Catherine Comden Email & Phone Number

Oregon, United States

Education and Community for Pet Professionals. I help pet pros learn to improve their relationships and increase their profits through effective coaching methods.

Montana, Indiana, Oregon

Since 1993 I have helped thousands of dog owners, service dog handlers, and volunteer therapy dog partners get great results, have tremendous relationships with their dogs through compassionate training and discover the benefits of the human-canine bond. I have coached people with physical, mental and/or emotional challenges. I have worked with people who have mobility impairments, hearing impairment/deafness, multiple personality disorder and post-traumatic stress disorders.Helped individuals and families accomplish their objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluating their canine problems and creating specific solutions. Assessed needs, designed lesson plans and collaborated to develop complex behavior change plans within multifaceted family systems. Used active listening, empathy, and conflict resolution skills to create rapport, increase compliance and successfully navigate thousands of complicated behavior counseling sessions. Drove safely to clients' homes for consultation appointments, seeing as many as 20 unique clients each week in this manner. In group classes each week, I saw from 15-30 more clients.Educated clients through group and private classes, which I developed by researching current curricula, attending professional development seminars, and reading many books and trade publications. Continually revised, updated and improved processes and materials to perform at highest level of industry standard. While giving exceptional customer service from first contact to completed project, assessed needs, designed training programs and collaborated to develop complex behavior change plans. Used strong active listening and conflict management skills. Educated clients through group and private classes. Wrote student guides, blogs, lesson plans. Handled all business promotion and development. Used Survey Monkey, PowerPoint, Word.Reinstated this client-serving business in 2020.

Salem, Oregon, United States

Developed and instructing training programs for patients in a psychiatric in-patient facility to train resident service dogs. Tasks the dogs performed included mobility support and psychiatric response (PTSD/trauma). Created and implemented staff instruction, data tracking. Facilitated relationship with community partner for provision of dogs and implementation of established curricula.

Salem, Or

Assess current instructional programs, innovate new training classes using PowerPoint. Provide expertise to entrepreneurs in lean start-up, marketing, writing business plans, filing appropriate forms, best business practices. As Start-up Team Lead, coordinate rural chamber of commerce outreach. Lead adviser for SEAP clients. Use online database to document, track and follow-up on clients.

Internet

As an online presenter, I help hundreds of professional dog trainers reach their CPDT-KA goals through teaching a robust course which prepares them for the exam: Researched and reviewed subject matter and then created, update and instruct multiple online professional development, certification exam preparation and continuing education courses, using PowerPoint, audio recordings and webinar tools. Utilize LMS, web tools, audio and visual production tools and screen-casting software to conduct live, interactive webinars and moderate online social network groups. Conduct follow-up satisfaction research with Survey Monkey.

Salem, Oregon

Interviewed, counseled and instructed hundreds of pet owners in behavior change strategies with strong conflict management skills as a team leader. Evaluated and trained shelter dogs and established a team of trainers to work with the shelter's most behaviorally challenging dogs. Created and instructed public-facing pet dog training classes. Performed advanced behavior counseling as a service to pet owners. Developed departmental program strategies. Provided expert customer service, involving needs assessment, assistance and evaluation of customer satisfaction. Innovated intake redesign to reduce risk, collaborated to develop new volunteer training to increase safety and procedural compliance. Created, hosted, edited and produced educational and promotional videos using PowerPoint, Final Cut Pro, and Google. Managed client database. Produced accurate program reports. Increased program outreach through coordination and presentation of live audience educational talks. Coached guest speakers through technology issues.

Salem, Oregon

Research, develop and instruct 50-contact hour professional certification preparation course to adult learners through hands-on mentoring, PowerPoint lectures and workshop format, comprising of content on soft skills that focus on active listening, coaching, and conflict management; lean business practices, including strategic development, marketing and review for bi-annual, non-credit course program. Create Survey Monkey for evaluation of student satisfaction.

Under the direction of board-certified veterinary behaviorist, supported and instructed clients of the Purdue University Veterinary Animal Behavior Clinic. Collaborated in the development and instruction of the Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital ABC Puppy School: Designed instruction, utilizing materials developed elsewhere and modifying upon the advice of Veterinary Behaviorist. Involved in the supervision and training of technician students to volunteer and intern support for the clinic. Presented the puppy class design at a professional continuing education conference for veterinary technicians.Assisted in the instruction of veterinary students and veterinary technician students in animal behavior & training, canine development, learning theory and puppy class curriculum. Assisted in the organization and instruction of the first DOGS! Course (a five-day seminar) for dog trainers and veterinary technicians. Developed outreach strategies and marketing opportunities for this course and for the behavior clinic. Instructed behavior clinic clients as directed in 1-1 customized coaching sessions. Evaluated skills, presented complex content and helped people effectively create change strategies for their families. Conducted follow-up through phone calls and appointments. Initiated, co-developed and instructed new public training course. Collaborated in the design of an innovative professional development seminar. Instructed students and behavior clinic clients. Created behavior change strategies for clients. Excelled at customer service, including needs assessment, and evaluation of satisfaction. Performed bereavement counseling and instructed students in the use of counseling techniques.

Instrumental in the evaluation, selection and training of hearing and service dogs for people with deafness and mobility challenges. Involved in the development and implementation of selection and training strategies for shelter dogs and purpose-bred puppies. Planned and provided group instruction, training facilitation, fund raising presentations, and canine training demonstrations. Recruited, coordinated and supervised volunteers in dog training, fundraising and public relations. Consulted with subject matter experts for development of program needs, training strategies and client training methods. Served as program liaison to similar programs in different states, traveling to connect and bring back key information to develop our strategies. Represented the organization to shelters, breeders, donors and other stakeholders, interacting comfortably and professionally in diverse situations.Wrote client instruction manual and volunteer training manual. Matched clients with trained dogs. Assessed client skill, coached for improvement and motivated clients through positive reinforcement. Traveled to meet clients in their homes and workplaces for training and support. Served as point of contact for clients through the training process. Learned basic ASL for communication to deaf handlers. Collaborated with interpreter and lead trainer during sessions. Instructed puppy raisers by phone, and in live coaching sessions.

Master Of Education - Med, Information Technology, A

In progress

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Psychology, 3.97

Activities and Societies: Phi Kappa Phi STAR Dog Services Co-Founder Therapy Dog Instructor

Animal Health Technician, Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician And Veterinary Assistant