2025 POC Instructors
Dani Cyr
Dani Lynne Cyr, CCAS, has been training dogs and dabbling in dog sports since 2009. She is a full time Veterinary Assistant and Certified Canin Athlete Specialist who lives in Southern Maine with her three American Pit Bull Terriers. Dani’s priority is developing relationships between dogs and their handlers, in a motivational and “wholistic” way. From basic health needs, responsible ownership, body handling and cooperative, to fitness and dog sports. She has merged her veterinary experience with her training to encompass and encourage healthy, happy dogs. She currently teaches regular Tricks Classes and Fitness Classes to keep pups active year around. She is also the head trainer for Dirigo Working Dogs,, a canine weight pull club and a licensed judge for 5 weight pull organizations. She is an AKC CGC evaluator, a UKC SPOT evaluator and an American Temperament Tester for the ATTS. Her current pack enjoys weight pull, dock diving, rally, coursing rat hunting, agility, GRC and other drive sports.
Dani Lynne Cyr, CCAS, has been training dogs and dabbling in dog sports since 2009. She is a full time Veterinary Assistant and Certified Canin Athlete Specialist who lives in Southern Maine with her three American Pit Bull Terriers. Dani’s priority is developing relationships between dogs and their handlers, in a motivational and “wholistic” way. From basic health needs, responsible ownership, body handling and cooperative, to fitness and dog sports. She has merged her veterinary experience with her training to encompass and encourage healthy, happy dogs. She currently teaches regular Tricks Classes and Fitness Classes to keep pups active year around. She is also the head trainer for Dirigo Working Dogs,, a canine weight pull club and a licensed judge for 5 weight pull organizations. She is an AKC CGC evaluator, a UKC SPOT evaluator and an American Temperament Tester for the ATTS. Her current pack enjoys weight pull, dock diving, rally, coursing rat hunting, agility, GRC and other drive sports.
Pam Hansen
I found my way into K9 Nosework after moving to Maine 10 years ago. I had two sister Goldendoodles and two rescue Shih Tzus at the time. The dogs and I had a wonderful time making amazing memories in K9 Nosework. Each supported the start of my journey, in their own, unique way. My dogs took me through 10 years of learning and accomplishments, up to the Summit level in competition. This, in turn, led to the completion of all the required coursework and training needed to become a NACSW (National Association of Canine Scentwork) Certified Nosework Instructor (CNWI). As a CNWI, I have completed all required coursework and over 75 hours of training on the philosophy, concepts, and training methodology for the sport. In addition, I continue to be passionate and committed to ongoing professional development and education in K9 Nosework. I have taught at POC since 2022.Since dogs already know how to hunt ��, I see my greatest contribution as one where I assist each dog’s handler to be the best teammate possible.
I found my way into K9 Nosework after moving to Maine 10 years ago. I had two sister Goldendoodles and two rescue Shih Tzus at the time. The dogs and I had a wonderful time making amazing memories in K9 Nosework. Each supported the start of my journey, in their own, unique way. My dogs took me through 10 years of learning and accomplishments, up to the Summit level in competition. This, in turn, led to the completion of all the required coursework and training needed to become a NACSW (National Association of Canine Scentwork) Certified Nosework Instructor (CNWI). As a CNWI, I have completed all required coursework and over 75 hours of training on the philosophy, concepts, and training methodology for the sport. In addition, I continue to be passionate and committed to ongoing professional development and education in K9 Nosework. I have taught at POC since 2022.Since dogs already know how to hunt ��, I see my greatest contribution as one where I assist each dog’s handler to be the best teammate possible.
Merrillynn Hill
Merrillynn has been teaching for POC 15+ years. She is currently teaching Novice, Open and Utility Competition classes as well as specialty classes such as Attention and Focus and Partnership. She has been training her own dogs and competing actively for the last 30 years and has worked with top trainers including Celeste Meade, Terri Arnold and Sylvia Bishop. She has earned both OTCH’s and HIT on her dogs.
Merrillynn has been teaching for POC 15+ years. She is currently teaching Novice, Open and Utility Competition classes as well as specialty classes such as Attention and Focus and Partnership. She has been training her own dogs and competing actively for the last 30 years and has worked with top trainers including Celeste Meade, Terri Arnold and Sylvia Bishop. She has earned both OTCH’s and HIT on her dogs.
Deb Mazjanis
Deb Mazjanis has been working with dogs and participating in dog sports since 2007. She is an educator and counselor who lives in Portland with her Portuguese Water Dog, Sonnet.
Deb’s passion is developing strong training skills through the American Kennel Club’s Family Dog program, a comprehensive good manners program for all dogs, whether purebred or mixed breed. She believes that participating in enjoyable activities that are fun for both dogs and people, dogs become well-socialized and develop a lifelong bond with their owners. These activities include basic obedience, tricks activities, trail hiking, and socializing dogs in a variety of environments.
Deb currently teaches S.T.A.R. Puppy Classes, organizes AKC Fit Dog Club walks and is an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator. She is a certified AKC Level 1 and 2 Fit Dog Instructor, an AKC Fetch Dog Judge, and an AKC Temperament Evaluator.
Deb Mazjanis has been working with dogs and participating in dog sports since 2007. She is an educator and counselor who lives in Portland with her Portuguese Water Dog, Sonnet.
Deb’s passion is developing strong training skills through the American Kennel Club’s Family Dog program, a comprehensive good manners program for all dogs, whether purebred or mixed breed. She believes that participating in enjoyable activities that are fun for both dogs and people, dogs become well-socialized and develop a lifelong bond with their owners. These activities include basic obedience, tricks activities, trail hiking, and socializing dogs in a variety of environments.
Deb currently teaches S.T.A.R. Puppy Classes, organizes AKC Fit Dog Club walks and is an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator. She is a certified AKC Level 1 and 2 Fit Dog Instructor, an AKC Fetch Dog Judge, and an AKC Temperament Evaluator.
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Stephen Hersey
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