Meet Our Trainers
What sets Carolina Canine Training apart from other dog training companies? CCT trainers are former professional instructors and/or interns to over 300 aspiring dog trainers at a world renowned school for dog trainers, Starmark Academy in Hutto, TX.
Our students are currently training dogs and owners all over the United States as well as all over the world. We are top level certified Canine Training & Behavior Specialists with the knowledge and experience to enrich your relationship with your dog – regardless of age, breed, or behavior.
LIZ STAMEY
Owner and Founder of Carolina Canine Training
Liz is a native of Concord, NC and graduated from The University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a BS in Biology Pre-Med and minors in both Chemistry and Forensic Science in 2006. Two weeks after graduation she traveled to Austin, Texas to attend a three month Canine Training & Behavior Specialist program. Upon completion, Liz was selected as an apprentice and was soon hired on as an Instructor, and eventually the Director at the same international school for dog trainers. From 2006 -2009, she instructed over 200 aspiring dog trainers in all aspects of dog training. During this time she competed in Schutzhund (a tracking, obedience, and protection sport) with her German Shepherd, Yoda. They competed at a Regional Championship where Yoda was the highest scoring female in the protection phase. Liz also competed in Agility and trained dogs for Narcotics Detection. In 2009, Liz moved back to NC and founded Carolina Canine Training.
Five years later, she put CCT on hold and returned to the school where her career began to be the Lead Instructor and develop new curriculum. Over a period of nine months, Liz rebuilt the program and found that while she loved teaching professionals, her true passion was helping dog owners reach their personal goals with their dogs. Liz has continued her own education by attending IACP and APDT conferences and is certified as an Associate K9 NoseWork Instructor and a PetTech Pet First Aid & CPR Instructor. She is also certified as an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and has certified three of her personal dogs through Therapy Dogs International. Liz believes that regardless of age, breed, or behavior, all dogs have the potential to be better companions through proper communication.
CHRIS KENNEDY
Shortly after High School, Chris enlisted in the United States Army in June 2001 serving for 6 years in various locations such as South Korea and Iraq. He learned the importance of leadership, dedication, structure and routine. After spending 6 years in Tucson, Arizona working various labor intensive jobs he decided to follow is true passion, dogs. Chris became a Certified Canine Trainer & Behavioral Specialist from the acclaimed Starmark Academy for Professional Dog Trainers outside of Austin, Texas in May 2014. Chris was selected to be an intern for the next Starmark Academy class where he assisted students, instructors, and trainers with over a 100 dogs.
Chris’ interests lie in Protection Sport Association, scent discrimination, and search and rescue. Chris is excited to call North Carolina his new home and is looking forward to the arrival of his German Shepard puppy to begin PSA training.
BRITTANY LINKENHEIMER
After graduating from Santa Fe University of Art & Design with a Bachelors of Fine Arts, Brittany worked as a Director of a Fine Arts Gallery in Santa Fe, NM. In 2011, Brittany switched career paths and started working for Gap Inc. After working as a Customer Service Lead and Store Visuals for 3 years, she decided to find a way to make a career out of helping rescue dogs. Soon enough, Brittany became a Certified Canine Trainer & Behavioral Specialist from the acclaimed Starmark Academy for Professional Dog Trainers outside of Austin, Texas in May 2014. Brittany was selected to be an intern for the next Starmark Academy class where she assisted students, instructors, and trainers with over a 100 dogs.
Brittany’s interests lie in clicker training, agility, canine nosework, therapy dog training, and behavior modification. She is excited to call North Carolina her new home and is looking forward to getting involved with local shelters.