Meet the Sit Means Sit Dog Training Westchester Team
Our certified local training team serves Westchester County, NY and Fairfield County, CT from the Valhalla facility.
TRAINERS & STAFF
Our certified Sit Means Sit Dog Training staff has extensive experience in resolving dog obedience issues such as:
Learn more about our team or get started by scheduling a call with Emily today.
MEET THE TEAM ›
NEIL COHEN
OWNER
Neil Cohen is the owner of Sit Means Sit Dog Training Westchester and a certified professional dog trainer serving dog owners throughout Westchester County, NY, Fairfield County, CT, and the surrounding area from the company's Valhalla training facility. After first coming to Sit Means Sit Dog Training as a dog owner looking for help with a challenging pet, Neil transitioned from a marketing career into professional dog training and now works hands-on with dogs of all ages, breeds, and behavioral backgrounds. Neil is also a certified evaluator for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test and the K-9 Caring Angels A.C.E. certification test, leads one of the region's largest therapy dog teams, and is the handler of Pepper the Bat Dog.
NEIL COHEN'S BIO ›
JAMIE CARNEVALE
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Jamie Carnevale is the Director of Operations at Sit Means Sit Dog Training Westchester, helping families across Westchester County and Fairfield County move from first call to final training session with clarity and confidence. A licensed speech pathologist for 17 years, Jamie first came to Sit Means Sit Dog Training as one of Neil Cohen's earliest clients while seeking help for her Australian Cattle Dog, Sarge. After seeing the results of the training firsthand, she joined the business and now brings her background in communication and behavioral science to the client experience, making the process feel more personal, organized, and results-driven from day one.
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CHRIS PENNELLA
LEAD TRAINER
Chris Pennella is the Lead Trainer at Sit Means Sit Dog Training Westchester, where he works with dogs of all temperaments and behavioral backgrounds for families in Westchester County, Fairfield County, and nearby communities. Chris first came to Sit Means Sit Dog Training as a client with his dog Perry, then continued that journey with Maple, and most recently Wylie. That firsthand experience gives him a strong understanding of what owners need from both the training process and the results. He now leads training plans that range from basic obedience and better manners to more advanced behavior modification, helping owners build reliable communication they can use in everyday life.
CHRIS PENNELLA'S BIO ›
VANESSA FELKER
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
Vanessa Felker is the Director of Finance at Sit Means Sit Dog Training Westchester and an important part of the team behind each smooth, professional client experience. Her organizational skill and attention to detail help support the training journey from first contact through final session, allowing the trainers to stay focused on helping dogs and owners succeed.
VANESSA FELKER'S BIO ›
LEXI NEWSON
TRAINER
Lexi Newson is a trainer at Sit Means Sit Dog Training Westchester who helps dogs and owners build confidence, stronger communication, and lasting obedience across Westchester County, Fairfield County, and the surrounding area. She shares her life with Stitch, her deaf pitbull, which adds depth to her understanding of individual dogs, unique communication needs, and patient, consistent training. Lexi works with a wide variety of breeds and behavioral challenges, using a calm, methodical approach that helps owners create real-life results while building a stronger bond with their dogs.
LEXI NEWSON'S BIO ›
LIAM AMOUZOU
TRAINER
Liam Amouzou is a trainer at Sit Means Sit Dog Training Westchester known for his energy, dedication, and natural connection with dogs, serving clients throughout Westchester County, Fairfield County, and the surrounding area. He has Jerome, Atlas, and Oakley, and his experience with multiple dogs helps shape his practical, hands-on training style. Liam is especially strong with high-energy dogs and owners who need better focus, structure, and control in everyday life.
LIAM AMOUZOU'S BIO ›
IRIS MENDEZ
TRAINER
Iris Mendez is a trainer at Sit Means Sit Dog Training Westchester who helps dogs and owners build better communication, confidence, and trust across Westchester County, Fairfield County, and nearby communities. She shares her life with her dog, Zero, and brings that same care, enthusiasm, and connection into her work with clients and their dogs. Iris is known for her patience, compassion, and genuine love for dogs, making her a valuable part of the training experience for families looking for practical obedience and behavior support.
IRIS MENDEZ'S BIO ›
EMILY CATHEY
TRAINING ADVISOR
Emily Cathey is the Training Advisor at Sit Means Sit Dog Training Westchester and is often the first person families speak with when they begin looking for dog training in Westchester County or Fairfield County. She leads the initial phone consultation, listens carefully to each owner's goals and their dog's challenges, and helps match each family with the right program before the first visit. Emily's warm, thoughtful communication helps new clients feel understood and confident, whether they are exploring puppy training, obedience work, or support for more difficult behavior issues.
EMILY CATHEY'S BIO ›
HANNAH WHITEHEAD
INTAKE COORDINATOR
Hannah Whitehead is the Intake Coordinator at Sit Means Sit Dog Training Westchester, helping keep the day running smoothly for dogs and owners across Westchester County, Fairfield County, and the surrounding area. She plays an important role in receiving dogs each morning, checking them in, and making sure each day starts in an organized, calm, and welcoming way. She is also currently going to school to become a teacher, and that caring, structured mindset shows up in the way she supports both the team and the families they serve.
HANNAH WHITEHEAD'S BIO ›