HSBV Trainers

Lindsay Wood , MA, CTC
Director of Animal Training and Behavior
Lindsay began her training career as a marine mammal trainer in the Florida Keys from 1997-2004. She trained and implemented behavior modification techniques for a variety of species including Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and California Sea Lions. Prior to graduate school, Lindsay attended the San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers in 2004 and received her certification as a Canine Trainer and Behavior Counselor (CTC) with the distinction of class valedictorian. Lindsay continued developing her expertise in animal behavior and positive, reward-based animal training methods by pursuing and attaining her Master's Degree in Psychology with a concentration in Animal Behavior from Hunter College, NY. In addition to her Master’s degree, Lindsay received the Hunter College Graduate Certificate in the Advanced Psychology of Animal Behavior and Conservation, registered with the New York State Education Department. Her graduate thesis research project assessed the benefit of clicker training shelter dogs to facilitate learning and is featured in Karen Pryor’s book, Reaching the Animal Mind (Scribner, 2009) Lindsay is thrilled to live in Boulder with her Yellow Labrador, Lyra and her cat, Sam.


Shelly Brouwer, CTC
Supervisor of Animal Training and Behavior
Shelly began her training career in 1999 and worked with a variety of exotic animals such as Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, California Sea Lions, and Alaskan sea otters before making the switch to training and resolving behavior problems in companion animals. In 2004, Shelly attended the San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers and received her certification as a Canine Trainer and Behavior Counselor (CTC). She developed and implemented positive reinforcement - based training curricula and clicker training programs for the companion pet clients attending Petco’s training program as well as for the sea lions of Mystic Aquarium, CT! After working with a diverse array of exotic and companion animals, Shelly is enjoying implementing positive reinforcement training techniques with the wonderful dogs and cats at Humane Society of Boulder Valley. Shelly continues to embrace continuing education in the training and behavior field and lives with her shelter dog Sadie, and shelter cat Morrie.


Jai Robichaud, CTC
Training and Behavior Coordinator
Jai Robichaud started at the Humane Society of Boulder Valley as a volunteer in 2000. Since he was hired as an employee in 2002, Jai has held a variety of positions, including Animal Welfare Associate and Foster Care Coordinator, before joining the Training & Behavior Center in 2006. Jai graduated with honors from the San Francisco SPCA's Academy for Dog Trainers in March of 2008. He is excited to use his years of experience with the Humane Society to help the Training Center expand the quality services that they offer the community. Jai lives happily with his dog Spud, a Humane Society Alumnus.


Helena Kokes, IAABC Dog/Cat Associate
Training and Behavior Coordinator
Helena comes to the Humane Society of Boulder Valley from the Dumb Friends League in Denver and has been conducting training and behavior counseling for both cats and dogs since 2003. Helena has a B.S. in both Biology and Zoology with an emphasis on behavior. In September of 2008, Helena was accepted as an associate member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Counselors. Helena brings extensive knowledge and experience with cat behavior, which has included implementing and running kitten training classes. Helena is thrilled to contribute her love and understanding of both cats and dogs and is excited to be a part of the positive trainers' team at the Humane Society of Boulder Valley. Helena gladly shares her life with 3 dogs - Cami, Tucker, and Bu-her personal cat Nermal, and foster kittens and cats!


Marni Cherniss
Dog Trainer
Marni Cherniss has been a Humane Society of Boulder Valley Dog Trainer since 2002. Marni developed the popular "Introduction to Baby Class", geared toward expectant mothers, about how to prepare your dog, and the entire family, for the new arrival. Marni also competes in agility with her Australian Shepherd, Matilda.


Jennifer Benshoof, CPDT
Dog Trainer
Jennifer Benshoof has been at the Humane Society of Boulder Valley Training and Behavior Center sine 1999. Jennifer's teaching background and her passion for positive reinforcement training make her a natural in training dogs and their guardians.


Noelle DeWitt Pierrat, CPDT
Dog Trainer
Noelle joined the Humane Society of Boulder Valley as an Animal Welfare Associate in early 2007, shortly after enrolling in Animal Behavior College to obtain her certification in pet dog training. Now a CPDT, Noelle works in the shelter full time as Animal Services Coordinator and part time as a trainer. She enjoys the fact that she is able to put her training skills to use to help the shelter dogs find good homes! She lives with her two wonderful shelter alums, Sid the Cane Corso and Ollie-Man, a pug mix.