Like many people, Shari met Lee when she went to him for help with her dog's aggression issues. She not only was able to work successfully with her dog, but also wound up training owners to train their dogs under Lee's direction at DogBoy's. Shari is an excellent trainer and will consistently impress you with her knowledge of canine behavior and health issues. After five years working with Lee as a trainer and in the kennel, Shari rejoined Lee in 2004 to help enlighten and educate owners and their dogs.  

You might also come across Shari at the Animal Trustees of Austin Spay Neuter Clinic where she has been a veterinary technician for seven years or lecturing at Austin Community College on Canine Behavior. Before working with dogs she was a physicist on seismic research vessels for Schlumberger. Shari can be seen out and about on Town Lake with at least one if not all of her four-dog pack.  Seen pictured here with Schrodi, #1 dog.

APDT Member

Skijoring on vacation with Stormer

Kimberly Burgan, CPDT
Behavior Consultant, Trainer

Kimberly met Lee in 2003 when her foster dog began showing signs resource guarding.  Lee's training philosophy was unlike anything she had seen before.  His approach was not only intriguing, but comforting and ultimately inspired Kimberly to finally take the leap and leave Corporate America to pursue her long-time dream of becoming a professional dog trainer.  Today, Kimberly is certified by the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers, accredited by John Rogerson's Northern Centre for Canine Behavior, and holds a provisional endorsement through The National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors.  Through Kimberly's gentle style and big smiles, one can clearly see a high level of passion and commitment for what she is doing!  

Kimberly graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, but grew up in Southern California with Malamutes, Labradors and Chihuahuas.  She and her dog, Bailey, compete in AKC Rally Obedience and volunteer with Divine Canines, a pet therapy organization.  Kimberly spent several years as a volunteer and Board Member with the Heart of TX Lab Rescue; the organization is still very near and dear to her heart!  Outside of the world of dogs, Kimberly enjoys outdoor family time with her husband, their beautiful baby daughter and three-dog pack. 

APDT Member

 Nationally recognized as 2007 OUTSTANDING TRAINER OF THE YEAR by Association of Pet Dog Trainers!

Paul Mann
Trainer, Behavior Consultant, Assistive Animal Specialist

Paul came to LMCCB as an intern in January, 2005.  Searching for ways to fuse his love for animals and desire to help individuals with disabilities, Paul approached Lee after hearing about some of his programs.  Immediately impressed by LMCCB’s focus on truly improving the relationship between dogs and people, Paul knew that Lee’s unique methods were a great fit for him.  Prior to coming to Lee, Paul gained experience working with individuals with mental retardation and multiple disabilities at the Austin State School (QMRP).  Today, he continues to work with individuals with disabilities through Special Education programs in the public school system.  Paul is currently involved with therapy dog programs run by the Austin State Hospital and Divine Canines.

Paul grew up as the son of a teacher and Lutheran minister.  As a young boy, he would accompany his father on visits to nursing homes and hospitals.  It is such experiences at an early age that Paul attributes his desire to help others in vulnerable situations.  Paul went on to earn a degree in Psychology from the University of Texas and has volunteered for Safe Place and the Austin Humane Society/SPCA.  In his spare time, Paul enjoys spending time with his wife Krislyn and their Chiweenie, Tricksy.  He also loves to play music, camp, hike, and fish.

APDT Member

Britt Gover
Office Manager, Personal  Assistant

Looking to incorporate her love of dogs into her professional life, Britt found herself accepting an administrative position with LMCCB. Her administrative experience and lifelong commitment to animal welfare made the position a natural fit.  Britt received a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from West Virginia University, but during the course of her Master’s program, realized her passion was advocating for animals in need.  After living and working on the east coast her whole life, she landed in Austin in the summer of 2006, joining the Mannix Pack a few months later.  

When she is not in the office alongside her big black pound-dog, Salem , Britt can be found road-tripping through the Hill Country and beyond, watching Mountaineer and Redskins Football, jogging around town, camping, or perfecting her vegan cooking skills.     

Jane Del Re
Trainer, Behavior Consultant, Off-Site Outreach Team Member

A native of South Texas , Jane grew up with many different types of dogs as pets. After earning a degree in Biology, and accidentally landing in the world of high tech sales, Jane has traveled the world to end up right back in Austin , Texas with a dream to help end the unwanted pet problem through training people to have a better relationship with their dogs. Jane was fostering dogs in rescue 6 years ago when she came to Lee in regards to an unruly pup. Not only did she get help with that dog, she got a premise on which found a new kind of dog rescue that focused on Lee's philosophies on training and behavior modification. With Lee's help, she offered a free Obedience and Home Manners Class to the foster homes, and was able to see a difference in the quality of pet dogs they were adopting out, and the lower return rate.

After 6 years training with Lee, ironing out aggression, destruction, anxiety, and all of the many behaviors that land a dog in a shelter, Jane realized it was time to get in front of the problem and try to help people before they get to the point of releasing their pets. She is happily working with the public, and rescue organizations, to help get Lee's simple message out and help people better their relationships with their dogs.  When not teaching classes, Jane is training her own 3 rescued Dalmatians. 

If you see the convertible around town with 2 spotted dogs in doggles as co-pilots…wave!

Lynne has trained dogs since the age of 12 which began with the family basset hound. She most enjoys  the look on a dog's face when seeing the light switch click on and he/she "gets it" as well as the progress each dog gains through proper handling. Having befriended Lee and Shari in 1999, she has studied and asked enough questions to drive the most patient trainer crazy out of a drive to get it just right. Lynne delights in learning new training tactics from the experienced Mannix pack and has also attended seminars by Lee's mentor, John Rogerson . After many years of assisting Lee and Shari in their classes she happily took the assignment of dog tutor, running our Day Training/Tutor Program. She enjoys working the dogs assigned to the program and feels fortunate to have a 'job' that is more enjoyable than any other. Other passions include her own family of 6 dogs, one cat, as well as photography, hiking, good books and movies.

Lynne's Dog Frodo - Lynne's pic coming soon

In October of 2006, Chris came to Lee as an intern seeking the knowledge and skills available in the welcoming environment LMCCB strives to create.  Always feeling connected to animals, Chris spent his childhood living with and around dogs.  While pursuing a degree in Music Performance at Texas State University , Chris spent a year working as a kennel tech at a local boarding facility...he enjoyed the chance to observe hundreds of canines over this time.  Realizing the career of a professional musician would not fulfill his longing to work with animals, Chris joined the United States Air Force to reevaluate his philosophy on life.  While in military service, Chris became involved with Canine Agility, a way of life he feels passionately about.  After four years in the military, Chris once again reflected on his career path and feeling a need to be around dogs, Chris found LMCCB a place he now calls home!  

Chris recently earned his degree in Psychology from Texas State University in an effort to understand people and their relationships with animals.  In February 2008 Chris became an assistant trainer at LMCCB where you will likely meet him in agility class. When he is not camping with his three dogs, he is competing in Agility with one of his Boston Terriers.  Currently Chris is training his Sheltie pup to become the next Agility dog in the pack! 

Inka's Chow Mix, Charlie, led her to LMCCB seeking some assistance.  Charlie ultimately helped her to connect all the right dots at all the right times and landed her as an intern at LMCCB in the Spring of 2007.  Still fairly new to the world of dogs, Inka continues to learn as much as she can by watching and listening to the encouraging and helpful members (and Leader) of the Mannix Pack.  She is particularly interested in learning to connect with and rehabilitate Feral dogs, as Charlie's mom was feral.  Inka completed her LMCCB internship in December 2007 and is now an Assistant Trainer with us.

Originally from Germany, Inka migrated to the US in 1986 and worked as a baker and pastry-chef for 12 years.  In 2000 she found herself in the gardening industry.  When she's not interning at LMCCB, you'll find her at the Barton Springs Nursery on weekends, tending to plants and customers.  At home, the animal enthusiast enjoys caring for her 13 pets (including 4 chickens and a chameleon). Outside of gardening and animals, she enjoys reading, jogging and Yoga...but she'd rather spend her extra time playing with her 3 dogs, Charlie, Jessy and newest member Kodiak.!