Who We Are
Cindy Lee
Owner & Trainer
Cindy owns four Labrador retrievers and each are certified therapy dogs, and one is also a certified tracking/trailing and scent detection canine. Cindy has received extensive training with other professional dog trainers in the areas of basic/advanced obedience using positive reinforcement approaches. She is also well-versed in the use of remote collars and other training tools to help dogs achieve their full potential. All training interactions are done with care, support, patience, and mutual respect through leadership and structure.
Prior to opening VIPK9, Cindy has spent the past 35+ years working with children and adults with severe behavioral disorders related to Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or mental illness. This experience has tremendous relevance to helping dogs and their owners achieve a solid bond through training, obedience, leadership, and mutual respect. How, you may ask? Dogs, just like people, engage in behaviors (both positive and negative) for a variety of reasons. Determining those reasons is at the root of improving behavior, overall. Cindy believes that "one size does NOT fit all" when it comes to dog training and she will work with you to create the most appropriate and effective approach to helping you achieve your goals with your canine companion.
Stacie Dux
Groomer
Stacie received her grooming certification from Penn Foster. She is an AKC S.A.F.E. certified, pet first aid and CPR certified, and bather and brusher certified groomer with regular attendance at continuing education seminars. Stacie is well-versed in all types of pet grooming with all breeds and has a particular interest in the larger breeds. By working with you and determining your particular desires for your dog's groom, Stacie strives to exceed expectations with a focus on safety and comfort for your dog. By subscribing to the "humanity over vanity" philosophy, your pet will be handled in a patient, caring, and loving manner throughout the groom.
Prior to pursuing her dream of being a dog groomer, Stacie worked for years in assisted living facilities, supporting adults with dementia and associated communication/behavioral challenges. This experience gave her the patience, empathy, and understanding to work with dogs who can't tell you that they may be anxious, frightened, or wary of the whole grooming process. By bringing your dog to Stacie, you can be assured that the experience will be positive and supportive - leaving your dog refreshed and feeling beautiful/handsome!
Rae Lombino
Social Media Manager & Trainer
Rae is an avid animal lover with a variety of pets but has a particular fondness for her six horses, her pit bull Herschel, and her boyfriend's pit bull mix Reign. Rae has worked for years with horses and has an extensive background in horse training and balanced training. She enjoys attending clinics and events to further her education on these training techniques to work both with horses and dogs.
Rae teaches a variety of lessons including obedience work, e-collar training, group classes, and more. Rae’s personal dog, Herschel, experienced significant behavioral issues related to anxiety – her experience with successfully addressing those issues makes her a fantastic addition to VIPK9. Rae also runs her own photography business and assists with managing our website and social media and can often be seen "behind-the-scenes" at VIPK9 events and at lessons when she's not teaching.