Meet the Team
Christine Ferris
Author, Speaker, Canine Leadership Trainer
Christine’s passion for dogs began at age 10 with a Shih-Tzu puppy from her grandparents, leading to her involvement in 4-H Dog Club and a part-time K9 training career after high school. In 2013, she adopted two puppies from the same litter—Trouper, a laid-back dog, and Trustee, a high-energy, aggressive pup. Despite early struggles with Trustee’s behavior, Christine’s discovery of trust-based training principles transformed his aggression and turned his behavior around.
This success inspired her to found Trustee Training Services in 2014, where she and Trustee now work together to teach dog/handler teams mutual respect and trust-based training. Christine’s goal is to help more dogs like Trustee become valuable community members, empowering handlers to build strong, respectful relationships with their pets.
Christine is also an author and a John Maxwell Certified trainer, speaker, and coach. In 2024, she released her first book, Lessons from Lad: What My Dog Taught Me About Life, Love, Leadership, and Loss, where she shares valuable life lessons learned from her bond with her collie, Lad. Her expertise as a trainer and coach extends beyond the dog world, as she inspires others to grow personally and professionally through her unique insights on leadership and life.
Visit the Community Impact Page to learn how Christine and her canine working partners are making a difference in the community.
Christine Ferris
Author, Speaker,
Canine Leadership Trainer
Canine Leadership Trainer
Christine’s passion for dogs began at age 10 with a Shih-Tzu puppy from her grandparents, leading to her involvement in 4-H Dog Club and a part-time K9 training career after high school. In 2013, she adopted two puppies from the same litter—Trouper, a laid-back dog, and Trustee, a high-energy, aggressive pup. Despite early struggles with Trustee’s behavior, Christine’s discovery of trust-based training principles transformed his aggression and turned his behavior around.
This success inspired her to found Trustee Training Services in 2014, where she and Trustee now work together to teach dog/handler teams mutual respect and trust-based training. Christine’s goal is to help more dogs like Trustee become valuable community members, empowering handlers to build strong, respectful relationships with their pets.
Christine is also an author and a John Maxwell Certified trainer, speaker, and coach. In 2024, she released her first book, Lessons from Lad: What My Dog Taught Me About Life, Love, Leadership, and Loss, where she shares valuable life lessons learned from her bond with her collie, Lad. Her expertise as a trainer and coach extends beyond the dog world, as she inspires others to grow personally and professionally through her unique insights on leadership and life.
Visit the Community Impact Page to learn how Christine and her canine working partners are making a difference in the community.
David Ferris
Assistant Canine Leadership Trainer, IT Specialist
David joined Trustee Training in May 2021, bringing fresh energy and a unique ability to connect with young and inexperienced handlers. With a background in corporate IT and leadership, he works alongside Christine to help K9 handlers develop strong, trust-based relationships with their dogs. David is also involved in creating training video resources, using his creativity and passion for excellence to enhance the quality of training for both dogs and handlers.
David Ferris
Assistant Canine Leadership Trainer, IT Specialist
David joined Trustee Training in May 2021, bringing fresh energy and a unique ability to connect with young and inexperienced handlers. With a background in corporate IT and leadership, he works alongside Christine to help K9 handlers develop strong, trust-based relationships with their dogs. David is also involved in creating training video resources, using his creativity and passion for excellence to enhance the quality of training for both dogs and handlers.
Trustee
Mascott and Mentor
DOB: 2.2.2013
Trustee is much more than a dog—he is a patient teacher, a trusted mentor, a legendary leader, and a founding member of the Trustee Training Pack. For over a decade, he has been by Christine’s side, guiding and inspiring hundreds of handlers to lead with both strength and grace. Trustee was the spark that ignited the creation of Trustee Training Services and stands as a living testament to the principles that have shaped so many successful partnerships.
With his playful yet assertive personality and exceptional intuition, Trustee leads the pack with quiet confidence. He is highly trained in advanced obedience, basic agility, directional work, and search and rescue, embodying the very essence of a working dog. Trustee is often “along for the ride,” actively participating in training sessions and bringing his calm, experienced presence to each one.
Beyond his role as a trainer and mentor, Trustee has devoted many hours to community service as a certified therapy dog. His dedication to others is evident in the countless lives he has touched. In recognition of his exemplary skills and temperament, he has earned his BH High Point obedience award and AKC Good Citizen title.
Though Trustee’s favorite pastime is playtime, when it’s time for work, he’s all business—focused, determined, and always ready to help others grow. His gentle yet strong spirit continues to inspire and lead, both in training and in life.
Trustee’s Titles:
• BH High Point Winner
• AKC Canine Good Citizen
Trustee
Mascott and Mentor
DOB: 2.2.2013
Trustee is much more than a dog—he is a patient teacher, a trusted mentor, a legendary leader, and a founding member of the Trustee Training Pack. For over a decade, he has been by Christine’s side, guiding and inspiring hundreds of handlers to lead with both strength and grace. Trustee was the spark that ignited the creation of Trustee Training Services and stands as a living testament to the principles that have shaped so many successful partnerships.
With his playful yet assertive personality and exceptional intuition, Trustee leads the pack with quiet confidence. He is highly trained in advanced obedience, basic agility, directional work, and search and rescue, embodying the very essence of a working dog. Trustee is often “along for the ride,” actively participating in training sessions and bringing his calm, experienced presence to each one.
Beyond his role as a trainer and mentor, Trustee has devoted many hours to community service as a certified therapy dog. His dedication to others is evident in the countless lives he has touched. In recognition of his exemplary skills and temperament, he has earned his BH High Point obedience award and AKC Good Citizen title.
Though Trustee’s favorite pastime is playtime, when it’s time for work, he’s all business—focused, determined, and always ready to help others grow. His gentle yet strong spirit continues to inspire and lead, both in training and in life.
Trustee’s Titles:
• BH High Point Winner
• AKC Canine Good Citizen
Trustee Lad’s Legend a.k.a. Legend
DOB: 6.11.2022
In 2021, on the bittersweet anniversary of losing Lad, Legend came into our lives as an 8-week-old puppy, quickly filling our hearts with his boundless energy and sweet spirit. It was clear from the start that Legend was no ordinary dog. His unique personality and quiet determination captivated us, but it wasn’t until November 2024 that we discovered a deeper layer to his journey. An MRI revealed a congenital brain defect affecting his central nervous system, offering us a deeper understanding of the challenges he faces and helping us better support his needs.
At first, Legend may have seemed like an underachiever, but we soon recognized the quiet strength he possesses. In his own gentle way, he’s triumphed over more obstacles than most dogs ever will. His resilience and perseverance have not only changed our perspective but have also inspired others to keep moving forward in the face of their own challenges. Legend’s story is a beautiful reminder that overcoming adversity is not about perfection, but about the courage to keep trying, no matter the odds.
Every day, Legend brings immeasurable joy into our lives with his affectionate and loyal nature. He is deeply devoted to his family and friends, always ready to offer a comforting presence or a gentle paw. His calm, loving soul reminds us that even in life’s toughest moments, miracles can happen—and sometimes, they come in the form of a sweet, gentle dog.
In addition to achieving several obedience titles, Legend serves our community as a member of the Trustee Service Troupe, where he continues to be a source of inspiration, love, and unwavering devotion, teaching us every day the true meaning of resilience and grace.
Legend’s Titles:
• UKC Socialized Pet Obedience (SPOT) 
• AKC Canine Good Citizen
• AKC Urban Canine Good Citizen
Trustee Lad’s Legend
a.k.a. Legend
a.k.a. Legend
DOB: 6.11.2022
In 2021, on the bittersweet anniversary of losing Lad, Legend came into our lives as an 8-week-old puppy, quickly filling our hearts with his boundless energy and sweet spirit. It was clear from the start that Legend was no ordinary dog. His unique personality and quiet determination captivated us, but it wasn’t until November 2024 that we discovered a deeper layer to his journey. An MRI revealed a congenital brain defect affecting his central nervous system, offering us a deeper understanding of the challenges he faces and helping us better support his needs.
At first, Legend may have seemed like an underachiever, but we soon recognized the quiet strength he possesses. In his own gentle way, he’s triumphed over more obstacles than most dogs ever will. His resilience and perseverance have not only changed our perspective but have also inspired others to keep moving forward in the face of their own challenges. Legend’s story is a beautiful reminder that overcoming adversity is not about perfection, but about the courage to keep trying, no matter the odds.
Every day, Legend brings immeasurable joy into our lives with his affectionate and loyal nature. He is deeply devoted to his family and friends, always ready to offer a comforting presence or a gentle paw. His calm, loving soul reminds us that even in life’s toughest moments, miracles can happen—and sometimes, they come in the form of a sweet, gentle dog.
In addition to achieving several obedience titles, Legend serves our community as a member of the Trustee Service Troupe, where he continues to be a source of inspiration, love, and unwavering devotion, teaching us every day the true meaning of resilience and grace.
Legend’s Titles:
• UKC Socialized Pet Obedience (SPOT)
• AKC Canine Good Citizen
• AKC Urban Canine Good Citizen
Trouper: A Legacy of Love
2.2.2013 – 7.14.2024
Trouper was our beloved “couch potato” and a true people lover with a heart as big as his gentle soul. For six wonderful years, he served as a Reading Buddy and Therapy Dog in Concord Community Schools, spreading warmth, affection, and comfort to everyone he met. While he may not have had the intense focus of Trustee, Trouper’s incredible ability to light up any room with his sweet, loving nature made him unforgettable.
In addition to his work in the schools, Trouper also served as a crisis response canine for HOPE Animal Assisted Crisis Response, offering solace and support to those in need. His nickname, “love hound,” perfectly captured his outgoing, loving spirit. Trouper is deeply missed, but his memory lives on through the joy and comfort he brought to so many. He will always be remembered for his droopy eyes, gentle demeanor, and the love he freely shared with the world.
Trouper:
A Legacy of Love
A Legacy of Love
2.2.2013 – 7.14.2024
Trouper was our beloved “couch potato” and a true people lover with a heart as big as his gentle soul. For six wonderful years, he served as a Reading Buddy and Therapy Dog in Concord Community Schools, spreading warmth, affection, and comfort to everyone he met. While he may not have had the intense focus of Trustee, Trouper’s incredible ability to light up any room with his sweet, loving nature made him unforgettable.
In addition to his work in the schools, Trouper also served as a crisis response canine for HOPE Animal Assisted Crisis Response, offering solace and support to those in need. His nickname, “love hound,” perfectly captured his outgoing, loving spirit. Trouper is deeply missed, but his memory lives on through the joy and comfort he brought to so many. He will always be remembered for his droopy eyes, gentle demeanor, and the love he freely shared with the world.
Trustee’s Gallant Lad a.k.a. Lad
DOB: 3.22.2020 – 8.5.2021
Lad joined our pack in May 2020 as an 8-week-old puppy, carefully chosen to be Trustee’s successor and our next working partner.From the very first moment, his curious, spirited personality and love for learning captured our hearts. Lad brought a sense of joy and excitement to our lives, and we were eager to watch him grow and thrive.
Tragically, we had to say goodbye to Lad on August 5, 2021, when a series of unexpected seizures took him from us far too soon. In the 14 months we were blessed to have him, Lad left an unforgettable mark on our hearts. He taught us invaluable lessons that we now cherish and call “Lad Lessons.”
In honor of his memory, Christine wrote Lessons from Lad: What My Dog Taught Me About Life, Love, Leadership, and Loss, published in 2024. Though Lad’s time with us was brief, his spirit lives on in the lessons he taught, continuing to inspire and touch lives every day. His legacy of love, growth, and resilience will forever remain a part of our hearts.
Trustee’s Gallant Lad a.k.a. Lad
DOB: 3.22.2020 – 8.5.2021
Lad joined our pack in May 2020 as an 8-week-old puppy, carefully chosen to be Trustee’s successor and our next working partner.From the very first moment, his curious, spirited personality and love for learning captured our hearts. Lad brought a sense of joy and excitement to our lives, and we were eager to watch him grow and thrive.
Tragically, we had to say goodbye to Lad on August 5, 2021, when a series of unexpected seizures took him from us far too soon. In the 14 months we were blessed to have him, Lad left an unforgettable mark on our hearts. He taught us invaluable lessons that we now cherish and call “Lad Lessons.”
In honor of his memory, Christine wrote Lessons from Lad: What My Dog Taught Me About Life, Love, Leadership, and Loss, published in 2024. Though Lad’s time with us was brief, his spirit lives on in the lessons he taught, continuing to inspire and touch lives every day. His legacy of love, growth, and resilience will forever remain a part of our hearts.
“Trustee taught me that leadership is way more about who you are than what you do. Character drives conduct. Without it, consistent success is unattainable.” – Christine Nicole Ferris
“Trustee taught me that leadership is way more about who you are than what you do. Character drives conduct. Without it, consistent success is unattainable.”
– Christine Nicole Ferris
– Christine Nicole Ferris
My Approach & Values
• Honesty is our policy. We are honest with ourselves and with those we serve.
• Integrity is our practice. Our character and our conduct match up.
• Consistency is our power. We daily walk the talk of leadership.
• Kindness is our principle: We treat others like we want to be treated.
My Experience
• Certified John Maxwell Speaker, Trainer and Coach.
• Owner of Trustee Training Services
My Approach & Values
• Honesty is our policy. We are honest with ourselves and with those we serve.
• Integrity is our practice. Our character and our conduct match up.
• Consistency is our power. We daily walk the talk of leadership.
• Kindness is our principle: We treat others like we want to be treated.
My Experience
• Certified John Maxwell Speaker, Trainer and Coach.
• Owner of Trustee Training Services
Strengthen Your Team with Trustee
Leadership Training
Strengthen Your Team with Trustee Leadership Training
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