IAABC Foundation

Cassie Malina founded Awesome Animal Solutions in 2020 to offer the most positive, least intrusive effective solutions to anyone looking to help their animals reach their fullest potential. She offers virtual and in person consulting for people working or living with animals. Prior to 2020, Cassie spent twenty-two years with Natural Encounters, Inc., where she produced and performed in free flight bird shows at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and across the country. As NEI’s Director of Staff Development, she mentored countless staff and workshop attendees on the many aspects of managing and training a large bird collection. She was Parrot Kindergarten’s School Counselor for the first two years that the school has operated, beginning in April 2021. Cassie has taught the art and science of animal training at numerous workshops, webinars, podcasts, and conferences across the US and abroad. She received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020 from the IAATE, commemorating her 20 years on the Executive Board. She is also a ZAA, ABMA, and IAABC member, sitting on the ZAA Welfare Committee. She was featured on the ABMA Podcast “Animal Behavior Conversations” in March 2024 discussing “How to Start a Behavior Program”. She completed Dr. Susan Friedman, Ph.D.’s LLA course and maintains her IAABC CPBC and IATCB CPBT-KA certifications.