Kathy Santo (IACP CDT, CDTA, PDTI, CCAS) is owner, CEO, and Head Trainer of Kathy Santo Dog Training, Inc. in Waldwick, New Jersey. Kathy is a published author and an accomplished AKC Obedience Competitor as well as a guest on major media outlets and other publications.

Since 1984, Kathy Santo Dog Training has been dedicated to helping individuals and families enjoy better relationships with their dogs, to help develop wonderful dogs that people enjoy having in their presence. Tens of thousands of dogs and their humans have benefited from Kathy’s proven methods in dog training, and her fun-filled approach to both online and in person development.

Sarah, a lifelong dog lover and advocate for animal welfare, has trained a variety of breeds across the East Coast and holds a degree in Canine Training and Management from SUNY Cobleskill.

With eight years of experience, she emphasizes the importance of structure and clear communication in building a harmonious home with your dog. Whether you’re rescuing a new pup or teaching an old one new tricks, Sarah is here to help you raise a well-mannered companion—and maybe share a laugh along the way!

Matt began working with dogs as a walker and pet sitter in his neighborhood at a young age. He continued part-time as a dog walker through high school and eventually joined the team at KSDT.

There, he discovered his passion for dog training, learning methods and behavioral philosophy from Kathy and other experienced trainers. Since 2022, Matt has been training dogs at KSDT.

His achievements include competing in AKC obedience with his rescue dog, Ember, to earn their Beginner Novice title. Matt is also an AKC CGC/CGCA evaluator.

Zamier joined the KSDT team in March 2023, with a lifelong passion for dogs and a dream of working with animals. His love for dog training grew after adopting his first dog, Milo, and he has been training dogs professionally for five years.

Zamier specializes in pet obedience, helping families enjoy their canine companions, and competes in protection sports. He is also passionate about behavior modification and is advancing his career by training dogs for police departments as patrol dogs.

Kay joined the KSDT team in April 2023, bringing a lifelong love for dogs and a passion for training. She began her career in 2019 at another school, building a foundation in socialization, obedience, and body language. At KSDT, she has expanded her skills and found her niche in training.

Kay enjoys exploring dog sports, including agility and protection, and especially loves teaching dogs new tricks. Outside of training, she stays active through fitness, sports, and creating art. She’s excited to continue growing her career and education in dog training!

Lauren has been training dogs at KSDT for over 6 years now. She has her Animal Sciences degree from Penn State University. During her college career, she worked with both domestic and wild animals, volunteered at a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, and interned at the Central Park Zoo. She’s an IACP Certified Dog Trainer, and a Certified Canine Athlete Advisor for Canine Conditioning. She also holds her CGC/CGCA Evaluator for the AKC.

Follow Lauren: @ksdtlauren

Tori discovered her passion for dog training while working with her first service dog. She gained experience interning with organizations that train service dogs for disabled veterans and earned a Bachelor's degree in Canine Training and Management from SUNY Cobleskill, where her expertise in service dogs and behavioral training grew.

After graduating, Tori joined KSDT, training dogs of all types and helping develop Service Dog Academy to meet the area's growing demand for service dog training. Tori is a service dog owner and handler, having trained her own dogs in medical alert and response.

Rosy started her career as a baker but discovered her passion for training through her rescued Chihuahua, Michael, her companion of over six years. During the pandemic, she worked at a pet store, rekindling her love for animals and inspiring her to pursue dog training in 2020.

Her mission is to strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners by building solid foundations. In her free time, Rosy continues her K9 education and enjoys time with her pup!

Angelina has loved animals since childhood, often training dogs at family gatherings. She has worked with several rescues, helping dogs find forever homes and adopting a few herself.

Angelina and her dog, Stella, earned their AKC Beginner Novice title and are now preparing for the Novice title. She also enjoys training agility alongside obedience.

Her passion lies in helping dogs and owners overcome challenges, so they can enjoy the fulfilling life they envisioned together.

Noah has been training dogs since 2018 and holds a bachelor’s degree in Canine Training and Management from SUNY Cobleskill, where he studied canine nutrition, behavior, sports, psychology, and fitness. He interned with Assistance Dogs of the West, training dogs for mobility, psychiatric, and medical services.

In 2022, Noah joined our team, specializing in e-collar training, service dog work, and obedience. He is also certified in animal CPR and canine fitness, creating fitness plans for dogs of all breeds, whether active in sports or as everyday pets.

Stacey has been a dog trainer and involved in therapy dog work for 20 years and teaching at KSDT since 2011. She’s worked with animal shelters and rescue groups teaching them how to be better trainers to increase successful adoptions. Her achievements include numerous American Kennel Club performance awards in conformation, field trials, earthdog, tracking, and obedience trials with wire-haired dachshunds of her breeding as well as training other breeds small and large to achieve their titles. Her college degrees include Elementary Education and Psychology.