With a focus on Dog Psychology, we bring dogs on structured adventures both locally, and out of town. Our mission is to provide your dog with an adventure that stimulates them physically AND mentally.
Meet The Team
Caitlin Lebel
Founder, director of Education & Training
The foundation of Caitlin's love and respect for all animals started at a very young age, as she was brought up in a home with dogs (always) and her Mom was a dedicated VetTech for over 25 years. Her love for dogs, paired with her desire and need to be in Mother Nature, is what led her to a new beginning and in 2016 she founded The Canine Clubhouse of Maine, LLC. This decision was life-changing on many levels. ‘Work’ now has a new meaning, one that is centered around building a connection with dogs, with a focus on mental and physical health, and becoming a dedicated student to the world of Dog Psychology.
In September of 2021, she was accepted into Cesar Millan’s Dog Psychology program. Upon graduating from Fundamentals I and II she was invited back, but this time to become a part of the Training Cesar’s Way Team. Working alongside Cesar and his incredible team at the Dog Psychology Center in Santa Clarita, California, has been the greatest gift, personally and professionally. She has met the most inspiring, knowledgeable, creative, and spiritual dog community that have become like family.
Caitlin now spends her time between Maine and California, an absolute dream come true. Her time out West is split between the Dog Psychology Center and K9 Behavior College, where she works alongside expert dog behaviorist, and one of Cesar’s head trainers, Lisa Porter.
Caitlin is in charge of all training and education for the Clubhouse team, making sure the bond between dog, human, and Mother Nature is never lost.
Kristi Braun
chief Pack Leader, director of operations
In 2022, Kristi landed back in Maine and left her corporate job after deciding to only pursue work which fulfills her soul. When the opportunity presented itself to join Canine Clubhouse as a pack leader, she knew it was the right decision. With so much love for the pack adventures, coupled with the dog psychology training that she’s received through Caitlin, Kristi has seen a brand new world open up for her. She’s learning more and more from the dogs with every adventure she leads!
Ryan Smith
Senior Pack Leader
Ryan is like our calm waters, our morning light, our rainbow after a thunderstorm rolls through. She provides joy, but also a calm-confidence to a lot of our dogs that are more sensitive or back of the pack dogs. Ryan’s energy and calm spirit is her super power, it’s what allows her to do what she does with the Pack. Its what makes her our Senior Pack Leader!
Jamie Bifulco
Pack facilitator
Jamie is our magic behind the scenes! She’s our momma bear, grounding us, and keeping our pack moving forward. Jamie facilitates in client communications, pack projects, scheduling, and assisting in day-to-day Pack Leader operations.
Jamie is Massachusetts grown but fell in love with Maine when she went to UMaine and hasn't left since. Jamie is a professional musician as a trombone player and writer in multiple Portland based bands including: Rustic Overtones, Royal Hammer, Gina & the Red Eye Flight Crew, Spencer & the Walrus, Big Magic and The Fogcutters. Jamie also works in the healing arts as an Emotional Freedom Techniques (Tapping) facilitator, a meditation and somatic movement teacher, and frequently hosts crystal bowl sound baths. Jamie loves spending time with her family, skiing, blading, golfing, and of course hanging with furry friends! Her home pack includes her husband, two English Bulldogs Bean & Beef, Simon the cat, and a baby girl due in August!
Ericka Lightner
Dog Walker, South Portland CIty Walks
Ericka’s from South Portland Maine and just returned from living in California for the past 8 years. She’s a lover of all animals, nature, and traveling around the country in her camper van. She’s been dog walking and sitting off and on for the past 5 years and will give your fur babies all the love they deserve.