Faculty Profiles

Suzy Olsen, Instructor

Education & Credentials: 

• Master of Science, Animal Behavior & Welfare, University of Pennsylvania
• Master’s Certificate, Applied Animal Behavior, University of Washington
• Master’s Certificate, Animal Assisted Psychotherapy, University of Colorado
• Bachelor of Education, University of Alberta
• KPA CTP — Karen Pryor Academy
• IAABC DT — International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
• CPCFT — Canine Fitness Professional
• FCDDT — Detection Dog Specialist
• FEMA CSS — Canine Search Specialist
• SDCT — Service Dog Trainer
• CSDTP — Service Dog Training Professional

Began Teaching at MHC: 2026

Suzy is an instructor in the Service Dog & Canine Studies Management diploma program with over twenty years of experience in animal training, canine behavior, and welfare. She teaches evidence based, applied behavioral science with a focus on creating welcoming, interactive, and collaborative online learning environments.

Her professional work includes published contributions in animal assisted psychotherapy and PTSD service dog training, and she has presented at international working dog and canine science conferences. Suzy is passionate about working dog welfare, fitness, and overall wellbeing, integrating these values into both her teaching and field practice.

Alongside her academic role, Suzy maintains an active training career across species and contexts and serves as a SAR Canine Handler and Detection Dog Specialist, supporting trauma informed, culturally respectful search operations. She performs wilderness and rural lost person searches, assists cold case investigations, and mentors handlers within the SAR and detection dog community. She encourages students to explore diverse career pathways through meaningful, real world learning experiences.