Meet Our Team
Eric Stull - Dog Training School Department Head and Instructor
- Canine Training & Behavior Specialist (Starmark Academy)
- CPDT-KA
- AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
- APC Certified Professional Pet Groomer (APC-PPG)
Eric is a nine-year veteran of the Marine Corps and Army, who after leaving the military, has dedicated himself to understanding canine behavior. Attending multiple training schools lead to opportunities within the fields of obedience, behavior modification and rehabilitation, patrol canines, protection disciplines, and mobility service dogs. Eric's two dogs, Louis (Belgian Malinois) and Vega (Australian Shepherd), combined skills include agility, dock diving, trick training, obedience, explosives detection, tracking, and protection sports. Through his experience and course work, Eric's training journey has helped him find his passion of coaching handlers to provide healthy lives for their canines by communicating with creativity, consistency, and mastering motivation.
Hannah DeRienzo - Dog Training Instructor
Since the age of five, Hannah has demonstrated a deep passion for working with animals. She attended South County Technical School during her junior and senior years of high school, where she successfully completed the Veterinary Assistant program. Upon graduation, Hannah immersed herself in the workforce, gaining valuable experience at various clinics and emergency animal hospitals, with the goal of saving as many animals as possible.
After seven years of dedicated service in the vet med field, she decided to further her education and discovered The Academy of Pet Careers. There, she completed a professional and specialized dog training program, igniting her passion for supporting dogs in a new and impactful way. Hannah now focuses on helping handlers foster stronger bonds and improve communication with their dogs, while also creating a fun and healthy environment for both handlers and their canine companions.
Lisa Buckley - Pet Grooming Instructor
Lynnette Stewart - Pet Grooming Instructor
- Fear Free™ Certified Groomer
Lynnette Stewart, a dog grooming veteran since 2004, embarked on her path at PetSmart. Her passion for furry friends swiftly elevated her from groomer to salon leader, showcasing not just grooming prowess but remarkable leadership. Her fascination with grooming sparked in childhood, flipping through encyclopedias and discovering the artistic world of dog grooming, notably captivated by the Bedlington terrier's style.
Her upbringing in a household filled with cats and dogs fueled her love for these animals, becoming the foundation of her grooming interest and insights into pet care. Her influence transcends her grooming table, inspiring her own family—her grooming legacy carried on by one of her four children. Beyond grooming, Lynnette finds fulfillment as a mentor and educator, shaping a new generation of groomers. Watching her trainees flourish brings her immense pride, passing on her expertise and love for pet care.
Taylor Hendrix - Assistant Pet Grooming Instructor
Taylor began her grooming career in September 2025 at APC right after concluding our Professional Grooming Program. Her love for animals began as a young girl always being surrounded by furry friends.
She has two cockapoos, Gucci and Gambino. You will find her with family and friends when not at work or playing with her pups.
She is new in the pet industry, but cannot wait to see where this journey takes her. Taylor looks forward to giving back to the students and being able to relate to their struggles and triumphs. She is extremely eager to join our team and continue her grooming career.
Abby Carey - Veterinary Assistant Instructor
- Specialized Associates of Veterinary Technology
- Fear Free Certified
Abby Attended The Vet Tech Institue at Hickey College from 2014-2016. She then worked as a Veterinary Technician for 7 years. Abby was able to work in all aspects of the field from exotics, pocket pets, general practice, critical and emergency care, and even some large animal. I look forward to using my knowledge and experiences with students for their career in veterinary assisting.
Abby grew up always having a pet in the home and also grew up riding horses. Abby has 3 younger brothers. Abby currently lives in Washington on a pig farm, with her boyfriend and their dogs. A Golden Retriever (Reya), and a Lab Mix (Roxy).
Jennifer Schifano - Director of Admissions and Student Services
Jennifer started working in the Pet Care Industry at Petropolis Pet Center, Chesterfield, as Customer Service Manager in 2015. When the role of Director of Admissions was available for the APC, she jumped at the opportunity to work with two passions of hers: people and pets. She focuses on creating a professional relationship with students before, during and after their schooling to help them succeed.
Jennifer helps students with the exit process and finding a job. While managing the Alumni Program and Seminars at the APC, Jennifer is involved in every stage of the student lifecycle. She is on the Board of Advisors for South County Technical High School and holds a membership with the MOCAC.
Addi Harrison - Admissions Specialist
- APC Specialized Dog Trainer (APC-SDT)
- APC Animal Behavior Certified
- PetTech CPR and First Aid Certified
- Non-degree diploma in Companion Animal Nutrition (SIUC)
Addi grew up always having dogs, but in 2020, she got her first dog that she could call her own. Her pup, Kona, inspired her love for training dogs and her love for the pet industry. Kona can do a variety of skills such as basic obedience, service dog skills, scent work, etc.
Addi graduated from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in May 2022 earning a Bachelor’s in English, while also having a minor in Psychology and participating in SIU’s Companion Animal Nutrition course. After graduating, she quicky relocated to St. Charles to attend the Academy of Pet Careers.
By October 2022, Addi graduated from the training program at APC, earning an APC-SDT and APC Animal Behavior Certification. Addi wanted to be a part of the admissions team to help others find their passion in the pet industry and set the industry up for a better future!
Paula Gericke - Admissions Specialist
Paula is passionate about helping prospective students achieve their goals! She is often the first point of contact for those seeking information about APC programs and is excited to help students start their journey to a successful career in the pet industry.
As an admissions specialist, her focus is ensuring a smooth onboarding experience for each and every APC student. Paula enjoys showing horses and spending time with family including her 2 furbabies, Cooper (Golden Retriever) and Wilson (Rescue Terrier Mix).
Hope Allen - Digital Marketing Coordinator
Prior to graduation, Hope worked as an office assistant and sterilization tech for her family’s mobile veterinary practice. After earning her degree in design and digital content strategy from Lindenwood University, her role expanded to include web design, graphic design, and marketing duties. After applying her knowledge and expertise there, she wanted to expand her horizons in the marketing world while still maintaining her passion for animals.
Since childhood, Hope has had a regular rotation of animals. While she spends most of her time around dogs, she’s also had her fair share of cats and hamsters, sometimes owning and sometimes fostering. Currently, she owns an Australian cattle dog named Finley. She’s excited to blend her love for animals and her love of the digital space at the APC.
Joseph Schifano - Owner/President
Joseph Schifano is the President of The Academy of Pet Careers. His experience in the pet care industry spans 2 decades. As a third-generation owner/operator of Petropolis Pet Resort, Joseph has experienced every aspect of managing a pet business, from caring for the dogs to marketing and sales.
Above all, his goal is to educate pet professionals on how to provide a more empowering experience for their pets and how to succeed in this ever-changing industry.
Joseph graduated with a business degree from Elon University and joined the leadership team at Petropolis. His focus on business strategy, combined with his love for animals, has allowed him to successfully run a pet service business that earns seven figure revenues per year and has earned the following recognition:
- “Best Large Pet Hotel in The Nation” – Groom and Board Magazine
- “Future 50 Business Award” – St. Louis Small Business Monthly
- “Best of St. Louis” – River Front Times
