Shore Dogs Unleashed

Michele earned her Ph.D. from Rutgers University, School of Criminal Justice, is a New Jersey Advanced Certified Animal Control Officer, and has training as a Veterinary Assistant. Michele completed the Victoria Stillwell Academy Dog Training Course in 2025, holding the credentials as a Victoria Stilwell Certified Dog Trainer (VSA-CDT). Additional education includes the Karen Pryor Academy Online Dog Trainer Course, Trish McMillan Shelter Dog Behavior Mentorship as well as Cat Behavior Mentorship, Dog Bite Prevention Educator and Fear Free Shelter Program. Michele started her career working with animals in 2017 as a volunteer dog walker at the Monmouth County SPCA. Shortly thereafter, she accepted a position as an animal care technician, and grew into the additional roles of adoption counselor and animal control officer. Over the years, she held positions at Humane Rescue Alliance/St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center (Adoption Manager), Sammy’s Hope Animal Welfare Center (Shelter Manager), and Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter (Shelter Operations and Behavior Manager). Through each position, Michele ensured each animal received the medical, behavioral and wellness care that best met each individual animal's needs. Through dog training, Michele is devoted to improving the well-being of animals through positive reinforcement, fear free training training and public education. In addition, Michele is an active member in good standing in APDT, IAABC and PPG.