P4A volunteer and founder Karen DiCostanzo is a professional dog trainer. A lifelong animal-lover, she became deeply interested in animal training and behavior after adopting a shelter dog in 2001 and while volunteering as a vet tech assistant at the Hawaiian Humane Society from 2007 to 2013. In early 2013, she started a professional dog training apprenticeship with Marie Selarque of Pro Dog Hawaii, assisting with group classes, private lessons, and puppy temperament evaluations. Like her mentor, Karen believes in a positive, force-free, and scientifically based approach to animal behavior modification.