleman

Canine Care & Training Assistant

Before joining the team in 2019, I worked in varied customer service and administration roles and hold a Certificate III & IV in Business Administration via TAFE.

 

Realising my passion for animals (in particular dogs), I started dog walking, dog sitting and volunteering at Monika’s Doggie Rescue. Since joining the team, I have focused on studies to improve my skills and knowledge to support the dogs in our care.

 

My qualifications include:

  • Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour & Training via The Delta Institute

  • Certificate II in Animal Studies

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