Sheri Sylvester
Santa Fe,TX
Summary
Dynamic pet trainer with a proven track record at PetSmart, achieving a 70% rollover rate through innovative training techniques and strong communication skills. As a founder of two non-profits, I excel in public speaking and fundraising, effectively managing teams and driving impactful animal-assisted therapy programs.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Pet Trainer III
PetSmart
League City, TX
03.2024 - Current
- Instructed owners on proper techniques to train their pets using positive reinforcement methods.
- Met sales plan every week
- Overall approximately 70% roll over rate
- Scheduled training classes
- Maintained all necessary paperwork
- Developed and utilized innovative marketing channels
- Maintained pet training rink
- Maintained a safe and welcoming environment for pets and their parents
- Recommended and and sold merchandise and services
Horseback Riding Instructor
Self-employeed (Sherlock Farms)
Santa Fe , TX
01.1993 - Current
- Taught able-bodied and special needs students animal training and horsemanship skills.
- Organized and managed local horse shows.
- Presented at seminars, workshops, and conferences nationally about starting animal assisted therapy programs.
- Organized and facilitated corporate retreats
- Maintained accurate records to comply with federal, state and local standards.
Pet Trainer
PetSmart
Alvin, TX
02.2023 - 02.2024
- Instructed owners on proper techniques to train their pets using positive reinforcement methods.
- Met sales plan every week
- Overall approximately 70% roll over rate
- Scheduled training classes
- Maintained all necessary paperwork
- Developed and utilized innovative marketing channels
- Maintained pet training rink
- Maintained a safe and welcoming environment for pets and their parents
- Recommended and and sold merchandise and services
Founder Executive Director
Cheerful Hearts Animal Assisted Therapy
Santa Fe, TX
08.2016 - 08.2020
- Oversaw all operations of non-profit animal assisted therapy visits
- Developed policy and procedure manual, articles of incorporation,
- Trained and managed therapy teams.
- Worked with the Santa Fe Resiliency Center after Santa Fe High School shooting
- Served as spokesman at press conferences or interviews when needed
Founder Executive Director
Flying Free Equitherapy
Santa Fe, TX
01.2002 - 06.2014
- Recruited, trained, and managed 50 volunteers
- Managed 2 employees
- Supervised volunteer groups that required community service hours
- Taught 65 special needs students weekly
- Wrote and secured grant funding of $350,000 for capital improvements
- Many media appearances
- Developed policy and procedure manual, articles of incorporation, and bylaws
- Organized fundraising and volunteer recognition events
- Managed conflict resolution for all stakeholders
Education
Certificate - Interior Design
Robeson Design
On-line05-2022
Certificate - Certified Therapeutic Horsemanship Instructor
PATH
Denver, CO05-2014
Certificate - Non-profit Management
University of Chicago
Remote08-2006
Certificate - Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor
NARHA
Denver, CO05-2003
High School Diploma -
Pearland High School
Pearland, TX05-1983
Skills
- Therapy animal training
- Non-profit management
- Business start ups
- Public Speaking
- Media relations
- Fundraising
- Strong teaching skills
- Strong communication skills
- Conflict resolution skills
- Recruiting, training, and motivating employees and volunteers
- Bookkeeping
- Budgeting
- Organizational skills
- Maintains composure in emergent situations
- Detail oriented
Timeline
Pet Trainer III
PetSmart
03.2024 - Current
Pet Trainer
PetSmart
02.2023 - 02.2024
Founder Executive Director
Cheerful Hearts Animal Assisted Therapy
08.2016 - 08.2020
Founder Executive Director
Flying Free Equitherapy
01.2002 - 06.2014
Horseback Riding Instructor
Self-employeed (Sherlock Farms)
01.1993 - Current
Certificate - Interior Design
Robeson Design
Certificate - Certified Therapeutic Horsemanship Instructor
PATH
Certificate - Non-profit Management
University of Chicago
Certificate - Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor
NARHA
High School Diploma -
Pearland High School