Dr. Gina Fisher Caldwell earned her Ph.D. in General Teaching Psychology from Walden University. She has dedicated her career and education to animal training, behavior, and welfare.  As an associate curator at Georgia Aquarium, she collaborated with senior leadership to develop, institute, lead and facilitate the highest animal standards and welfare goals. She has over twenty-five years of experience in the behavioral science and zoological field working with a variety of species while specializing in otter care. She received an M.A. in Psychology with a Specialization in Animal Behavior & Conservation from Hunter College. Her master’s thesis was on the effects of different levels of environmental enrichment on sea otter behavior. Dr. Caldwell has been a professional canine behaviorist since 2010.  She has a strong interest in therapy dog training and advocating for your dog.  She conducted her dissertation on the motivators that influence canine handlers to volunteer in animal-assisted activities. She serves as a subject matter expert on the Pet Partners Human-Animal Bond Advisory Board Member.  In this role, she creates curriculum and coursework speaking to the importance of the human-animal bond, animal behavior, and welfare.