MEET THE CREEKSIDE TEAM
Sarah Shulman-Owner/Head Trainer
Sarah Shulman is a certified Canine Trainer and Behavior Specialist. She attended the internationally acclaimed Starmark Academy for Professional Dog Trainers (formerly Tripple Crown Academy) in Central Texas. Upon graduating Sarah was offered an internship with Starmark Academy and spent three more months training rescue dogs and assisting in the teaching of Starmark's next generation of dog trainers. During her time at Starmark, Sarah was exposed to variety of training techniques and got hands-on experience working with a large assortment of dogs, dealing with various behavior and training issues. When her internship with Starmark was complete Sarah returned to her hometown of Frederick, MD to open her own dog training business.
Sarah remains committed to her further education as a dog trainer frequently attending seminars and continuing to enroll in training courses. Along with gaining her certification at Starmark, Sarah has had one on one coaching with internationally renowned dog behavior expert Tyler Muto. Sarah was born and raised in downtown Frederick, and could think of no better place to start her own business. She has been an active member of the downtown community, having been a Company member with the Maryland Ensemble Theater for over ten years. Along with working various technical positions for the theater, Sarah is also a playwright. Her work has been performed in Frederick as well as DC and New York. Sarah returned from her seven-month stay in Texas excited to serve her community in a brand new way. Sarah continues to live in downtown Frederick with her dogs, who she trained through the Starmark program. She can often be seen walking them, as well as client dogs, along the canal and down Market Street, or traini
Paul Vella-Trainer
After a decade plus long career in the live corporate event and live theatre industry, Paul has made a pivot towards his passion for dogs and shaping good dog behavior. Paul began this journey through an internship with Creekside Canine Training. He then took time to further his dog training education before joining the Creekside team as an official employee. Paul shadowed owner and head trainer Sarah for some time, advancing his training skills and gaining experience with a wide variety of dogs. Paul now works full time as one of Creekside's Canine University trainers, serving as lead trainer for the General Obedience Programs.
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Scott Kennedy-Assistant Trainer
After years crunching numbers in the IMF, Scott hung up his suit and tie to follow his real passion and enter the dog industry. Scott owned and operated K9 Camp, a Dog Daycare and Boarding facility for six years. Through K9 Camp, Scott partnered with Sarah and Creekside on multiple programs before becoming an official member of the team. Now he crunches numbers for Creekside and assists with Puppy Kindergarten and other Canine University programs.
The Creekside Pack
Harvey
Hank
Fitz
Maximus
Harvey is a cattle dog mix. He was rescued from the Wiliamson County Animal Shelter while Mom Sarah was an intern at Starmark. His intelligence, drive, and good-nature made him the perfect candidate for a company demo-dog. His friendly disposition and constant state of happiness made him an instant hit at Starmark. Due to his split-face markings, Harvey's full name is Harvey Dent, after the Batman character Two-Face.
Hank the Tank is a Staffordshire Terrier American Bulldog mix. He was adopted by Mom Sarah at four months after being rescued from the streets of South Carolina. Hank might be a small package but he is a big personality with an incredibly sweet nature. He might not be the smartest pup in the pack but his good temperament and sweet disposition has made him a highly valuable member of the team and his general goofiness has made him a fan favorite.
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Fitz is a Caviler King Charels Spaniel. He moved to Frederick with owner Paul from New York City. Fitz is big dog in a little body. He is a perfect example that dogs of all sizes can profit from and excel at training. Fitz particularly enjoys trick training and agility.
Maximus is a Pit mix. He was rescued by his Dad Scott when he was just 10 weeks old after being left in a box at the Frederick Animal Shelter. Max has come along way in his six years. Highly dog reactive, Max and Scott worked very hard to address these issues. Through a commitment to training, Max now lives a happy and full life without the stress of reactive moments. A goofy cuddle bug, Max never misses an opportunity to show everyone he meets his favorite bone.