by Rachel Loehner
The Trainer-Mentors of The Jackson Galaxy Project’s Cat Pawsitive Pro (CPP) program play a vital role in the program’s success. They guide their assigned shelter throughout the semester and teach the staff and volunteers how to use positive reinforcement methods with the cats in their care.
Through clicker training, the goal is to allow the shelter cats to be the best versions of themselves, reduce stress and anxiety, and hopefully allow them to be adopted into homes quicker. To accomplish this, the Trainer-Mentors provide the training and support that their shelter needs throughout the program. While they are available to help with specific behavior issues that may arise, the Trainer-Mentors are also there to celebrate the wins. When a shy cat makes eye contact for the first time or a long-time shelter resident is finally adopted into a home – you can bet that the Trainer-Mentor will be the first one to congratulate the team.
With Cat Pawsitive Pro now rolling into its 5th semester, most of the Trainer-Mentors are familiar faces. But for this upcoming 2019 spring semester, we welcome one new Trainer-Mentor to the team. Let’s meet the Cat Pawsitive Pro Trainer-Mentors now!
Miranda K. Workman, MS, CABC, CBCC-KA
- Cat Pawsitive Pro role: Lead Trainer-Mentor and Program Content Developer
- Current Profession: Clinical Assistant Professor, Canisius College and PhD Candidate, University at Buffalo
What is your favorite part about Cat Pawsitive Pro?
“My favorite part is the ‘improbable success stories.’ Seeing cats and humans gain confidence when they learn how to communicate is heart-warming.”
What’s a fun fact about yourself?
“My favorite TV show is Doctor Who. I think the number of species they encounter on the show is full of possibility!”
Samantha Bell
- Cat Pawsitive Pro role: 4th semester as a Trainer-Mentor
- Current Profession: Cat Behavior & Enrichment Lead for Best Friends Animal Society Los Angeles
- Samantha’s Assigned Shelter: Simply Cats Adoption Center
What is your favorite part about Cat Pawsitive Pro?
“My absolute favorite part of CPP is watching the shy cats come out of their shells. It brings me to tears every single time. To me, that’s what this is all about.”
What’s a fun fact about yourself?
“I lived in Tokyo for a couple of years while I worked at Tokyo Disneyland, performing in parades and on stage! I learned to speak Japanese and even taught Japanese classes when I moved back to the US.”
Molly DeVoss, CFTBS, RM
- Cat Pawsitive Pro role: 1st semester as a Trainer-Mentor
- Current Profession: Cat Behavior Specialist for Cat Behavior Solutions
- Molly’s Assigned Shelter: New Beginnings Animal Rescue
What are you most looking forward to this semester?
“I’m really looking forward to getting to know and helping the people and cats at New Beginnings Animal Rescue.”
What’s a fun fact about yourself?
“I’m an artist and often paint the ‘urgent’ shelter cats. I’m also a Reiki Master and use the energy to calm and heal cats.”
Cary Munschauer, CCBC
- Cat Pawsitive Pro role: 3rd semester as a Trainer-Mentor
- Current Profession: Cat Behavior Consultant and Cat Retention Counselor for the SPCA Serving Erie County and the Wyoming County SPCA
- Cary’s Assigned Shelter: EASEL Animal Rescue League
What is your favorite part about Cat Pawsitive Pro?
“My favorite part of CPP is seeing the excitement from the trainers as the cats begin to come out of their shells and move forward. The celebrations when these cats are adopted from the whole CPP community is just wonderful!”
What’s a fun fact about yourself?
“I love to cook and bake and have a catering business.”
Sara Russell, CPDT-KA, KPA CTP and Fear Free™ Certified Professional
- Cat Pawsitive Pro role: 4th semester as a Trainer-Mentor
- Current Profession: Dog Training Instructor and Behavior Consultant
- Sara’s Assigned Shelters: Angels of Assisi and Gifford Cat Shelter
What are you most looking forward to this semester?
“What I’m really looking forward to this semester is that it’s an extended semester and we’ll have more time to work on behavior modification with some of the anxious, fearful or “feisty” cats. As much as I love clicker training, I think a lot of cats may miss out if they are too shy to offer too many behaviors right away. Shy cats were always my soft spot when working in the shelter.”
What’s a fun fact about yourself?
“I originally went to school for Finance but started a temporary summer job at an animal shelter and ended up being there for 11 years before leaving to my current workplace.”
Carrie Seay, MS-CABAC, CBCC-KA
- Cat Pawsitive Pro role: 2nd semester as a Trainer-Mentor
- Current Profession: Animal Behavior Consultant and owner of Carrie Pawpins, a cat sitting and feline behavior modification service provider
- Carrie’s Assigned Shelters: Happy Tales Ranch and Rescue and SPCA of Brazoria County
What is your favorite part about Cat Pawsitive Pro?
“The empowerment that it provides, not only to the staff and volunteers but also to the cats involved in the program. The cats gain confidence by learning new behaviors and becoming more comfortable in their living situation.”
What’s a fun fact about yourself?
“I was born in Hawaii.”
Lisa Stemcosky, CCBC, CPDT-KA, SBA
- Cat Pawsitive Pro role: 4th semester as a Trainer-Mentor
- Current Profession: Feline Behavior Manager at Humane Rescue Alliance and owner of PawLitically Correct, an in-home private cat behavior and training service
- Lisa’s Assigned Shelters: Independent Cat Society, SPCA of the Triad, and St. Sophia’s Forgotten Felines
What are you most looking forward to this semester?
“Getting to know the team leaders, trainers, and the cats that we’ll be working with. Watching those cats learn and blossom with the training they’ll be providing.”
What’s a fun fact about yourself?“I’m a certified scuba diver and love visiting islands and diving with my husband.”
Want to keep up with news about the lifesaving work of The Jackson Galaxy Project’s Cat Pawsitive Pro initiative? Follow us on Facebook at The Jackson Galaxy Project.
