Meet Our Trainers

Kristi Nolde-Morrissey and “Rebel” 

(not pictured: "Mojoe" ​CGCA, BN, RA, TKN  and 

"Bowie" RA, DM CGCA, TKI, ATT, SWN) 

In addition to being the founder and lead hearing dog trainer of Diamond Dogz of Arizona, Kristi is also an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator (CGC) and an AKC Temperament Testing Evaluator (ATT).  She has been training and certifying hearing dog teams for over twenty years.  Kristi also trains her own Labrador Retrievers for obedience, conformation, scent work, dock diving, and rally competitions. Diamond Dogz is named after her dog,  "Diamond Dog Dutch."  At an early age, Dutch taught her the amazing potential that dogs have for learning, loving, and serving their human partners. Her compassionate enthusiasm is contagious and inspiring to her students and colleagues. Kristi is excited to continue the Legacy of Diamond Dogz training program for many years to come and to help hearing dog teams realize their full potential while enjoying every adventure along the way!

Shannon Tyree and “Riley” CGC 

Shannon started training at Diamond Dogz before Riley was born. They earned their certification when Riley was only 2 years of age. She and Riley continue to train with Diamond Dogz of Arizona while being an inspiration to the service dog community. Together they write a blog about the experience of training a hearing service dog at MyGoldenHears.com. Shannon is an active participant with the Hearing Loss Association of America’s West Valley Chapter serving as it’s Vice President. We feel very fortunate to have her on the team as she is  a valuable support to all of our students and members of the community.

Christine Woods and “Dakota” CGC

(not pictured "Gizmo" CGC and "Sasha" CGC)

Since early childhood, Christine's passion for dogs has been a guiding force in her life. While growing up, she developed a deep love for our canine companions which led her to pursue a path dedicated to training and working with dogs. Christine has trained a number of hearing dogs with Diamond Dogz of AZ, along with her current dog, Dakota. As a certified hearing dog, Dakota is a vital part of her everyday life and a testament to the bond that forms between a handler and a service dog. Everyone who meets Christine and her canine teammate can feel the connection that they have, it is a priceless bond. One of her goals while training dogs is to help unlock the unique abilities in each student's dog and share her knowledge and enthusiasm with our organization. 

We appreciate you and your energy!

 Jan Martin and “Shiloh” CGC

Jan has worked alongside Kristi training hearing dogs for more than 15 years and is one of the most diverse, amazing individuals you will ever meet. Her last certified hearing dog, Waco, was inducted into the Leonberger Hall of Fame in 2014 for his service accomplishments. 

She has a cochlear implant and successfully completed training of her second hearing dog, an adorable poodle mix named Shiloh. We are very happy to have her as a part of our team!