Mary is a professional dog trainer with certification from CATCH Canine Trainers Academy (CCDT) and from Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA). She is a member of The Association of Professional Dog Trainers, certified in pet first aid by the American Red Cross, an American Kennel Club (AKC) Evaluator and a supporting member of IAABC. Mary avidly pursues continuing education by attending conferences and staying current on dog training literature. She has also volunteered at a number of dog rescue organizations and been a therapy team with her dog, Tara at New York Therapy Animals.

You’ll find that Mary is committed to positive reinforcement dog training and providing the most effective training methods to meet her clients’ dog training needs. She will help you build a lifetime bond with your dog through informative and fun classes. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself and your dog laughing and smiling in class as you learn together!

Retiring from a professional ballet career and after a 25 year career as a clinical research specialist at Weill Cornell Medical College, Mary has become a professional dog trainer. She brings with her a sophisticated understanding of scientific principles and a true love for people and dogs. She is a life-long resident of Manhattan and lives with her human and animal family that includes an 18-year-old Sphynx cat, a Chinese Crested dog, a Maltipoo puppy, and a 20-year-old turtle.

Tara's School for Dogs is named after Mary's Chinese Crested named Tara. She's an expert on dogs!