Our Staff
Our Staff – Qualifications & Experience
Balinda Strosnider
Animal Trainer
Balinda lives in Phoenix, Arizona, and has worked at Honeywell Aerospace for the past 37 years. She describes her role as a “nerd herder,” working with a team of data scientists solving business process problems throughout the organization.
Balinda holds a BS in Computer Science from Northern Arizona University and a Doctorate of Business Administration from Kennedy Western University. She has authored several children’s books about raptors and is working on a book about the science of getting and retaining good volunteers. Her hobbies include dragon boating and of course, animal training.
Certified Professional Bird Trainer – Knowledge Accessed
Member – International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators
John Glitsos
Animal Trainer
John is originally from Athens, Greece, and was adopted at the age of four by Greek-American parents. He attended Arizona State University where he studied Mathematics, Computer Science, and Broadcast Journalism.
He was a top-level computer salesman and worked his way up in sales, sales management, and eventually general management. He served as a Division President of MicroAge Corporation, and as an Executive Vice President at another public company, Kroy, Inc. In 1994 he founded a computer software company, Best Wave, which he still runs today.
His hobbies include improv comedy, dragon boating, and of course, animal training.
Certified Professional Bird Trainer – Knowledge Accessed
Member – International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators
Lisa Blue
Animal Trainer
Lisa has been training animals since she was 5 years old. From hosting neighborhood pet talent shows in her back yard as a child, to training animals for national advertising today, Lisa has always had a passion and connection with animals.
As the Director of Development for the Phoenix Zoo, Lisa has centered her career around animals. From animal care at the local humane society as a child, to a dog walking business as a teenager, to rescuing birds of prey as an adult, working with animals has always been a common thread. Her training experience is diverse and includes a variety of species Including dogs, cats, donkeys and crows.
As an advocate for positive reinforcement-based training, Lisa has trained certified trick dogs, professional animal actors, and accomplished canine athletes. As a 4H Dog Project leader and as a mentor for teen volunteers at the Phoenix Zoo, Lisa loves to share her knowledge of animals with young people. She has also created and implemented an extensive horse care-giving curriculum for the Girl Scouts of America.
Lisa lives on a small farm in Gilbert, AZ, along with her 4 dogs, 2 cats, horse, donkey, and pet chickens. She enjoys trail riding, hiking, photography, and dog agility.
Animal talent trainer for brands like PetSmart, Chuck It, Martha Stewart, and Disney.
AKC Trick dog trainer, AKC and USDAA dog agility handler/trainer.
