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Meet the Team
DEVAN BLAZEY
As a passionate dog lover and lifelong student of animal training, I look forward to helping you and your dog build a stronger, more communicative relationship. My approach centers strongly on the bond between dog and handler, and the canine learning theory behind strengthening this connection.
Research shows us that animals learn best when motivated by reinforcement under low stress. For this reason, the Summit K9 training philosophy is built on a solid foundation of motivation and properly timed rewards, balanced with the clarity of a pressure based communication system. Our approach is evidence and outcome based, balancing deep academic knowledge of animal behavior and extensive hands on experience with a wide range of dogs and training applications, from behavior modification to competitive sport work.
No two dogs are the same, just as no two handlers are the same. Training sessions with our programs are highly individualized, centering on the specific learning needs of each and every client. While training programs are structured, purposeful, and balanced, plans are created on an individual basis to help you and your dog hone skills more quickly and easily than traditional group obedience programs.
Building skills that translate into real world scenarios are of the utmost importance when building training strategies. We strive to integrate novel environments and obstacles into our training sessions, providing fun and exciting classes that produce happy, well adjusted companions.
Special Focuses:
Precision Handling & Obedience
Off-Leash Obedience
Reactivity Rehabilitation
Scent Detection
Canicross
Advanced Trick Training
Qualifications:
International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) Professional Member
Pet CPR & First Aid Certified
AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
2025 Three Day Workshop on E-Collar, Directionals, Casting, Field, and Scent Work | Pat Nolan
June 2023 Obedience and Problem Solving Workshop | Forrest Micke
May 2023 Three Day Seminar | Michael Ellis
IACP Virtual Conference 2021
July 2021 Competition Obedience Workshop | Deb Zappia
March 2021 Scent Detection Workshop | Tim Vallaincourt
January 2021-March2021 Walk With Me Ottawa Virtual Mentorship Program
September 2020 Scent Detection Workshop | Tim Vallaincourt
2019 Scent Detection Seminar | Pat Nolan
Summit K9 Founder & Managing Director
Jeremy adams
Trainer
Jeremy started out training his own dog then his mom’s dog with the help of some wonderful local trainers and eventually decided to make a career change and jump into dog training professionally. He has been with Devan at Summit since late August of ‘23.
The most rewarding part of job is watching dogs & their owners transform their relationship and build a lifelong bond.
Jeremy's hobbies include canicross, rally, hiking, bike-joring, trail running, camping, hiking, biking, snow boarding, vinyl & poetry!
Fun Fact:
Animals outnumber humans in my house 6:1…we are 1 or 2 more away from being classified as a small petting zoo.
Certifications, Education or Titles:
TBTE - Behavioral Down workshop and online class in ‘21, The Good Dog Training online reactivity seminar (‘22), E-collar seminar/workshop at Summit w/ Dave from the Art of Dog in fall of ‘23, IACP member ‘25,
Special Focuses:
Reactivity
Rally Obedience
Canicross
Jamie Curran
Daycare Coordinator & Trainer
Certifications, Education or Titles:
KPA-CTP and CPR & Pet First Aid Certified
Special Focuses:
Foundation Obedience
Puppy Development
Socialization
In 2019, after a decade of work in marketing, a small dog daycare took a chance on Jamie and she has been working with dogs since then! Jamie did everything from clean kennels to design and oversee social groups. She learned everything she could about understanding dogs and communicating with them, while working toward a certification from the Karen Pryor Academy (home of "Clicker Training"). With that formal education, she developed a day training program from the ground up at another dog daycare, and eventually made her way to Summit K9! Here, Jamie has continued to learn every single day from mentors and the dogs under her care, and continued growing in her appreciation of both dogs and the nuances required to deepen our relationships and communication with them.
Jamie finds the most rewarding part of her job to be seeing a dog's confidence explode when something "clicks," and the satisfaction that comes with seeing an owner have the same type of epiphany! After seeing those great moments, Jamie knows that she played even a small role in helping enrich and deepen a relationship between a person and their dog. And that is just awesome.
Jamie's hobbies include cooking, traveling & camping
Fun Fact:
Tell me a Dad Joke, or a really cheesy pun, and you'll be my newest friend!
Marcus postell
Trainer
Marcus has been with Summit K9 since July 2024, he has a passion for helping people understand their dogs better. He studied animal behavior at Canisius University, where he took many courses that really deepened his understanding of how animals think. Since then, Marcus has worked with dogs of many personalities and enjoy seeing them learn and grow from clear communication!
Marcus finds the most rewarding part of his job to be hearing how dog owners contribute to their dog's attendance at Summit K9 to seeing positive improvements at home.
Marcus's hobbies include playing basketball with friends and going to rap concerts.
Fun Fact:
I had an internship at the Miami Zoo where I got to work with black bears!
Certifications, Education or Titles:
B.S. in Animal Behavior
DWYD™ Certified Class Instructor
CPR & Pet First Aid Certified
Special Focuses:
Leash Walking
Leash Reactivity
Public Access
Certifications, Education or Titles:
AKC CGC Evaluator, NePoPo Graduate, CPR & Pet First Aid Certified, Graduated from Fayetteville Manlius High-school & currently working for Certificate of Business & Entrepreneurship (Anticipated February 2027) from Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship
Special Focuses:
Obedience & Dog Sports
Piper anelli
Apprentice Trainer
Piper has been with Summit K9 Since March 2025, she launched her own dog walking business while in high school, which sparked her passion for working with dogs and entrepreneurship. After moving to Rochester for school, Piper began training in protection work and joined the team at Summit K9. Today, Piper is an active member of High Falls Working Dog Club and am preparing to compete in PSA with her Belgian Malinois puppy, Motley.
Piper finds the most rewarding part of her job to be seeing the improvement the Summit K9 dogs have made and getting hands on experience with the dogs and learning from Summit K9 staff!
Piper's hobbies include PSA Training, Photography/Videography & Business/Entrepreneurship
Fun Fact:
Currently working towards a patent for a dog related product & I love creating websites I currently have multiple!
Pierce mckenzie
Apprentice Trainer
Pierce has been with Summit K9 Since October 2024,
she has three years of hands-on experience in obedience training with her personal dog, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of canine behavior and communication. During her time with Summit K9, Pierce has gained valuable insights into professional training methods and dog behavior, enhancing her ability to work with different dogs in various settings. Additionally, her three years of volunteering as a dog walker have further enriched my skill set, as she had the opportunity to work with a range of dogs, building patience, consistency, and problem-solving skills along the way.
Pierce finds the most rewarding part of the job to be the dogs! Pierce could definitely name a few to be exact! She loves being able to spend time with each dog and teach them how to be a better dog! There’s a deep sense of fulfillment in helping a dog overcome challenges—whether it’s learning basic commands, managing behavioral issues, or improving socialization skills. Watching a dog grow in confidence, and seeing them thrive under your guidance, is incredibly satisfying and very rewarding!
Pierce's hobbies include camping and hiking with her dog, Barn hunt and the occasional canicross run together we also spend lots of time working on our obedience and playing ball at our favorite parks!!
Fun Fact:
There is no such thing as a bad dog!
Certifications, Education or Titles:
CPR & Pet First Aid Certified
Special Focuses:
Obedience & Balanced Training
Kaitlyn gibble
Apprentice Dog Trainer
Kaitlyn has been with Summit K9 Since May 2025,
her passion for understanding dogs began long before she started working with them professionally in 2023. Kaitlyn built a strong academic foundation in the human–animal bond and animal behavior through her studies at Canisius University. During her time there, she completed an internship and volunteer work with the SPCA Serving Erie County, where she was a Canine Behavior and Training Consultant. This experience allowed Kaitlyn to work directly with dogs of varying temperaments and backgrounds, applying evidence-based methods utilizing a holistic approach.
Kaitlyn finds the most rewarding part of her job to be watching a dog grow in confidence and skill throughout their training journey, and helping strengthen the bond between dogs and their people.
Kaitlyn's hobbies include Percussion, gymnastics/judging, hiking & scent detection.
Fun Fact:
I coached gymnastics for a few years and now I am learning to judge it!
Certifications, Education or Titles:
Bachelor’s degree in Anthrozoology and Animal Behavior with a minor in Criminal Justice from Canisius University, Drink With Your Dog® Certified Course Instructor, Fear Free Shelter Certified, and currently working toward CATCH Certified Dog Trainer certification, expected in Spring 2026 and CPR & Pet First Aid Certified
Special Focuses:
Hopes to specialize in training protection sports, or scent detection with an end goal in search and rescue work.