Professional Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Certification
Timeline

Samantha Snead

Sunrise Service Dogs
Colorado Springs,Colorado
1
Certification
17
years of professional experience

Professional trainer experienced in canine behavior and training techniques. Demonstrates strong focus on collaboration and achieving results. Adept in positive reinforcement, behavior modification, and obedience training. Known for reliability and adaptability in dynamic environments.

Thorough team contributor with strong organizational capabilities. Experienced in handling numerous projects at once while ensuring accuracy. Effective at prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines.

A hospitality professional prepared to excel in fast-paced settings. Proven experience in delivering friendly and efficient customer service while maintaining welcoming atmosphere. Reliable team player known for adaptability and strong communication skills, always focused on achieving high standards and results.

Work History

Service Dog Trainer

1 Year 3 Months
Sunrise Service Dogs | 07.2025 - Current
  • Instruct groups of 4–12 students weekly on raising, socializing, and training service dogs to support individual needs.
  • Teach students practical training techniques and responsible service-dog handling through structured instruction and hands-on practice.
  • Train service dogs in obedience, public access, and task-specific behaviors for diverse client needs.
  • Work with children and adults with varying disabilities, including autism and mobility-related disabilities.
  • Adapt instruction and training approaches to accommodate individual abilities, learning styles, goals, and service-dog requirements.
  • Provide clear guidance to students and families on maintaining consistent training practices outside of scheduled classes.
  • Monitor, track, and report on student and dog progress and provide individualized feedback to improve training outcomes.
  • Create a supportive, respectful learning environment for students with different levels of experience and ability.
  • Demonstrate patience, professionalism, and strong communication when addressing questions, challenges, and training concerns.
  • Coordinate multiple students, dogs, training activities, and weekly responsibilities while maintaining organization and attention to detail.
  • Promote safe, appropriate, and consistent handling practices while helping students develop confidence and independence with their service dogs.

Owner / Head Trainer

5 Years 2 Months
Canine Insight LLC | 05.2021 - 07.2026
  • Oversaw business operations, integrating finance, marketing, and client relations to enhance overall service delivery.
  • Develop and implement customized training programs for dogs of all breeds and behavioral types.
  • Oversaw client intake, scheduling, and follow-up communications to maintain service consistency.
  • Develop personalized training plans for each dog based on temperament, behavior, and owner goals.
  • Conduct private, in-home lessons tailored to address specific behavioral issues and obedience goals for individual clients.
  • Clean and sanitize kennels, ensuring a safe and hygienic environment for dogs in boarding and training programs in compliance with PACFA (Pet Animal Care Facilities Act) standard.
  • Organize and oversee field trips with dogs to reinforce training in real-world environments, helping dogs adapt to distractions and public settings.
  • Manage business operations, including finance, marketing, and client relations.
  • Delivered ongoing support and education to dog owners, fostering long-term success in training outcomes.
  • Provide dog owners with comprehensive daily video lessons and personalized updates, ensuring they stay informed and engaged in their dog dog training progress.

Barista - Colorado College

3 Months
Bon Appétit | 02.2024 - 05.2024
  • Prepared and served diverse coffee and espresso beverages quickly and accurately, enhancing customer satisfaction.
  • Delivered friendly and efficient customer service to students, fostering a welcoming café environment.
  • Provided friendly and efficient customer service to students, ensuring a positive café experience.
  • Managed cash and card transactions with precision, ensuring accurate register balances at shift end.
  • Managed inventory and restocked supplies to maintain stock levels.
  • Cleaned counters, machines, utensils and seating areas daily.
  • Handled cash and card transactions accurately, balancing registers at the end of shifts.
  • Managed customer flow efficiently during busy periods. with quick and efficient service.
  • Increased understanding of coffee varieties and preparation methods. of coffee styles and varieties.
  • Directed daily team workflows to maintain productivity and consistent service quality.

School Portrait Photographer

7 Months
Interstate Studios | 08.2023 - 03.2024
  • Captured high-quality school portraits for diverse student demographics, enhancing school memories.
  • Ensured a positive and comfortable experience for students, teachers, and staff.
  • Facilitated positive and comfortable experiences for students, teachers, and staff, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Edited and organized digital images for streamlined processing and efficient client selection.
  • Maintained strong communication with team members and school staff to coordinate schedules and meet deadlines.

Dog Trainer

2 Years 6 Months
Sit Means Sit Dog Training | 08.2018 - 02.2021
  • Trained dogs daily using structured programs, improving obedience and behavior.
  • Served as a company leader and Head Trainer, supporting daily operations and maintaining consistent training and customer-service standards.
  • Consulted with pet owners to reinforce training techniques, enhancing understanding of behavior management.
  • Provided individualized training during board-and-train programs (1–4 weeks).
  • Consulted with pet owners to reinforce training techniques and educate on behavior management.
  • Maintained a safe, clean training environment for clients and their pets.
  • Ensured health and safety for boarded dogs by managing cleaning and sanitization of indoor and outdoor kennel runs in compliance with PACFA standards.
  • Followed strict protocols for disinfecting kennels, play areas, and common spaces to prevent the spread of illness and maintain a stress-free environment.
  • Regularly inspected kennel enclosures, exercise yards, and facility conditions to ensure proper maintenance and safety compliance.
  • Monitored dogs' health and behavior during stays, promptly addressing signs of stress or illness to maintain well-being.

Shift Manager

6 Years
Starbucks Coffee | 08.2012 - 08.2018
  • Supervised and motivated team of 10+ employees across multiple stores in three states, enhancing operational efficiency.
  • Managed scheduling, inventory control, and staff training.
  • Trained brand new employees to Starbucks company standards including customer service, time management, beverage preparations, and food service regulations.
  • Delivered exceptional customer service and resolved conflicts effectively.
  • Made and served hundreds of cafe beverages per day with speed, quality, and consistency.
  • Delivered exceptional customer service while effectively resolving conflicts to maintain customer satisfaction.
  • Coordinated scheduling, inventory control, and staff training to ensure smooth operations.
  • Received multiple Partner of the Quarter awards for outstanding leadership.

Waitress

1 Year 1 Month
Nu Bistro | 07.2014 - 08.2015
  • Delivered high-quality service in a modern, high-volume sushi restaurant specializing in Japanese cuisine.
  • Guided guests in sushi selections by providing detailed descriptions of specialty rolls, sashimi, and traditional Japanese dishes to enhance their dining experience.
  • Provided recommendations on sake pairings and other beverages to enhance the dining experience.
  • Accurately took and relayed food and drink orders to the kitchen and sushi chefs, ensuring precision in preparation and presentation.
  • Created a polished and welcoming dining atmosphere by adhering to strict sanitation and hygiene standards, contributing to overall guest satisfaction.
  • Managed cash handling with accuracy and credit transactions efficiently, processed tips, and balanced registers at the end of shifts.
  • Facilitated timely food service to enhance guest satisfaction, table setup, and clearing, ensuring quick table turnovers and seamless service.
  • Addressed customer concerns promptly and professionally, fostering a positive dining experience and encouraging repeat visits.

Waitress

2 Years 10 Months
Denny's Diner | 09.2009 - 07.2012
  • Provided fast and friendly service in a high-volume 24-hour diner environment.
  • Took customer orders accurately and delivered food promptly while maintaining quality standards.
  • Recommended menu items and successfully increased sales through upselling food and beverage options.
  • Processed cash and credit transactions, ensuring accurate register balance at end of shifts.
  • Maintained a clean and organized dining area, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Trained new hires on customer service and restaurant procedures, enhancing team readiness and service quality.
  • Assisted with training new hires, providing guidance on customer service and restaurant procedures.

Education

Certified Dog Trainer

Animal Behavior College | Valencia, CA | 05-2013

Associate of Arts - Photography

Yavapai Community College | Prescott, AZ | 05-2012

Photography, Film Photography, Digital Photoshop

K9 CPR And First Aid | Colorado Springs | 08-2023

K9 CPR & First Aid Certification

No Degree

NePoPo Dog Training | Missouri City, MO | 03-2023

NePoPo New Silver School – Dog Training

Therapy Dog Instructor

K9 Caring Angels Therapy Dogs | 01-2020

Certified Therapy Dog Evaluator

American Kennel Club | 06-2021

American Kennel Club Evaluator

High School Diploma

Bradshaw Mountain High School | Prescott Valley, AZ | 01-2011

Skills

Dog Behavior & Obedience Training
Therapy Dog Evaluation & Training
Certified K9 First Aid and CPR
Client Consultation & Communication
Group Training & One-on-One Lessons
Conflict-Free Training Techniques
Business & Operations Management
Employee Trainer and Record Keeping
Marketing and Promotions
Store Management
Leadership & Team Coordination
Time Management & Scheduling
Customer Service & Conflict Resolution

Accomplishments

  • Successfully conducted group classes for 20+ clients and their dogs.
  • Earned multiple awards in dog training and high level competitions.
  • Supervised team of over 10 staff members.
  • Documented and resolved slow operation times which led to higher gross sales and customer satisfaction.
  • Earned the “Partner of the Quarter” Award in 2016.

Affiliations

  • International Association of Canine Professionals

Certification

K9 CPR & First Aid Certification (2023), Certified Therapy Dog Evaluator (2020), American Kennel Club Evaluator (2020), NePoPo New Silver School – Dog Training (2023)

Timeline

Service Dog Trainer

Sunrise Service Dogs
07.2025 - CurrentRead More

Barista - Colorado College

Bon Appétit
02.2024 - 05.2024Read More

School Portrait Photographer

Interstate Studios
08.2023 - 03.2024Read More

Owner / Head Trainer

Canine Insight LLC
05.2021 - 07.2026Read More

Dog Trainer

Sit Means Sit Dog Training
08.2018 - 02.2021Read More

Waitress

Nu Bistro
07.2014 - 08.2015Read More

Shift Manager

Starbucks Coffee
08.2012 - 08.2018Read More

Waitress

Denny's Diner
09.2009 - 07.2012Read More

Bradshaw Mountain High School

High School Diploma
Read More

Animal Behavior College

Certified Dog Trainer
Read More

Yavapai Community College

Associate of Arts from Photography
Read More

K9 CPR And First Aid

Read More

NePoPo Dog Training

No Degree
Read More

K9 Caring Angels Therapy Dogs

Therapy Dog Instructor
Read More

American Kennel Club

Read More
Samantha Snead