Sam Wolfman, KPA CTP, CPDT-KA

Sam is a Northern VA native who got into animal welfare after leaving her career in the retail world. While working at her local shelter, Sam learned everything she could about animal behavior, with a focus on dogs and cats. From there, she knew she has found her passion.

As she earned multiple certifications in dog training, Sam climbed the ranks of the shelter Behavior Team, up to the role of Director of Behavior and Pathway Planning. During this time she positioned her shelter as an educational resource for volunteers, fosters, and the surrounding community, while supporting dogs and cats with a variety of behavior problems.

Thirsty for knowledge and wanting to learn more about how to support animals with problem behaviors, Sam has transitioned to her current role at ABWC in order to continue her educational journey. Currently Sam hold certifications from the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA), the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), and is a Fear Free Certified Certified Trainer. Sam has her own dog training business based in Alexandria, VA, where she resides with her partner, her reactive dog Nola (the inspiration for her interest in dog behavior), and her two fish, Caesar and Pauly D (Vinny recently passed on. RIP Vinny.) In her spare time, Sam loves to listen to true crime podcasts while caring for her large collection of plants or pretending to garden, as well as reading mystery novels with a cup of coffee.v

els with a cup of coffee.