ABTC Board of Trustees
Fiona Cooke - Chair
Fiona's PhD focused on the role of local government in the implementation and enforcement of
animal welfare legislation. In addition to work in welfare law and policy, her welfare science research
focuses on assessing and improving animal welfare, particularly in shelter environments, using
innovative and practical tools. Fiona is Head of Specialist Services (vet, behaviour, training and research) at Woodgreen Pets Charity. She is a lecturer in
law and runs an animal behaviour company working with complex behavioural issues of dogs and
cats. Fiona is a full member of the APBC and FABC as well as an ABTC registered CAB.
Jane Williams - Secretary
Jane Williams is an Animal Training Instructor and Clinical Animal Behaviourist working in the East of England and on-line. She has been ABTC registered since 2008, an ABTC Trustee since 2018 and was its Chair 2018-2020. Jane has been a full member of the APDT since 2008 and of the APBC since 2009 and was the APBC Chair 2017-2020. Since gaining her M.Sc. from the University of Southampton, Jane has delivered CPD to vet practice staff, developed resources to improve owner understanding of their pet’s behaviour and worked hard to promote animal welfare through the ABTC and APBC. Alongside a full and varied career as a behaviourist and trainer, Jane lives with a number of reptiles, 6 rescue dogs, Harry the rabbit and another equally animal-mad human.
David Montgomery - Treasurer and President
Following a first career in the Army and a spell living in France David attended Oxford Brookes University as a mature student. After graduating with a Combined Studies degree in Psychology and Animal Behaviour he moved into adult education and taught in the Prison Service for a few years. David has now been involved in the delivery of education to students worldwide in Animal related topics such as behaviour, conservation and welfare for over 25 years. Since 2010 he has also been closely involved in the work of ABTC creating the standards and infrastructure needed to support a true profession.
Jen Makin
Jen has worked in the dog training sector for a number of years and has benefitted enormously from working closely with Clinical Animal Behaviourists. She is going to be studying Applied Canine Behaviour at Bishop Burton from the Autumn. As an outspoken advocate for ethical training, Jen is passionate about the training and behaviour industry’s progress towards consistent standards of knowledge and modern practices, to improve welfare for all species we share our lives with – from dogs to cats to horses.
Lauren Johnson
After ten years lecturing in animal science, welfare, behaviour and nutrition, Lauren set up one of the first commercial track liveries in the world. This was motivated by a keen interest in elevating welfare in domestically kept horses and cementing the role of management in good quality, positive reinforcement based training.
Lauren has a BSc (Hons) in animal science, is a qualified teacher, AMTRA trained and is an ABTC-ATI. She trained as a hoofcare provider in 2014 to compliment the rehabilitation work undertaken at her livery yard.
She is also a freelance writer, having had many articles published and in 2023 will publish her own book on track systems.
Nikki McLeod
A crazy cat lady and self-confessed study geek, Nikki has been a RVN since 2000. With her fingers in many pies, she splits what little time she has between working as the Cat Advocate and consulting nurse for a small animal practice in Fife Scotland, and studying for multiple certificates.
Not satisfied with gaining her first undergraduate degree at 50, she is now studying for a Clinical Animal Behaviour Masters degree at University of Edinburgh, with a view to becoming a practice-based Clinical Animal Behaviourist. She is also keeping a BVNA Council seat warm for the next three years.
Parnita Senjit
Parnita is a Well-Being Architect and a passionate animal welfare advocate with over 20 years of experience, seamlessly blending psychology, art, and animal-assisted therapy to create impactful community initiatives. She is an award-winning author of Lil’ Leo book series which promotes animal advocacy. She works in the community relentlessly curating wellness programmes (eg Soulful Connection) to tackle mental health issues. Working in collaboration with other charities; she has delivered wellbeing programmes in schools to provide support to young carers through pet therapy. Her contributions have earned prestigious awards, including the BBC Make a Difference Award and World Humanitarian Award.
Rachel Forday
Rachel (they/she) started out volunteering with shelter dogs in Singapore and is currently a dog training instructor who works virtually with clients with dogs who display reactive and fearful behaviours. Rachel cares deeply about ethical and compassionate practices in training and care for dogs. They are also passionate about decolonisation and DEI, along with how that intersects with our relationship with dogs and all animals.
Sally Willis
Sally is a Human Resources and Diversity and Inclusion professional, currently working within the Defence sector. Growing up in agriculture, Sally spent her childhood surrounded by an array of animals. Sally’s interest in the animal training and behaviour sector stemmed from the adoption of a Retired Police Dog who struggled with the transition from working dog to canine companion. Seeking out the help of ABTC registered professionals, Sally dove into developing an understanding of canine behaviour and the human-canine relationship. Developing a passion for animal welfare through this journey, Sally embarked on her own journey to help other people and their canine companions. She is now an ATI with PACT and working towards ABT assessment. Sally owns German Shepherd Rosco and Springer Spaniel Rossi.
Sian Jones
Sian Jones is a passionate pet guardian, immersing herself into the world of training and behaviour through her dog's journey from puppyhood to adult. This journey was not simple or easy, with Sian requiring professional help to navigate the tricker aspects of his behaviour. This sparked an avid interest in learning about her dog’s behaviour, and how we as handlers can fulfil their needs based on the dog’s individuality. Navigating the complex world of dog training brought Sian to learn about ABTC and inspired her to embark upon a journey to becoming an Animal Training Instructor. Sian is passionate about and committed to showcasing high animal welfare standards associated with training and behaviour therapy.
Tom Candy
Volunteering in rescue at the age of 15 led Tom (he/him) to undertake a BSc (Hons) and MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour from the University of Lincoln. Since graduating, Tom has been working at the UKs largest dog welfare organisation as a Senior behaviourist supporting case work and staff development across the organisation. Tom is a Clinical Animal Behaviourist with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council in the United Kingdom, and a Certified Canine Behaviour Consultant and Certified Shelter Behaviour Specialist with the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultant and a member of faculty and CBATI-KA with the Grisha Stewart Academy.
