🎉 New Location Update: Click here for updated location details.
🎉 New Location Update: Click here for updated location details.
Training services provided in the lower half of New Jersey
At Coastal Pines K9, our dog training team is fueled by an unwavering dedication to the well-being and success of every canine companion we work with. Each team member brings a profound passion for understanding and connecting with dogs, guided by a genuine love for animals and commitment to creating lasting relationships between owners and their pets. Our trainers are not just dog lovers—they are professionals, each with unique skills and experiences that shape our dog training programs in South Jersey.
Transform your dog’s behavior with customized training – Book a consultation!
Owner
With a lifelong love for dogs and a deep passion for canine behavior, Tom founded Coastal Pines K9 to help dogs and owners build stronger, more fulfilling relationships. Starting in Ocean County and now based in Burlington County, Tom has earned a reputation for compassionate, effective training. He is committed to helping all dog breeds and sizes thrive through lasting, positive results.
General Manager
Heather is a Certified Dog Trainer, graduating from Animal Behavior College, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Rutgers University. She is also Canine CPR & First Aid Certified. With over 10 years of hands-on experience, Heather has helped countless dogs and their owners build stronger relationships through structure, communication, and customized training plans that fit the dog in front of her—not a template.
Heather’s training foundation is rooted in Positive Reinforcement, but she values many training methods and believes in meeting each dog where they are. Her approach focuses on creating real-life reliability, strengthening confidence, and helping families feel understood and supported throughout the entire training process. She is passionate about educating owners just as much as training dogs, because lasting success doesn’t come from quick fixes—it comes from clarity, consistency, and follow-through.
At Coastal Pines K9, Heather’s mission is simple: to help dogs become happier, healthier, and better behaved while giving owners the tools they need to maintain results for life. For Heather, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing a dog and their family finally living their best life together.
No cookie-cutter programs—just proven training, personalized for the dog in front of you.
director of finance
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been called “the animal whisperer.” Deer and squirrels would eat from my hand, butterflies landed on me, and lost/abandoned dogs always seemed to find their way to my doorstep. My connection with animals has always felt intuitive—but it was tested and transformed in late 2020. During the height of the COVID shutdowns and the beginning of my post-graduate academic journey, I decided to adopt a rescue dog. What I thought would be a grounding companion turned out to be a genetic and behavioral challenge I could never have anticipated. However, I found my calling through his struggles—and through the guidance of his dedicated trainers whose approaches were rooted in compassion, adaptability, and the belief that every dog has the potential to grow when we listen deeply. Today, I’m committed to helping dogs thrive in the complex worlds we ask them to navigate, and to guiding owners in building meaningful, lasting relationships with their companions.
Senior Trainer
Grace is a certified Canine Good Citizen evaluator and Balanced Dog Trainer, graduating from the prestigious Kennelwood Academy for Professional Dog Trainers in Union, Missouri. Grace brings years of experience in competition obedience, scent work, protection training, tracking and trailing, service dog training, and reactive/aggression rehabilitation. Her passion for dogs stems from helping people and watching their relationships with their dogs develop and thrive.
Senior Trainer
"Cristian Gumbs has been dedicated to training dogs for over 10 years, beginning his journey in 2015 by working with his own dogs before expanding into private training lessons with clients. His passion for helping dogs and their owners quickly grew into a career focused on building clear communication, confidence, and lasting relationships.
In 2017, Cristian began leading puppy group classes, helping families establish a strong foundation in obedience, socialization, and engagement during the most important stages of a dog’s development. By 2018, he expanded his expertise to working with reactive dogs, successfully coaching owners in structured group settings to improve confidence, reduce reactivity, and strengthen handler-dog relationships.
In 2020-2024 , Cristian became the owner of a pet resort in Fort Lauderdale Florida, where he also served as the head trainer. During this time, he developed and implemented training programs for dogs of all ages, breeds, and temperaments while mentoring owners through obedience, behavior modification, and real-world training.
Today, Cristian continues to specialize in creating balanced, practical training programs that emphasize clear communication, confidence building, and reliable obedience. His goal is to help every dog become a well-mannered companion while giving owners the knowledge and skills to maintain lasting success."
Marketing Lead
Hi, I’m Emily! When I’m not working, you can usually find me spending time with my family, enjoying a good book, or heading down the Jersey Shore. I love sharing the stories behind the dogs, trainers, and families that make Coastal Pines K9 such an incredible place. Whether I’m highlighting a dog's training journey, celebrating a success story, or helping families learn more about the services we offer, I enjoy being part of the connection between our team and the people we serve. Seeing the progress each dog makes and watching families find the guidance and support they need is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do here!
Trainer
I'm Nicole! I built my training experience through hands-on work with dogs of all personalities, and backgrounds — with my own three mixed breeds who all learn in completely different ways- Working with them taught me how important patience, communication, and individualized training truly are. When it comes to training and why I choose for it to be my career , creating positive relationships between the dogs and I along with the world around them, helping them find their confidence to trust the world again is very fulfilling & rewarding to me.
Business Manager
Hi! I'm Tanya, the Business Manager at Coastal Pines K9. I've never been one to fit neatly into a single box. Over the years I've been a Registered Yoga Teacher, an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapist, a Human Resources Coordinator, and a Crisis Management professional. It's a pretty eclectic combination that has given me a unique perspective, plenty of random trivia, and a deep appreciation for people, problem-solving, and lifelong learning. Through every role, I've learned that trust, patience, and communication are at the heart of every successful relationship, whether it's with people or dogs. Those values guide how I work every day, and I strive to bring balance, compassion, and mindfulness into everything I do.. Dogs have always had a special place in my heart. I've always been the type of person who says hello to your dog before introducing myself to you! At home, I'm a proud wife, mom, and dog mom to Porkchop AKA "Chop." I'm excited to be part of the Coastal Pines K9 family and look forward to helping make every client's experience a positive one. From your very first phone call to celebrating your dog's success. Whether you have questions, need assistance, or just want to share how your pup is doing, I'm always happy to help!
Lead Kennel Technician
Hello, my name is Alex! Dogs have been a central part of my life for as long as I can remember. With years of hands-on experience and a lifelong passion for working with dogs, I can’t imagine doing anything else. Growing up with dogs, I always knew they would play an important role in my future. I attended Unity Environmental University, where I studied animal health and behavior. My journey into dog training truly began when I adopted my first rescue dog, a pit mix named Diana. Bringing her home at a young age gave me the unique opportunity to grow alongside her. Helping her build confidence and watching her transform from a shy, fearful shelter dog into the happy, confident companion she is today was incredibly rewarding. A few years later, I adopted Milo and had the privilege of training him from puppyhood through adulthood. Watching him learn, develop, and succeed deepened my passion for dog training and reinforced my desire to help other dogs and their owners build strong, lasting relationships. I’m proud to be part of the team at Coastal Pines K9, where I have the opportunity to do what I love every day.
Trainer
Hi, I’m Jessica! My journey into dog training started with my German Shepherd, Maggie. When I found her, she was reactive, challenging, and the kind of dog many people would have given up on. Training Maggie not only transformed her life, but completely changed mine as well. She showed me what can happen when someone is willing to look past a dog’s struggles and invest in their potential. Because of Maggie, I’ve always been drawn to the dogs that are overlooked, misunderstood, or considered “too much.” Some of my favorite success stories come from helping those dogs build confidence and showing their owners what they’re truly capable of. I love focusing on real-life training that helps dogs and owners enjoy everyday adventures together. Whether I’m working with one dog or a whole group, my goal is always the same: build a strong relationship, create clear communication, and help dogs become confident, well-rounded companions both at home and out in the world.
Maintenance Supervisor
I began working in maintenance approximately a year and a half ago and quickly discovered a natural aptitude for hands-on work, problem-solving, and learning new skills. I enjoy finding practical solutions and continuously expanding my knowledge of maintenance techniques, repairs, and facility operations. Prior to entering maintenance, I served as a volunteer firefighter for more than 15 years. During that time, I developed a strong understanding of building construction, safety systems, and situational awareness while learning how to effectively assess both structures and people in high-pressure environments. I also gained extensive experience maintaining and repairing firefighting equipment, gear, and tools. In addition to my fire service background, I served in the military as an Infantryman (11B), where I further developed discipline, teamwork, adaptability, and leadership skills that continue to benefit me in both my personal and professional life. My love for animals began at a young age. After much persistence and convincing, my grandparents finally agreed to bring home a Miniature Pinscher, the first dog I had growing up. That experience helped foster a lifelong appreciation for dogs and the important role they play in our lives.
