Meet Team SSF
Jenna Chinn
Co-Owner, CPDT-KA
Jenna is an Oregon Native that got her start training during college at Portland State University, where she got her BS in Business Management and Psychology. Shortly after, she became a Certified Dog Trainer, and held many dog training jobs before opening Sit Stay Fit, which Jamie and Jenna founded in 2012. She now lives in Central Oregon with her husband and two dogs and co-owns SSF’s sister business, Wild Intentions.
Jamie Walthers
Co-Owner, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA
Jamie is a Portland native who has always had a passion for animals and behavior. She received her BA from PSU where she started her career in social work before finding her way into her true passion of working with dogs and helping them and their people have better relationships. She founded Sit Stay Fit with Jenna over a decade ago and also made the move to Central Oregon, bringing her knowledge of training and enthusiasm for working with dogs. She is made the move with her wife and their pack of six glorious dogs who are eager to welcome your pups into their home for adventures and training.
Alex Kester
Services Manager, CPDT-KA
Originally from Texas, Alex obtained a biology degree while living in Connecticut. Her love of the outdoors brought her to Oregon, where the position at Sit Stay Fit allows her the chance to not only use her skills gained from working with dogs at an animal shelter and veterinary clinic, but those from her degree as well. One of her interests is investigating interspecies relationships, which means dogs and people too! Alex currently offers private trainings, puppy play groups, day training & recess time outings.
Audra Allis
Training & Retail Manager, CPDT-KA
Audra relocated to Portland from Dallas, TX. She has always loved animals and after studying animal behavior and psychology in college, decided to pursue a career in the pet industry. Audra has worked with dogs and their owners since 2009 — first as the manager of a pet hotel, then as a receptionist at a veterinary clinic, and finally as a certified dog trainer. She loves helping people realize their dog's potential and has a special interest in dog sports, such as Agility and Rally-Obedience. Audra currently offers group training classes, private trainings and puppy play & learns.
Hailee Kadow
CPDT-KA
Hailee used to work as an Audio Engineer but discovered her love for working with dogs shortly after graduating from college. After working as a dog handler for a few years she decided to start training and is currently working towards her CPDT. She loves socializing dogs and helping them build confidence around other dogs as well as people. When she’s not working with dogs she loves to mountain bike, camp, and see live music. Hailee currently offers private trainings, group classes, day trainings & recess time outings.
Reid Neuman
CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA
Reid joined our team in 2022, but he has been working with dogs and their people in the Portland area for over 15 years. He first met Jenna & Jamie at OHS in 2013 and they’ve maintained a strong relationship since. Before SSF, he spent 11 years as Head Trainer at Sniff Dog Hotel. Reid advocates for a cynopraxic approach, understanding each dog is an individual, and training is about building a mutually beneficial relationship. Reid currently offers board & train, sleepaway camp, day trains and recess time outings.
Madison Sparks
CPDT-KA
Madison was raised in Phoenix, Arizona and moved to Oregon 12 years ago for the lush, green, thriving outdoors. She has been active in the dog industry for over 7 years and ran a successful puppy program that focused on socialization, enrichment and basic skills training. Outside of work, Madison loves to bake and to head out on adventures with her 2 year old golden retriever Tidus, who is, in fact one of the main motivations for her pursuing a training career. Madison currently offers day training and recess time outings.
Alison McManus
CPDT-KA
Alison has been an animal lover her whole life. After graduating high school, she knew whatever she was going to do, it was going to involve dogs. After 4 years of working at a daycare/boarding facility, she found her passion in dog training. She studied at the Karen Pryor Academy and is now a CPDT-KA. She loves working at SSF as it combines her love of the outdoors with her love of dogs. Alison currently offers day trainings and recess time outings.
Liz Rumelhagen
VSA-CDT, Assistant Trainer
Liz is originally from Denver, Colorado and has been working with animals for many years in various capacities. She found her passion in training and behavior and got certified as a Victoria Stilwell dog trainer before starting at SSF. She loves all the activity and variety that each day holds, as well as working with all the different dogs. She has two dogs of her own, a loveable mutt named Stormy and a goofy golden retriever named Hera. Liz currently offers day training and recess time outings.
Kahealani Chatham
Assistant Trainer
Kahealani currently offers puppy play & learn and private trainings.
Mia Gray
Assistant Trainer
Mia is a midwesterner who has been living in Portland for 8 years. Her passion for dogs began in high school when she volunteered at her local animal shelter. After a few years at PCC studying psychology and walking dogs on the side, she decided to merge her two interests- helping people and dogs. She loves helping shy dogs come out of their shell and working with dog reactivity - she helps people feel confident with their pups in a variety of situations. Mia currently offers day trainings, recess time outings and puppy play groups.
Aradia Burkhalter
Retail Assistant & Group Assistant
Aradia was born and raised in the PNW and loves all things dogs, nature and art. She plans on becoming a professional dog trainer, and until then learns everything she can and practices with her two dogs Denver and Shrike. Aradia currently works in our retail store and assists puppy play & learns and play groups.
