MEET THE TEAM
Diverse Backgrounds, One Mission
At Purely Positive, we believe that the best training comes from a deep understanding of behavior, psychology, and connection. Our team is unique: we are psychology and veterinary veterans, professional actors and educators; agility champions and anxiety specialists.
Led by founder Susan Marett, we combine our diverse professional backgrounds with over 50 years of collective experience to offer you (and your dog) the most effective, science-based, and compassionate training in Charleston.
Meet Susan: Expert Solutions for Every Behavioral Challenge.
Purely Positive Owner and Founder, CPDT-KA, CPBT-KA, CSAT
Since 1997, Susan Marett has been the go-to resource for dog owners in the Charleston and Mount Pleasant area. Susan has also earned the confidence of the veterinary and pet care community, resulting in a steady stream of referrals based on her exceptional skill set.
A fixture in the Charleston community, Susan has been featured on Pet Docs Radio, Lowcountry Live, TV Channels 4 and 5, Charleston Post and Courier, and South Carolina Public Radio. She doesn’t just train dogs; she trains the people who care for them, having facilitated staff training for local shelters, veterinary offices, and daycare facilities.Separation Anxiety Expert Susan is one of the few trainers in the world to complete the rigorous curriculum required to become a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT).
She specializes in helping fearful and anxious dogs recover, utilizing remote training to effectively manage their environment and behavior.Family Focus Susan understands that dogs are part of the family and sets the standard for compassionate, family-friendly solutions. She is a licensed presenter for the nationwide Dogs and Storks and Dogs & Toddlers programs and co-founded the first local Kids and Dogs camp. A Lifetime of Learning Susan believes in providing only the most up-to-date guidance. She travels globally to attend professional workshops and has titled her own dogs in AKC and USDAA Agility, AKC Rally Obedience, and earned Therapy Dog certifications.
- Experience: Working as a professional trainer since 1997
- Credentials: Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
- Family Focus: Licensed Family Paws Parent Educator
- Empathy: Fear Free Certified Animal Trainer
Meet Christine: Psychology-Based Trainer and Agility Competitor
Purely Positive Group Class Program Director, CPDT-KA
For Christine, dog training isn’t just about obedience; it’s about psychology. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the College of Charleston and a background in veterinary care, Christine brings a unique perspective to the Purely Positive Dog Training team, which she joined in 2022.
Her journey began long before she became a certified trainer. She spent her high school and college years working as an assistant for a veterinary ophthalmologist, later transitioning to the non-profit sector to support individuals with dementia. This blend of medical knowledge and human empathy allows her to help owners deeply understand their dogs’ behavior while mastering effective, positive techniques.Outside the classroom, Christine is an avid competitor. She has been competing in dog agility since 2010, titling dogs in USDAA and UKI, and competing in dock diving (NADD).
For those looking for a more relaxed training vibe, Christine is also a Certified DWYD® (Drink With Your Dog) Instructor, hosting fun group classes at local breweries!When she isn’t training clients or competing, Christine is busy managing her own multi-species household. She lives with her husband, a flock of chickens, a cat, and four dogs: a Boykin Spaniel, a Working Cocker Spaniel, and two Border Collies. To date, she has opened her home to over 15 hound and hound mix dogs, successfully placing them in loving forever homes.
- Experience: She has been competing in dog agility since 2010 and has titled dogs in USDAA, UKI, and NADD (Dock Diving).
- Credentials:She is a CPDT-KA certified trainer and a member of the Pet Professional Guild.
- Fun:She is a Certified DWYD® (Drink With Your Dog) Instructor—ask her about brewery classes!
- Compassion::With a background in dementia care and veterinary assistance, she approaches every client with patience and empathy.
Meet Amanda: Coaching Humans and Training Advanced Canine Behaviors
Purely Positive Lead Trainer and Clients Services Manager, CDT
Amanda Pena brings a wealth of specialized knowledge to the team. A Certified Dog Trainer (Catch Canine Trainers Academy) with a Master’s in Education and a BFA in Directing, she excels at bridging the gap between owner understanding and canine learning.Amanda works extensively with dogs struggling with fear, reactivity, and aggression, using science-based methods to alter emotional responses.
Her expertise also includes the high-level precision required for public-access training in the world of Service Animals, Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), and Therapy Dogs.
Before becoming a professional dog trainer, Amanda owned and operated a boutique dog daycare, where she developed a deep understanding of canine behavior and group dynamics.
At home, Amanda practices what she preaches with her husband, daughter, and two rescue dogs, a Japanese Spitz and a Terrier mix.
- Complexity:Expertly handles complex cases involving fear, reactivity, and aggression.
- Passion:One of Amanda’s passions is training Service Animals, ESAs, and Therapy Dogs.
- Rescue:Deeply committed to supporting rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption.
- Education:With a background in education, she’s an amazing coach for people at the other end of the leash.
Meet Emilia: Communication in Motion
Purely Positive Trainer and Social Media Manager, CDT
Emilia Drago brings a unique energy to the training floor. With over four years of professional experience and a certification from Catch Canine Trainers Academy, Emilia excels at translating “dog language” for human families.
While she loves teaching basic obedience, Emilia’s true passion lies in helping dogs find their courage. She specializes in working with mild fear, leash reactivity, and confidence-building cases, giving owners the specific tools they need to navigate these challenges. Her goal is simple: to help you maintain a happy, healthy, and stress-free relationship with your animal.
Emilia’s expertise in communication isn’t limited to dogs—she is also a professional dance teacher and a working film actor! This background gives her a keen eye for body language and movement, which she uses to help clients better understand their dogs.
As Emilia says, “Training is a great way to bond and earn the respect of your dog! It’s a lifetime investment and knowledge to carry with you forever!”
- Creativity:A creative powerhouse, Emilia infuses every session with fun, patience, and contagious energy./span>
- Discipline:Offers a disciplined and structured approach to solving problems.
- Confidence:Builds confidence for both dogs and families.
- Communication:Earns high marks for communication with both humans and dogs.
Meet Susan: Expert Solutions for Every Behavioral Challenge.
Purely Positive Owner and Founder, CPDT-KA, CPBT-KA, CSAT
Since 1997, Susan Marett has been the go-to resource for dog owners in the Charleston and Mount Pleasant area. Susan has also earned the confidence of the veterinary and pet care community, resulting in a steady stream of referrals based on her exceptional skill set.
A fixture in the Charleston community, Susan has been featured on Pet Docs Radio, Lowcountry Live, TV Channels 4 and 5, Charleston Post and Courier, and South Carolina Public Radio. She doesn’t just train dogs; she trains the people who care for them, having facilitated staff training for local shelters, veterinary offices, and daycare facilities.Separation Anxiety Expert Susan is one of the few trainers in the world to complete the rigorous curriculum required to become a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT).
She specializes in helping fearful and anxious dogs recover, utilizing remote training to effectively manage their environment and behavior.Family Focus Susan understands that dogs are part of the family and sets the standard for compassionate, family-friendly solutions. She is a licensed presenter for the nationwide Dogs and Storks and Dogs & Toddlers programs and co-founded the first local Kids and Dogs camp. A Lifetime of Learning Susan believes in providing only the most up-to-date guidance. She travels globally to attend professional workshops and has titled her own dogs in AKC and USDAA Agility, AKC Rally Obedience, and earned Therapy Dog certifications.
- Experience: Working as a professional trainer since 1997
- Credentials: Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
- Family Focus: Licensed Family Paws Parent Educator
- Empathy: Fear Free Certified Animal Trainer
Meet Susan: Expert Solutions for Every Behavioral Challenge.
Purely Positive Owner and Founder, CPDT-KA, CPBT-KA, CSAT
A fixture in the Charleston community, Susan has been featured on Pet Docs Radio, Lowcountry Live, TV Channels 4 and 5, Charleston Post and Courier, and South Carolina Public Radio. She doesn’t just train dogs; she trains the people who care for them, having facilitated staff training for local shelters, veterinary offices, and daycare facilities.Separation Anxiety Expert Susan is one of the few trainers in the world to complete the rigorous curriculum required to become a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT). She specializes in helping fearful and anxious dogs recover, utilizing remote training to effectively manage their environment and behavior.Family Focus Susan understands that dogs are part of the family and sets the standard for compassionate, family-friendly solutions. She is a licensed presenter for the nationwide Dogs and Storks and Dogs & Toddlers programs and co-founded the first local Kids and Dogs camp. A Lifetime of Learning Susan believes in providing only the most up-to-date guidance. She travels globally to attend professional workshops and has titled her own dogs in AKC and USDAA Agility, AKC Rally Obedience, and earned Therapy Dog certifications.
- Experience: Working as a professional trainer since 1997
- Credentials: Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
- Family Focus: Licensed Family Paws Parent Educator
- Empathy: Fear Free Certified Animal Trainer
Meet Christine: Psychology-Based Trainer and Agility Competitor
Purely Positive Group Class Program Director, CPDT-KA
Her journey began long before she became a certified trainer. She spent her high school and college years working as an assistant for a veterinary ophthalmologist, later transitioning to the non-profit sector to support individuals with dementia. This blend of medical knowledge and human empathy allows her to help owners deeply understand their dogs’ behavior while mastering effective, positive techniques.Outside the classroom, Christine is an avid competitor. She has been competing in dog agility since 2010, titling dogs in USDAA and UKI, and competing in dock diving (NADD). For those looking for a more relaxed training vibe, Christine is also a Certified DWYD® (Drink With Your Dog) Instructor, hosting fun group classes at local breweries!When she isn’t training clients or competing, Christine is busy managing her own multi-species household. She lives with her husband, a flock of chickens, a cat, and four dogs: a Boykin Spaniel, a Working Cocker Spaniel, and two Border Collies. To date, she has opened her home to over 15 hound and hound mix dogs, successfully placing them in loving forever homes.
- Experience: She has been competing in dog agility since 2010 and has titled dogs in USDAA, UKI, and NADD (Dock Diving).
- Credentials:She is a CPDT-KA certified trainer and a member of the Pet Professional Guild.
- Fun:She is a Certified DWYD® (Drink With Your Dog) Instructor—ask her about brewery classes!
- Compassion::With a background in dementia care and veterinary assistance, she approaches every client with patience and empathy.
Meet Amanda: Coaching Humans and Training Advanced Canine Behaviors
Purely Positive Lead Trainer and Clients Services Manager, CDT
Amanda Pena brings a wealth of specialized knowledge to the team. A Certified Dog Trainer (Catch Canine Trainers Academy) with a Master’s in Education and a BFA in Directing, she excels at bridging the gap between owner understanding and canine learning.Amanda works extensively with dogs struggling with fear, reactivity, and aggression, using science-based methods to alter emotional responses. Her expertise also includes the high-level precision required for public-access training in the world of Service Animals, Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), and Therapy Dogs.
Before becoming a professional dog trainer, Amanda owned and operated a boutique dog daycare, where she developed a deep understanding of canine behavior and group dynamics.
At home, Amanda practices what she preaches with her husband, daughter, and two rescue dogs, a Japanese Spitz and a Terrier mix.
-
- Complexity: Expertly handles complex cases involving fear, reactivity, and aggression.
- Passion: One of Amanda’s passions is training Service Animals, ESAs, and Therapy Dogs.
- Rescue: Deeply committed to supporting rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption.
- Education: With a background in education, she’s an amazing coach for people at the other end of the leash.
Meet Emilia: Communication in Motion
Purely Positive Trainer and Social Media Manager, CDT
Meet Emilia: Communication in Motion
Emilia Drago brings a unique energy to the training floor. With over four years of professional experience and a certification from Catch Canine Trainers Academy, Emilia excels at translating “dog language” for human families.While she loves teaching basic obedience, Emilia’s true passion lies in helping dogs find their courage. She specializes in working with mild fear, leash reactivity, and confidence-building cases, giving owners the specific tools they need to navigate these challenges. Her goal is simple: to help you maintain a happy, healthy, and stress-free relationship with your animal.
Emilia’s expertise in communication isn’t limited to dogs—she is also a professional dance teacher and a working film actor! This background gives her a keen eye for body language and movement, which she uses to help clients better understand their dogs.
As Emilia says, “Training is a great way to bond and earn the respect of your dog! It’s a lifetime investment and knowledge to carry with you forever!”
- Creativity:A creative powerhouse, Emilia infuses every session with fun, patience, and contagious energy./span>
- Discipline:Offers a disciplined and structured approach to solving problems.
- Confidence:Builds confidence for both dogs and families.
- Communication:Earns high marks for communication with both humans and dogs.
Meet Sarah: Veteran Trainer with 30 + years of experience
Purely Positive Senior Trainer, CPDT-KA
Sarah’s background is unique because she understands the “whole dog.” Her professional history includes roles as a veterinary technician, pet supply associate, and kennel technician. This diverse experience allows her to spot how health, nutrition, and environment all play a role in a dog’s behavior.
“Happiness is a warm puppy.” (Lucy/Peanuts) Charles Schulz
- Certification:CPDT-KA and Pet CPR
- Experience:30+ years in the pet industry and 20+ years with Purely Positive
- Goal: Sarah’s goal is to improve the bond between dogs and their humans through understanding and empathy.
- Heart:Sarah admits to falling in love with every dog at first sight.
