TRAINER BIOS
We look forward to seeing you in class!
Our trainers come from an array of backgrounds and training experiences.
For information on the instructor assigned to your upcoming session, please refer to the class description.
Please note K9 OTC trainers are not available by request or for 1:1 private training.
Lenore Vizzone
Years of Experience: 50+ Years
Areas of Experience:
Competition Obedience (Utility Level), AKC Rally, Conformation, Herding, Lure Coursing, Pet Manners
A dedicated K-9 OTC instructor since 1998, Lenore brings over five decades of professional dog training, grooming salon ownership, and national handling experience to the ring.
Having trained multiple collies to high-level Utility titles across AKC, UKC, and CDSP registries, she earned the distinguished honor of two consecutive invitations to the National Obedience Invitational.
Her training approach centers on finding joyful, engaging methods to help dogs learn essential skills without stress. Lenore specializes in guiding novice handlers step-by-step so they can achieve their personal obedience and performance goals.
Ask Lenore about building reliable obedience while having serious fun with your dog!
Diane Kramer
Years of Experience: 30+ Years
Areas of Experience:
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen (COG), Obedience (UDX/OM), Rally Master, Agility, Field Trails, Therapy Dog Training
Diane began training in 1993 with her first Rottweiler, progressing through advanced competition degrees under nationally renowned mentors like Jack & Wendy Volhard.
She has trained her Labrador Retrievers to high-level AKC titles, including Utility Dog Excellent (UDX), Obedience Master, Rally Master, Agility, and multiple High in Trial awards, alongside certified therapy dog work.
As an official AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy and Canine Good Citizen (CGC) evaluator, Diane teaches and assists across all class levels at K-9 OTC. Her coaching focuses on building structured teamwork, impulse control, and joyful handler focus.
Ask Diane about earning your dog's AKC titles and build a lasting bond!
Joni Primas
Years of Experience: 45+ Years
Areas of Experience:
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen (COG), Competition Obedience, AKC Rally, Ring Readiness, Breed Handling, Master Level Agility, Dock Diving, Therapy Dog Training
Joni discovered the sport of competitive obedience in 1979 when she joined K-9 OTC with her first collie, starting a lifelong dedication to canine sports.
Over the past four decades, she has trained and handled numerous collies to advanced obedience and rally titles.
Her extensive leadership with K-9 OTC includes serving as Club Secretary, Board Member, Club President, and Training Director. Joni’s deep ring experience helps handlers understand AKC judging criteria and build clear communication with their dogs.
Ask Joni how to transform everyday skills into competition-ready obedience!
Joanne Kent
Years of Experience: 15+ Years
Training Areas:
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen (COG), Loose-Leash Walking, Behavior Management, Large Breed Handling, AKC Champion Dog (CD), AKC Rally
Joanne expanded her lifelong love of dogs into professional handling over 15 years ago while running a professional dog walking business focused on leash safety and behavior control.
In 2008, training her German Shepherd Dog, Voltaire, revealed the deep bond created through structured obedience and ignited her passion for ring competition.
After joining K-9 OTC in 2013, she earned multiple Rally titles and an AKC Companion Dog (CD) title before stepping up to serve on the Board and as Club President. Joanne actively trains her young dog, Matisse, for performance sports while teaching handlers how clear structure enhances daily life.
Ask Joanne how to turn daily walks into an enjoyable, connected partnership!
Mary Gallagher
Years of Experience: 20+ Years
Training Areas:
Independent & Large Breed Training, Novice to Utility Obedience, AKC Rally, Therapy Dog Preparation
Mary entered dog sports by adding two Great Pyrenees to her family with no prior leash or indoor experience, turning a difficult challenge into a rewarding coaching career.
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Proving that independent livestock guardian breeds can thrive in performance rings, she trained Alicia Keys to become the 2019 Great Pyrenees Obedience Dog of the Year (and first Pyr Utility dog since 2009) alongside Great Pyrenees Rally award winner Batman.
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Her training philosophy proves that patience, persistent positive reinforcement, and mutual trust can unlock the potential in any breed. In addition to sport titles, Mary prepares dogs for certified therapy visits with seniors and children.
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Ask Mary how to discover your dog’s full capabilities and strengthen your working partnership!
Lisa Brooks
Years of Experience: 25+ Years
Training Areas: AKC Rally, Competition Obedience, Agility, Breed Handling, Performance Foundations
Lisa has been actively training and competing in canine performance sports since 2001, earning national titles across multiple registries including AKC, USDAA, and UKI.
Her current working team includes two owner-handled champion Standard Poodles- five-year-old Bram (AKC Rally Championship (RACH), Companion Dog (CD) & pursuing agility MACH), and two-year-old Jace (pursuing CD & Rally Master titles) and her young Chinese Crested puppy, Rufio, who is mastering sport foundations and conformation.
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Inspired by Bram's championship journey, Lisa began teaching Rally to demystify ring rules, build handler confidence, and prove that big goals are within reach for any dedicated team. Her coaching philosophy centers on making training genuinely fun while helping each unique dog-and-handler team unlock clear communication and trust.
Step into the ring with Lisa to build your sport foundations and discover the exciting joy of AKC Rally!