Kevin "Pat" McKeever
ABC Admissions Counselor

Kevin "PAT" McKeever comes to ABC with an eclectic blend of passions. As the Assistant Producer to David Pritchard of The Simpsons, to representing several big named computer giants as the National Corporate Account Executive, Pat’s fervor within his profession is both electrifying and inspiring.

As the Managing Director of the nation’s first GREEN Limousine service, ECOLIMO, Pat cultured an appreciation for environmental issues. “Education is the key to making a difference for anything. Whether it be saving the planet or helping the most trusted members of our society, (our pets), it’s up to each one of us to see to it that we are doing our part.”

From the film industry to the corporate world, Pat has certainly made an amazing name for himself. However, it is his true passion that leads him to Animal Behavior College--Animals. Pat has always felt that these unconditionally loving creatures need a champion to fortify their own safety and quality of life by finding ways to improve their existence through education or activism. Pat is pictured here with a rescue dog named Peanut. "Playing a small part in seeing the students chase their dreams and make a difference in animals lives enriches and adds to mine. The passion to work with animals is a calling that is truly a gift. It’s a privilege to be a part of the best team in the Animal industry!"

Ray Sanchez
ABC Admissions Counselor

Ray is a California native, born and raised in the greater Los Angeles area, and has worked in a variety of industries through-out his professional life; including twenty-two years for UPS in Management, Operations, as well as Human Resources.

As a kid, Ray had many different pets; dogs, parrots, and even snakes. One of his favorite memories was dirt biking at the age of sixteen with his Doberman Pinscher, Kimba, on his lap.

A huge sports fan, Ray finds much of his off-time is spent watching or playing everything from men’s softball to motor cross racing. But the most important time is spent with the loves of his life, his three beautiful daughters, Jessica, Amanda, and Sarah, who enjoy Dodger Dogs with dad as often as possible.

Ray takes great pride working for Animal Behavior College as colleagues and students make everyday a pleasure. “It’s interesting how many people have little idea how much the pet industry is booming and how much opportunity is out there to make a great living even in slow economic times. I really love helping students who are motivated and eager to get their careers going, and see that enthusiasm take them above and beyond their end goal. And it all starts with a conversation to get their education rolling. I love it.”

Jennifer "Denise" Gray
ABC Admissions Counselor

Denise was born in San Diego, CA and grew up in a large family of animal lovers. As most of her family involved themselves in veterinary medicine and showing dogs, Denise quickly gravitated towards agility training and found her strongest passion working with wolves. To date, Denise still volunteers with a variety of wolf sanctuaries and wolf-dog rescues.

She continued her education at UCLA and pursued a career in recruiting and job placement for 12 years. Eight of those years, Denise ran her own recruiting firm. “While I’ve always had a passion for animals, I also have a passion for helping people, especially in finding careers.”

As her enthusiasm for wolf dog’s grew, Denise adopted Coda, who is 7/8th wolf and 1/8th Sheppard, and began training him for print, commercial, and film work. Currently, Denise and Coda share their home with several others, a Mini-Poodle-mix named Harley, a Chihuahua/Mini-Aussie mix named Peanut, and even a cat named Inky…and they all get along beautifully! Denise says, “When you provide a loving, secure home with proper socialization and behavioral training, it’s amazing that even the most unusual combination of animals can be the best of friends”.

Denise saw a need in the health industry and realized that patients in therapy or undergoing treatments could benefit from animal therapy. It has been documented that people with health issues, when surrounded by the love of a pet, can speed up the healing process. Knowing this, Denise sought to establish a boarding kennel with pet therapy and a trust-building program on-site. She continues to build this program and hopes to branch it out to other treatment centers nationwide.

Now as an Admission Counselor for ABC, Denise says this position combines her passions for animals with helping people find work in this economy. “I fell in love with the fact that ABC doesn’t just provide a great education with hands-on-trainings, but continues to assist our graduates getting their careers going in the animal industry. I thoroughly enjoy assisting all kinds of people pursue their career dreams while bettering the lives of the animals they’ll soon be working with. It’s an amazingly, satisfying profession.”

Victor Arceo
ABC Admissions Counselor

Victor Arceo was born and raised in Southern California. Much like everyone at ABC, Victor has always had a love for animals especially dogs. Before coming to Animal Behavior College, he followed a career in teaching High School Special Education, and also tutored students in an after school program for 5 years. Additionally, Victor has enjoyed successful careers becoming a Partner in an Executive Search Firm and as a Real Estate, Agent.

Victor came to ABC with an exceptional endowment; the gift of making a difference. For ten years he was a Special Education Specialist helping children and teens with learning disabilities discover their capabilities instead of focusing on their personal barriers. One of his greatest satisfactions was to identify every student’s individual requisite and find creative and alternative methods for learning. Pinpointing each person’s need in a positive environment of progress is Victor’s forte. He brings this amazing gift of compassion and fortitude to the student’s of ABC.

After coming to Animal Behavior College in September 2008 Victor says, “I enjoy working here because it feels like the natural progression in my career path to help high school students and adults follow their career dreams, and it’s also a very enjoyable environment to be a part of. Animal Behavior College has really been a blessing to me. I love having the ability to be one of the many parts at ABC that helps our students pursue their dreams of getting an excellent education and working with animals.”

Outside of work, Victor continues to spend a lot of time volunteering with various youth and family counseling programs. Victor’s favorite peace of advice for his students is “persistence brakes resistance.”

Ferdi Miller
ABC Admissions Counselor

Ferdi was originally born in Manilla, Phillipines and grew up playing in his family’s bakery. One of his fondest childhood memories was spending time with his family amongst the freshly backed goodies, eating Pandesal; a deliciously sweet dinner roll, which is a universal favorite in the Phillipines.

At the tender age of eight, Ferdi and his family packed up and moved to America, seeking opportunities only the States could provide. The baby of three, Ferdi and his sisters, along with each member of his family, cared for at least two dogs of their own. As a matter of fact, at one point, the household, canine pack consisted of nine dogs! But Ferdi’s absolute favorite was Rolo, a sweet Beagle who curled up beside him every night. The most amusing and sweet part of this anecdote is that Rolo knew “he” was the only one allowed on Ferdi’s bed, but every now and then, Rolo would sneak a couple of his buddies in Ferdi’s room for a sleepover.

Currently, Ferdi resides in the Los Angeles area and spends much of his time, raising his nine year old daughter—name Jasmine; the absolute love of his life.

Before working at Animal Behavior College, Ferdi worked in the health care industry. After many years with Blue Shield, it was time for a change. And helping people, for Ferdi, was the way to go. Now, as one of our Admission Counselors, Ferdi understands the needs of others who work hard, making their way towards careers in which their dreams are full-filled. Because of his experience, he knows he can truly connect with his students to provide proper guidance for their educational needs to the ultimate goal of working in the animal field.

“Waking up everyday, driving to your ‘job’ is such a gift when you’re doing what you love. Everyday is enjoyable because it hardly feels like you’re working at all. And I get the pleasure of helping those find their path to that life.”

Marla Harkavy
ABC Admissions Counselor

Marla has loved animals her whole life. As a child, she and her two sisters raised hamsters alongside their favorite dog; a cock-a-pooh named “Freckles”. Early on, Marla found that all animals, even those outside of the familiar variety of dogs and cats, need love too. Miniature turtles, box turtle, a Dutch rabbit, a corn snake and even a group of praying mantis’ that grew to 6” long found a loving home with our Marla! Today, she and her husband, Steve, and their daughter Casey are devoted to their Golden Retriever, “Sadie”, and Lhasa-Shitz-Pooh, “Misty”.

Marla comes to ABC fresh from 24 years in the stressful world of the escrow industry. Now able to combine her love of animals with her passion of helping people, Marla finds her forte was simply a paw-print away. “I really love my job as an Admissions Counselor. I love the fact that I talk to people all day long from every walk of life and from all over the country. Everyone seems to have one thing in common with me, their passion and love for animals. Since I have become a member of the pack at ABC, I realize that this really is my niche in life, to assist students recognize what their dreams are in the animal industry, and help them turn those dreams into reality. It’s a win, win situation!”

Sam Barahona
ABC Admissions Counselor

Originally born in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, and the oldest of three, Sam grew up in the Francisco Morazán province with many loving pets; dogs being the family’s favorite. Sam’s father, a successful business man, moved his family to the United States when Sam was eight, due to his industry’s need.

Sam and his family lived on the East Coast and moved to California in the late 1980’s with his loving wife; and has lived in the Los Angeles area ever since. Now a totally, full-fledged L.A. dude, Sam says there’s no where else he would ever live and the ideal place to raise his two children. “The weather is perfect, and you can do anything at anytime. It’s just a great place to be.”

Sam steered his career through computer graphics, sales, and management before joining Animal Behavior College’s prestigious team of Admission Counselors. Sam tells us that his path led him to a much more fulfilling career here at ABC, where he enjoys helping students find their passion; their career dreams working with animals.

“Animals are perfect companions; especially when you are down. They have the ability to sooth, recharge, and simply make you happy while creating an atmosphere where you know you’re loved no matter what kind of day you’ve had. This field is so rewarding because I change the lives of people and animals in a very positive manner, every single day.”