Meet Our Team
Eric Stull - Dog Training School Department Head and Instructor
- Canine Training & Behavior Specialist (Starmark Academy)
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer- Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
- AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
- APC Certified Professional Pet Groomer (APC-PPG)
- Pet CPR Certified (Midwest Pet CPR)
- Member APDT (Association of Professional Dog Trainers)
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.
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 - 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.
Lindsay Clarke - Veterinary Assistant Instructor
- Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)
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.
Christian Tebeau - Admissions Specialist
Christian’s enthusiasm for pets, in his personal and professional ventures, stems from his early life experiences. From a young age, Christian has employed an ever growing passion for animals and pets alike. His dedication to making tangibilities of his passion found itself fostered through many different avenues. He loves volunteering at shelters around the St. Louis area, and advocating for pet betterment during his participation in these spaces. These times shared, and the experiences lived, have shaped him into the lover of animals he is today. Additionally, Christian is a proud owner of two amazing rescue German shepherd dogs.
As an Admissions Specialist, Christian is often a first point of contact to prospective students who are seeking a career in working with pets. His enthusiasm to be present, knowledgeable, and accurate in assisting every step of the way is a testament to his passion at The Academy of Pet Careers, and his versatile background in sales and customer relations. He seeks to establish thorough experiences that promote vitality in each student, from applicant to graduate, so that their lives may forever be changed for the better. His fulfillment is fueled by the success of all who walk through our doors, as well as the lasting fortitude of impacts made to create better lives for animals and students alike.
Paula Gericke - Admissions Specialist
Paula’s lifelong passion for animals has shaped both her personal life and professional journey. From an early age, she was drawn to caring for and working with animals of all kinds. Throughout her career, she has actively supported local rescues by sponsoring adoption events and helping connect animals with loving homes. She has also worked closely with show horses, gaining extensive hands-on experience in their care, training, and presentation. These experiences have deepened her commitment to animal welfare and strengthened her appreciation for the dedication, patience, and compassion required to succeed in the animal industry.
Paula is deeply invested in helping prospective students achieve their goals and is often the first point of contact for individuals exploring APC programs. She takes pride in providing guidance, clarity, and encouragement as students begin their journey toward a rewarding career in the pet industry.
As an Admissions Specialist at The Academy of Pet Careers, Paula is dedicated to educating prospective students about the school’s professional certification programs and helping them identify the path that best aligns with their aspirations. She is committed to ensuring each student feels informed, confident, and fully supported from their first inquiry through enrollment.
Addi Harrison - Student Success Coach
- APC Specialized Dog Trainer (APC-SDT)
- PetTech CPR and First Aid Certified
- Non-degree diploma in Companion Animal Nutrition (SIUC)
Addi’s journey in the pet industry began with a lifelong love for dogs, but truly took shape in 2020 when she welcomed her own dog, Kona. Training Kona sparked a passion not only for dog training, but for helping others build confident, fulfilling careers in the industry. Kona is trained in basic obedience, service dog skills, scent work, and more—experiences that continue to shape Addi’s hands-on understanding of the training process from a student’s perspective.
Addi attended The Academy of Pet Careers, where she earned her APC-SDT and a Pet CPR & First Aid certificate in October 2022. After spending three years as an Admissions Specialist for APC, Addi transitioned into the role of Student Success Coach for the Online Dog Training Program, returning her focus to hands-on training and student development. She is passionate about supporting students throughout their educational journey—from navigating coursework and staying motivated, to building confidence in their skills and preparing for career placement. She is dedicated to helping students stay engaged, overcome challenges, and turn their passion for dogs into a meaningful, lasting career.
Hope Allen - Digital Marketing Coordinator
Hope has been working in marketing for 5 years, focusing on creating and disseminating marketing materials in education, including universities, Montessori schools, and trade schools. She is a 3x Adobe Certified Professional in addition to holding multiple SEO and AI certifications. She has spent the majority of her career in web design, UI/UX, graphic design, and social media, with her skills later expanding into SEO, AEO, email marketing, and blogging. Through her freelance and contract work, she serves clients across the country, using her skills to design collateral for schools, small businesses, community organizations, nonprofits, and independent artists.
Hope has been working with animals since childhood, contributing to her family’s mobile veterinary surgical business since 2006. In her teens, she became the company’s sterilization tech and office assistant, then transitioned into marketing duties after obtaining her BFA from Lindenwood University. Hope is excited to continue blending her passion for pets with her experience in education and marketing at 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
