Canine Kindergarten Qualified Staff
Our Staff
Maxine Fernandez-Cert IV Dog Behavioural Training
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.
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.
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
Erika Wills
Erika started with Canine Kindergarten in 2021 to further her experience in the animal care industry. Erika previously worked as an animal attendant at Frenches Forest Vet and enjoyed the role of caring for sick animals. She has learnt important skills in using positive training methods and redirecting inappropriate behaviour. She is passionate about animal welfare, training and enrichment. Erika has completed her certificate II in animal studies and plans on gaining more qualifications in animal/Canine behaviour.
Rachel Coleman
Before joining the canine kindy team in 2019, Rachel worked in varied customer service and administration roles and holds a Certificate III & IV in Business Administration via TAFE.
Realising her passion lay with animals (in particualr dogs), Rachel started dog walking, dog sitting and volunteering at Monika’s doggie Rescue.
During this time she joined the kindy team and has completed her Certificate II in Animal Studies at Tafe. She is currently studying her certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training via the Delta Institute.
Rachel wants to continue her studies into Canine behaviour and training.
She is picture with her beloved Jet.
Sophie Byrne
Sophie has been with us since February 2014. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Biodiversity and Conservative at Macquarie University.
Sophie has previously completed Certificate II Animal Studies at Taronga Training Institute and Certificate III-Captive Animals.
Sophie has a Kelpie X named Mossie.
Kayla Beetson
Kayla started working at Canine Kindergarten in 2020 as a junior Canine Teaching Assistant. Kayla has learnt skills in caring for the kindy dogs and applying a positive approach to training them in station/target work and has learnt keen skills in reading and redirecting appropriate behaviour. Kayla has a keen interest in dog grooming and is in training to better her skills in styled grooms.
Qualifications & Professional Experience
- 2013-2015 Working doing pony parties
- 2015 working doing pony rides
- 2015-2019 looking after horses and other farm animals
Kayla is currently studying Certificate III in Animal Care (pet grooming) and in the future she would like to continue learning new skills and is working toward new qualifications working with animals/dogs
Chelsea Cosgrave
Chelsea joined Canine Kindergarten in 2015 after working at a local animal shelter. She holds a Cert II in Animal Studies, Cert IV in Companion Animal Services via Delta Society and she is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner.
Chelsea owns a Pug cross Tibetan Spaniel named Banjo and a cat named Pepper.
Sammy Daniels
Sammy has been with us since the beginning of 2015 and she holds her Certificate ll in Animal Studies at Ultimo TAFE Sydney and currently completing her Certificate lll in Captive Animals at Taronga Training Institute. She wishes to pursue a career in ethology and animal training. Her fur babies consist of Lily, a Staffy cross German Shepard and two cats Eddie and Poppy.
Amy Callaghan
Amy has been with canine kindergarten since February 2014.
She Currently holds certificate 4 in veterinary nursing and certificate 2 in animals studies and in future is keen to open up her own dog walking business.
Amy has a 9 year old female English staffy called Gidget and will continue to pursue more animal/dog training courses.
Charlie Starkey
Charlie started working with us in August 2016. She’s completed a Certificate III in Dog Behaviour & Training through the National Dog Training Federation. Charlie has a deep love of animals and training, and has put her skills to use volunteering at an animal shelter and being a foster carer for a number of years.
She currently has a 2 year old Pomeranian mix named Pikachu, and together they compete in flyball, agility, scentwork and obedience. She also has a cat, who competes for the best spot on the couch.
