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 came to Oregon after obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Biology to pursue a career in environmental sciences - instead, she found her calling in dog training. Alex is driven to energize the bond between dogs and their people, by helping the humans communicate more effectively, kindly, and joyfully with their dogs. Outdoor adventure is a key component for Alex in meeting the needs of dogs in her care, and she is thrilled to provide these opportunities for client dogs. Alex currently offers private trainings, group classes, day training, and recess time outings.
Audra Allis
General 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.
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.
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.
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.
Alyssa Wilen
Assistant Trainer
Originally from Utah, Alyssa relocated to Portland with her wife, drawn by the vibrant culture and stunning natural surroundings. Her lifelong passion for animals, particularly dogs, began in her youth when she volunteered at a local veterinary office. Over the years, she has gained diverse experience in the animal care field, working summers at that same veterinary office, dog walking, pet sitting, and at an emergency veterinary facility.
After moving to Portland, Alyssa discovered her true calling in dog training through positive reinforcement methodologies, sparking a deep passion for helping dogs and their owners thrive together. She is currently pursuing her CPDT certification, with plans to follow it up with her CBCC certification.
Jason Ywahu
Assistant Trainer
Jason grew up on the East Coast and later moved to the West. While living in Los Angeles, he rescued Riley, Benny, and Moya, who each taught him valuable lessons about living with and loving dogs. After moving to the PNW and adopting Addie, an energetic Pitsky Mix, Jason’s passion for dog training truly blossomed. Addie’s energy and unique needs inspired him to dive deep into the world of training, eager to give her a strong start. Through training Addie, Jason realized his passion for helping dogs and their families thrive. He has since turned this passion into his career as a dog trainer.
Hayley O’Leary
Assistant Trainer
Hayley is an Oregon native who has always been passionate about animals. Even while earning a psychology degree and working in that field, she spent all her free time training her personal dogs. After moving back to Portland she worked as a dog trainer for a boarding and daycare facility for 2 years before joining SSF. Hayley is working toward getting her CPDT certification and finds importance in prioritizing good relationships with our dogs.
Michelle Lund
CPDT-KA, Class Trainer
Michelle recently came to Oregon by way of Colorado. She has a bachelor’s degree in social work and is currently enrolled in the Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Professional program (expected graduation this November). Although Michelle was already a positive reinforcement trainer, and possessed her professional dog trainer certification, she felt drawn to delve deeper into operant conditioning to learn how to teach any animal to do anything they are capable of, while strengthening the bonds of trust and friendship. Michelle has had two service dogs and currently lives with her adolescent rescue lab mix, Mía Sol (My Sunshine). Michelle currently offers group training classes, private trainings and puppy play & learns.
