The A Sound Beginning Program is an organization of like-minded professionals who support the canine rescue community. Everything we do and the businesses and people we are affiliated with all follow the same basic principles: fear-free training and positive interactions with all the animals in our community.

The Sound Beginning Program consists of our not-for-profit, our licensed training affiliates, and important members of the rescue community including shelters and foster-based organizations.

Positive Solutions for A Sound Beginning, NFP

This is the not-for-profit arm of our organization. As a 501c3 charity, we provide behavioral education and training support for the people who work and volunteer in the rescue community.

Our volunteer Board of Directors

• Julie Dorsey-Oskerka, President

• Pat Rattray, Secretary

• Candace Schulze, Treasurer

• Jeff Joyce, Director of Shelter Behavior Program

• Rebecca Cann, Director

Other volunteers who selflessly contribute their time and talents to support our mission

• Liz Mishima KPA CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner), ASB Program Manager & Director of Training

• Kristi Kaempfer CPDT (Certified Professional Dog Trainer)

• Amy Saletta KPA CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner), ASB Program Manager

• Lou Ann Forbes, Blue Sky Prairie Textiles (Sniff-it creator)

Our Licensed Training Affiliates

These are businesses that follow the same training protocol as our organization. They offer 1-1 consultations providing personal support for your pet’s training and behavioral needs through in-home and online services.

• A Sound Beginning Chicago (Northern Illinois and greater Chicagoland area)  www.asoundbeginningchicago.com

• ASB SW Florida (Services within a 20-mile radius of Englewood, Florida) https://jeffjoyce.as.me/schedule/4cd68e3d

How our Group Classes benefit the rescue community.

The full amount of your class purchase goes directly toward supporting local charitable organizations.

• Naperville, IL classes directly benefit A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter to provide shelter and loving care to homeless animals as well as help fund medical services so that no homeless pet will ever be denied the medical care they may need.  https://www.adoptpetshelter.org/

• Geneva, IL classes directly benefit STARFISH Animal Rescue - to rescue animals from high-kill shelters, provide transportation of these animals to secure, non-kill establishments, promote and facilitate responsible pet ownership, and make a difference in pet overpopulation, one life at a time. https://www.starfishanimalrescue.com/.