COAPE Team
Karin Pienaar 
COAPE International Partner.
DipCABT (COAPE) OCN, CertCAB, CABTi Practitioner, C.A.B. ICAN, C.C.A.B.
Karin has been working in the field of animal behaviour therapy since 1997 after studying in the UK, where she completed her Diploma in Animal Behaviour with what was then COAPE UK. She is a member of both the CABTi and ICAN and is a Certified Animal Behaviourist (C.A.B.), a partner in COAPE International and a published author.
After more than 25 years of consulting with dog and cat owners, Karin now focuses mainly on managing COAPE International, presenting parts of the COAPE Diplomas and MHERA™ Practitioners course, as well as lecturing extensively at conferences on animal emotionality both locally and internationally. She developed the industry changing MHERA™ method which is used to monitor and improve emotional and behavioural wellbeing in animals. MHERA™ can be applied on mammals and birds, in a variety of different environments, from captive wildlife facilities to the domestic pet setting. Her book “Mood Matters: MHERA: An innovative assessment approach to animal emotionality in the treatment of behaviour problems” was published in 2023 by DogWise in the U.S.A. Karin is the Behaviour Consultant to numerous pet companies such as Eukanuba and Ascendis Animal Health and is a regular contributor to several local and international magazines, as well as appearing on television and radio regarding animal behaviour matters.
She heads the Enrichment Partnership Program between COAPE International and several captive wildlife facilities, where she spends her time to develop bespoke enrichment programs to promote the behavioural and emotional health of the animals, as well as implementing consent-based training to facilitate stress-free husbandry and medical procedures in captive wildlife. The captive animal project provides the unique opportunity to apply COAPE’s MHERA™ and ESTA™ techniques to a huge variety of animal species, with great success to date. She is also part of the South African Government’s task team whose focus is on creating awareness surrounding the safe ownership of pitbulls and education in animal behaviour.
When she has time to spare, she consults on particularly challenging cases and works as an Expert Witness in legal cases involving Animal Behaviour.
Wendy Wilson 
COAPE International Partner
Dip Credit Management – Advanced, Cert Bookkeeping, DipCABT (COAPE) OCN, MHERA Qualified, CABTI Practitioner, CertCAB, Guild Certified TTouch Practitioner
Wendy Wilson has been involved in the training and showing of dogs for over 40 years and began studying animal behaviour in 2006. She holds a certificate in Companion Animal Behaviour and OCN UK accredited COAPE Diploma in Animal Behaviour. Wendy is also a Guild Certified TTouch Practitioner, a qualified canine obedience and clicker training instructor, and a Practitioner member of the CABTI.
In 2007, Wendy joined ThinkingPets, and alongside Karin and Peter, she co-founded COAPE SA in 2010. Wendy left Johannesburg and her managerial position in the corporate world in 2011 to focus on COAPE International. She relocated to the Western Cape, where she led the Cape Diploma lecturing team for 5 years. Wendy has presented an Animal Behaviour course in Namibia and conducted numerous workshops in the Cape. She has also appeared as an expert witness in several court cases related to animal behaviour. Although she enjoyed consulting, she now dedicates her time to managing the Finance, HR and Course Enquiries departments as well as the day-to-day running of COAPE International.
Leigh Shenker 
BADA (Hons)(WITS), DipCABT (COAPE) OCN, CABTi Practitioner
Leigh’s studies and career path started in the field of human behaviour, working primarily with youth at risk. Her love of four legged creatures led her to change direction towards all things related to animal behaviour, and she completed her Diploma in Animal Behaviour through COAPE International.
Leigh is a qualified Practitioner member of CAPBT. She has a special interest in natural medicine for animals and grows and sources many unusual medicinal plants.
As the Marking Manager, she forms part of the COAPE management Team. When not lecturing and tutoring the COAPE Diploma, Leigh spends most of her time involved in shelter work and working with clients.
Her dedication to shelter work is reflected in several programmes and systems she has set up, and she is committed to changing the traditional model for animal shelters and improving basic conditions for all animals, as well as assisting families who choose to adopt a rescue.
Bev Davis
DipCABT (COAPE) OCN
Bev Davis has always had a deep love for animals, with dogs, cats, rats, a stray tortoise, and a rescued Cape White-Eye playing significant roles in her life. Her interest in dog training was sparked after completing a clicker training class with her dogs, discovering the ease and kindness of training any animal using a clicker and positive reinforcement.
After a ten-year career in banking and fifteen years as an administrator and fundraiser for a school, Bev attended TTouch training and was encouraged to study as a puppy trainer. Since qualifying as a ThinkingPets Puppy Instructor in 2008, she has enjoyed running her dog training school and sharing her expertise in positive reinforcement training with new owners.
In 2018, Bev advanced her studies by obtaining a COAPE Diploma and qualifying as an Animal Behaviourist through COAPE International. She now consults and manages a busy training school, and in her spare time, she fosters dogs, ensuring they are socialized and well-adjusted to fit into their new homes.
Bev joined COAPE International as the Admin Manager in May 2019.
Glynis Taylor
CertCAB, ThinkingPets Puppy School Instructor
Glynis’s career began in Human Resources and Training. She obtained her Certificate in Companion Animal Behaviour in 2010 and completed her studies as a ThinkingPets Puppy School Instructor in 2011. After 27 years in the corporate world, Glynis left to combine her love for education and animals in dog training. In 2018, she opened her dog training business and puppy school, Paws Up 4 Dogz, in Cape Town, which uses positive reinforcement training.
Her passion for learning led her to complete qualifications in Human Resources, Skills Development and Training, Marketing, Animal Behaviour, and Metaphysics. Glynis is an avid animal lover of companion animals, wildlife, and the marine world. She enjoys scuba diving and has volunteered as a guide and back-of-house support at Two Oceans Aquarium.
When not working, Glynis enjoys spending time with her family and three cats and often finds herself in the forest or at the beach. Glynis joined COAPE International in 2023 as part of the admin team.
Sr. Carla van Rooyen 
DipVetNurs, DipCABT (OCN)
Carla van Rooyen’s passion for animals began in her youth. During her school years, she volunteered at the Pretoria Zoo on weekends, assisting with cleaning enclosures, preparing and feeding animals, and helping wherever needed. After school, she pursued veterinary nursing at the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria. Carla worked at Onderstepoort for 18 years, where she served as the senior veterinary sister in the Small Animal Medicine department before moving to the Outpatients/Emergency ward. There, she was involved in student training, assisting with procedures and emergencies, and ensuring the smooth daily operation of the clinic. She also assisted with behavior cases presented at the Outpatient ward.
Carla’s interest in animal behaviour led her to complete a Technikon certificate in Basic Animal Behaviour in 2002 and an Advanced Animal Behaviour course in 2004. She has also attended workshops on clicker training and puppy classes. Carla holds an OCN UK accredited COAPE Diploma in Animal Behaviour. She is passionate about educating owners about their pets’ behavioural needs and continually seeks opportunities to enhance her knowledge by attending CPD veterinary congresses and staying updated with the latest articles and research.
After starting a family in 2020, Carla transitioned from the veterinary industry to work part-time for COAPE International in 2021. She now heads the CO department for all Beginner and Intermediate courses, serving as the Student Liaison, handling student queries, presenting tutorials, and updating course information.
Fallon Maddocks
BEd
Fallon holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education, and has extensive experience in school administration. Her passion for nurturing and supporting educational environments has driven her career and shaped her professional journey. Fallon joined COAPE International in 2024 as an administrator in the CO department.
Outside of work, Fallon is an avid animal lover and a devoted cat mom. Her furry companions bring joy and balance to her life and remind her daily of the importance of kindness and care.
Jenize Hechter
CertAT, CertBus (Mktg), DipTesol, CertIELTS
Jenize is an experienced Product and Marketing Specialist with over 8 years of experience in the EdTech Industry, specializing in team management and administration. She obtained her Certificate in Animal Training through COAPE in 2022 and is a qualified English teacher, holding both TESOL and IELTS Teacher Training Certificates, along with a Certificate in Business Marketing.
An avid animal lover, Jenize is the guardian of four rescue dogs, two spirited horses, a dwarf goat and multiple chickens. She has volunteered at numerous local welfare organizations, assisting with fostering, rehoming, and rehabilitation of neglected and abused animals.
Jenize joined the COAPE International team in 2022 and serves as the Public Relations and Marketing Manager.
Tarryn Roux 
DipCABT (COAPE) OCN, CABTi Practitioner Member
Tarryn Roux has a profound dedication to animal welfare, particularly in rural Africa. With over 13 years of experience in animal behaviour, training, and welfare, Tarryn’s journey began at the local animal shelter in Mozambique, MAPS, where she worked with abused and neglected animals. Her innate ability to connect with these animals set her on a path of professional growth.
In 2010, Tarryn qualified as a ThinkingPets Puppy School Instructor, and in 2013, she completed her COAPE Diploma in Animal Behaviour. As the head of the Blantyre S.P.C.A. in Malawi, she implemented innovative programs, including enrichment activities and a “train-to-adopt” initiative, significantly increasing dogs’ chances of finding loving homes.
Tarryn expanded her influence in animal welfare as the country manager for Mission Rabies, contributing to rabies eradication in Malawi. In 2018, she joined COAPE International, where she currently serves as the Social Media Manager and head of the Learning Management System (LMS).
Helena Anderson 
Helena Anderson is an experienced administrative professional with over 20 years of expertise in various office administration processes and systems. She owns a pre-school in Bonnievale and has a deep passion for both children and animals. Helena believes that animals, especially dogs, play a vital role in improving people’s mental health and has a strong interest in working dogs and their training.
Helena has volunteered at a non-profit organization managing three ECD schools and volunteers at another organization focusing on the therapeutic value of pets. She is the proud mother of a 9-year-old girl and two four-legged family members: Yemi, a Golden Retriever, and Templeton, the cat who is affectionately known as the “boss of the house.”
George van Huyssteen 
DipCABT (COAPE), CAPBT Practitioner, MHERA Qualified
George van Huyssteen has been a dedicated professional in obedience and agility training since 1998. He began his formal studies in 2015, earning his first behaviour and training diploma from Pet Sense College in 2016. In 2017, he joined the Dunbar Top Dog Academy, and by 2019, he had completed his COAPE Diploma in Animal Behaviour. In 2021, George furthered his expertise with the MHERA qualification.
Committed to giving back to the community, George collaborates with local shelters, assessing dogs and providing lectures and training for staff. George is a fulltime member of the COAPE International team where he marks diplomas and tutors various courses. Additionally, George presents the Dog Training Add-On course for COAPE International, sharing his extensive knowledge and experience with aspiring trainers.
Lizelle Britz-Chapman
LLB, MPhil(FRM), DipCABT, CABTi Practitioner.
Lizelle joined ThinkingPets in 2011 and obtained her puppy class instructor qualification in January 2012. She opened her school – Polka Dog School – in 2012 and has been going strong ever since. Lizelle completed the COAPE ThinkBehaviour course in 2012 and thereafter enrolled for the COAPE Diploma in 2014. She graduated in 2017 and has been an active behaviour practitioner ever since.
Lizelle is a qualified Attorney: in 2013 she graduated from the University of Pretoria with an LLB and was admitted as an Attorney in the High Court of Pretoria in 2015. She then went on to complete her Master’s Degree in Fraud Risk Management at the University of Pretoria in 2018.
Lizelle is COAPE’s Legal Advisor.
