Our experienced trainers and courteous, attentive staff are dedicated to providing
exceptional dog training and support.
Lisa opened Sit Means Sit Pittsburgh in January 2013 and has since helped thousands of families build stronger relationships with their dogs. With a college background focused on learning theory and memory, she continues to study canine behavior, obedience, and training techniques to this day. What she enjoys most about her work is helping clients better understand their dogs and witnessing firsthand how obedience, focus, and manners can improve life for the entire family. Lisa’s experience also includes active field work as part of an Air Search and Rescue Canine Team. She personally trained two of her dogs for this important work—Copper, her beloved Bloodhound who specialized in tracking missing persons, and Bentley, a Shepherd-mix trained in human remains (cadaver) detection. In addition to her working dog background, Lisa and her dogs have had several appearances in the media. She and Copper were part of the Go Team Therapy Dog Team, and Copper starred in a stage production in 2014 and appeared in the ABC pilot Downward Dog in 2017. In 2020, all three of her dogs were featured in a Chewy commercial, and Copper and Chase, her German Shorthair Pointer, were chosen for a NatGeo Wild short film. Most recently, Chase was selected as the subject of a student film project in 2022 to teach kids about movie production and editing. Outside of dog training and business, Lisa and her family enjoy outdoor adventures—spending time in the mountains, hiking, camping, and playing in the streams. Her deep love for animals, combined with her experience and passion for learning, continues to drive her mission: helping families live better lives with well-mannered, confident dogs.
With a background in transforming dogs’ behavior, we’re thrilled to have Kelli as part of our team! Since joining Sit Means Sit in May 2023, she’s brought unwavering passion, a love for dogs, and a calm, patient, can-do attitude that makes her an incredible asset to our pack. Kelli’s favorite part of being a trainer is helping families with reactive dogs improve obedience and manners—empowering them to do things they once avoided.
Kelli’s journey began with a lifelong love for dogs and a role in doggie day care. She later worked in a veterinary clinic, where she discovered a deeper interest in training. While working with her German Shepherd, Odin (pictured above), she realized how training strengthened their bond. That experience lit a spark in her—to help others build that same deep connection with their own dogs. There’s truly nothing like it.
Kelli thrives in a team environment where sharing ideas and learning together is part of the daily routine. Outside of work, you’ll often find her hiking trails with Odin and Cobra or caring for her reptiles at home. Her dedication to animals—of all kinds—makes her a perfect fit for our team!
Before stepping into her role as Office Coordinator, Alicia spent over a decade lighting up the local performing arts scene as an actress, vocalist, and entertainer. Now, she brings that same energy, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit—along with her love of animals—to Sit Means Sit. Her firsthand experience as a client, combined with the joy she found in helping families through our personalized approach, inspired her to take the leap into training. After two years in the office, Alicia graduated from the Sit Means Sit Apprentice program in spring 2024. Her favorite part of being a trainer? Watching the transformation from day one to graduation and seeing how obedience brings both structure and joy.
Since joining the team in May 2022, Alicia’s journey has come full circle—she adopted Cooper, a sweet little hound mix she met through SMSPGH. Cooper proudly graduated from our Growing Up Puppy Program, and now the two are often spotted on off-leash adventures, making the most of their bond.
Outside of work, Alicia enjoys strumming her ukulele, learning dance choreography, and tuning into true crime podcasts. She’s always up for a good book, getting lost on forest trails with her family and Cooper, or saddling up for a horseback ride whenever she gets the chance.
After stepping away from a fast-paced career as an analyst, Lauren found her true passion in the world of dogs—starting with walking and pet sitting. Since joining Sit Means Sit Pittsburgh in 2020, she’s discovered the joy of helping clients build lasting, meaningful connections with their dogs. Lauren’s approach is rooted in clear communication and mutual understanding, ensuring both dogs and their humans thrive together. Her favorite part of being a trainer? The freedom and fun that training unlocks for families and their pups!
At home, Lauren shares life with two wonderful dogs: Betty, her feisty 7-year-old Cairn Terrier x Shih Tzu rescue, and Judy, an energetic American Miniature Shepherd puppy who joined the family in late 2024 and proudly graduated from SMSPGH’s Growing Up Puppy Program.
Lauren also spent two exciting years in sunny Florida, where she and Betty hit the road delivering in-home lessons and mobile training sessions—because nothing beats a good road trip with your favorite furry co-worker.
Outside of training, Lauren’s usually busy caring for her jungle of houseplants or hitting the Laurel Mountain trails with her dogs and family. She never says no to a plate of good pasta—or a chance to greet your pup!
With multiple degrees in the natural sciences—including geology, horticulture, and biology—Christina brings a sharp analytical mind, a deep love for animals, and a genuine desire to help people. These traits make her a standout member of our training team. She’s attended the Sit Means Sit Apprentice program twice, always eager to continue sharpening her skills. In summer 2023, Christina adopted Reggie, and the two now share off-leash hikes, kayaking trips, and outdoor adventures with friends—her favorite part of being a trainer!
Christina originally launched her career in geology, landing a position right out of college. But she soon realized the industry lacked stability and fulfillment. While maintaining a thriving career in the service industry, the challenges of 2020 pushed her to rethink her long-term goals. Observing a rise in dog ownership, she saw a clear need for qualified trainers. That insight sparked a journey that led her to SMSPGH—and we couldn’t be happier she found us.
When Christina isn’t working, you’ll likely find her outdoors—especially near water (she’s got a soft spot for rivers). Dogs have always been part of her family, and she’s excited about this new path that combines her passion for animals, the outdoors, and cooking. Her dream? A canine kayak partner who’ll also hang out with her in the garden or the kitchen.
