Dogz Downtown’s staff is our most valuable asset. Each member of the team has been chosen for their experience, energy, attitude and commitment to providing the best care possible. We all share a common bond― the special relationship we have with our dogs and our drive to make life better for every animal we can.

Cross-training each employee for important health, nutrition, behavior, training and grooming issues is a key component of the standard of care at Dogz Downtown. In addition to cross-functional training on site, regular participation in continued education keeps us on the cutting edge of new training techniques and alternative therapies.

Cassia Delaney, CPDT
Owner, Senior Instructor

Originally from California, Cassia Delaney moved to RI in 1999 bringing with her a life-long respect for all animals and a dedication to rescue and education.  Cassia has served the RI community in many capacities; as a firefighter, certified emergency medical technician, volunteer search and rescue personnel, and a professional dog trainer.  For the past decade, she has dedicated much of her time to canine training and as an animal shelter volunteer.  Cassia is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer, member of the National Association of Search and Rescue, and the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors. Cassia is also an evaluator for the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen Program. She attends seminars throughout the country and encourages Dogz Downtown staff to continue their education in order to continuously improve the quality of Dogz Downtown services and products. Cassia is committed to a training style based in positive reinforcement, learning theory, and motivation.  Dreams of starting her own business began long ago, but matured when she saw an opportunity to raise the standard of canine care in Rhode Island. Reflecting on her experiences with progressive daycare and training facilities on the West Coast, she began to formalize her vision for Dogz Downtown in the beginning of 2004. Today, her dream is a reality and her commitment has never been greater. Her owners Oliver, Cynder, and Nola (pictured above) and Midge (2-year old African Grey Parrot) would accept nothing less!

Joyce Gauthier, CPDT
Senior Instructor

Joyce is owned by three German Shepherds Jak-N-The Box age 8, Raven age 5, and Tessie (now passed and waiting at the rainbow bridge) and three Standardbred horses (Logger, Alice, and Snoopy). Joyce has a passion for training and learning about animal behavior, and is an avid believer in clicker training and positive reinforcement methods. She attends many seminars and is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. Joyce believes that training should always be fun both for the dog and the handler, and stresses the importance of building a strong relationship through praise, play and fun. Joyce has been a volunteer dog trainer for the Providence Animal Rescue League since 1988, and has recently helped to create an innovative program teaching volunteers to train shelter dogs using clicker training and positive reinforcement methods. She has been involved in competition obedience and dabbled in agility and flyball since 1994, when she adopted Tessie from a local animal rescue league. Joyce became actively involved in agility and flyball when she adopted Jak-N-The Box in 1998. In her spare time, Joyce enjoys clicker training with her horses.

photo by Traer Scott Photography
Sue Lussier, CPDT
Senior Instructor

Sue Lussier began her formal training working as a volunteer with the shelter dogs at Providence Animal Rescue League in 1999. She was fortunate to volunteer under the guidance of their head trainer Joyce Gauthier, who continues to mentor Sue along with other trainers at DDI. Sue's current full time job is with CVS in the logistics department of the corporate office… but if you ask, her heart belongs to Dogz Downtown where she teaches puppy classes, basic manners, attention classes, and Canine Good Citizen.  Sue is owned by a twelve year old sharpei/shepherd mix named Nikita (pictured above). Sue and Nikita have been a team since the day Sue adopted her eleven years ago. Nikita opened up the world of positive reinforcement, pet dog training, and pet assisted therapy for Sue, who continues to be amazed by Nikita to this day.  Sue’s passion and commitment to positive reinforcement based training techniques are a staple at Dogz Downtwown; Sue is also the first endorsed graduate of the DDI Apprenticeship Program (Congrats, Sue!).

Dan DeLange
Apprentice Instructor

Dan DeLange has always had a fascination with dogs and dog training. He was asked by Cassia to become an apprentice trainer while he and his 2 year old Lab, Gracie, were coming to her for agility coaching. Dan will become a certified professional trainer at the Association of Pet Dog Trainers Conference in Portland, OR in October of 2007. In the mean time, they're making a lot of dog pals while assisting other trainers in classes at Dogz Downtown. Dan's grown up job is as a professional orchestrator/arranger.

Melissa Iacavone
Apprentice Instructor
Melissa Iacavone is owned by her American Pitbull Terrier, Kaelin, age 4.  Since she was a child, Melissa has had a passion and love for animals (especially dogs).  Realizing she wanted to share this passion with other people and their dogs, Melissa sought out Dogz Downtown.   Melissa has spent the last year taking the proper steps to excel in the Apprenticeship Program offered at DDI in order to become a certified trainer.  She volunteers in the dog daycare, assists with training classes, and continues in the academic learning phase of the program.  She believes that adopting Kaelin is one of the most rewarding yet challenging aspects of her life; they share a special bond and learn from each other every day.  Melissa hopes to educate people about the Pitbull breed.  Melissa and Kaelin have attended many training classes including Novice Obedience and Rally Obedience (Levels 1 & 2); they hope someday to enter in a competition.

Nicole Phaneuf
Head Daycare Attendant, Apprentice Instructor

Nik is owned by her American Pitbull Terrier, Chopper (age 7), and her cat Dexter (6 months). From childhood, Nik has always strived to incorporate animals into her daily routine and home. At age 13, Nik graduated from simply riding horses to helping rehabilitate and train troubled and unwanted horses. Today she is still pursuing a field involving animals. Nik is now the head daycare attendant at Dogz Downtown and has more four-legged friends than she could ask for! Nik is in the initial stages of the Apprenticeship Program at Dogz and hopes to become a certified trainer to help others develop a positive and productive relationship with their canine companions. Nik has a deep bond with Chopper, who she enrolled in classes at Dogz Downtown in 2006 shortly after rescuing him. She credits him with giving her the opportunity to discover positive reinforcement training (which has enriched their relationship), and is excited to continue learning with him. She hopes to raise awareness and educate people about her favorite breed: the American Pitbull Terrier… and to gain support for shelter dogs of all breeds, everywhere. In the future, she also hopes to do therapy work with Chopper.