Not Just Dog People- Your Dog's People
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Meet our dedicated team of dog behavior experts- a small but mighty crew, always learning, always striving to provide your dog with the very best.
Stefanie Strackbein, Owner & Founder of What Dogs Want Academy
Stefanie's professional dog career started at Maddie's Fund, advocating for dogs that were on the "e-list", developing programs to increase adoptions and promote free or low-cost spay/neuter programs for underserved communities. She was also working part time in the behavior department for a local shelter which is where she discovered her true passion for dog behavior and enrichment.
Stefanie started her own foster-based rescue in 2007, specializing in fearful dogs who struggled in a shelter environment. Seeing a pattern of young dogs being relinquished to shelters for "problem" behaviors she started What Dogs Want, an enrichment and learning center in Phoenix that provided purposeful activities and modern day "jobs" for dogs, keeping them engaged and meeting their needs. She also worked with the staff at dog daycares and local shelters, helping to create and support enrichment programs of their own.Â
In 2021 Stefanie became a Licensed Family Dog Mediator, giving her an international platform to continue promoting canine enrichment and learning from other pioneers in the field. Through the FDM Education Center she co-authored "Shelter Enrichment Hacks", a resource providing shelters with easy to implement enrichment activities and opportunities to improve the quality of life for dogs living in shelters. She has also spearheaded fundraising efforts for a canine DNA testing laboratory with the goal of providing low or no cost DNA testing for shelters to help better understand and meet the needs of dogs in their care.Â
Stefanie has been a guest on several podcast, presented webinars on the importance of canine enrichment, and has even hosted several virtual game nights featuring dog-human teams working on fun activities together. She continues her learning as canine science learns more and more. She recently became certified in Michael Shikashio's Aggression in Dogs Master Class and Amy Cook's Play Way for Reactive Dogs and is currently studying The Forensics of Aggression and ACE Freework.Â
Alana Grubb, Director of Behavior & Enrichment
Alana is a Certified Family Dog Mediator working toward her Licensure. She has a background in veterinary medicine, dog daycares, shelters, and wildlife rehabilitation- giving her around a decade of experience in the animal field.
"I have a broad career history that led me to my current role at What Dogs Want Academy. My journey began with internships at shelters and wildlife rescues, followed by a brief time in daycares and several years in veterinary medicine. My interest in enrichment first began at a wildlife rescue. The reality of wild animals living in captivity due to injury, abuse, or neglect was difficult to accept. I wanted to improve their quality of life and provide them with a sense of purpose. Because the rescue operated on limited funding, there wasn't an enrichment specific position available during my time there in 2016. It wasn't until 2021 when I found What Dogs Want Academy and was able to fulfill my dream of improving the lives of captive animals (and yes, I believe that pet dogs are captive animals). In December of 2024 I completed my certification in Family Dog Mediation, which has provided me with a wider lens on how I view behavioral science and the importance of welfare. Because of this outlook, I better understand the world through a dog's perspective and consider all of the aspects that influence their identity and behavior.
On a personal note, I am a millennial who has had a nontraditional path to adulthood. Because of this, I have become deeply reflective about how environments can shape and develop behavior. Environmental trauma is a cross-species experience that affects both humans and animals in profound ways. This insight has grounded my work in empathy, relationship building, and individual needs. For me, enrichment isn't just about fun activities- it's about healing, connection, and purpose."
Maren Bussey, Director of Operations & Creative Director
Maren has been part of What Dogs Want Academy since the very beginning, helping shape the heart and vision of the Academy from the ground up.
Maren became a Certified Family Dog Mediator in 2023 and is currently continuing her education in canine conditioning, enrichment planning, and supporting dogs who experience fear, reactivity, or aggression. With a degree in film from Arizona State University, she enjoys bringing a creative voice to the team—designing visuals, storytelling elements, and daily experiences that reflect the individuality of every dog who walks through our doors.
Growing up surrounded by rescue dogs and shelter work, Maren developed an early understanding of the challenges dogs face—especially those living in high-stress environments like shelters. Over the years, she’s remained dedicated to supporting dogs through enrichment, decompression, and creative outlets that bring joy and meaning to their days.
While she now lives in Scotland and works remotely, Maren is still present in every aspect of the Academy. From behind the scenes, she ensures our programs run smoothly, our dogs have what they need to thrive, and our brand continues to reflect the values we live by. She is especially passionate about ensuring shelter and rescue dogs have access to activities that meet their emotional and physical needs, even when resources are limited.
Maren believes that enrichment is a way of honoring each dog’s individuality, helping them find purpose, and building a better relationship between people and the dogs they love.
