In this thoughtful first half of a two-part conversation, we're joined by the insightful and articulate Ellen Yoakum—Certified Separation Anxiety Pro Behavior Consultant, KPA CTP, and Behavior Consultant with Pet Harmony.

Ellen's path in animal behavior began at the University of Washington, where she immersed herself in captive animal welfare and enrichment research under mentors including Dr. Eduardo Fernandez, Dr. James Ha, and Dr. Renee Ha. From conducting enrichment studies with gray wolves, penguins, and brown bears to working with Natural Encounters Inc. on free-flight avian programs, Ellen's career has spanned species, disciplines, and continents—all united by her deep curiosity about the teacher–learner relationship.

Today, through her work with Pet Harmony, Ellen helps families and professionals navigate the complex needs of both human and non-human learners with compassion, creativity, and clarity. In this conversation, she and Ryan explore:

✅ The formative influence of Ellen's early research and mentors on her consulting approach ✅ How her experiences across species—from wolves to macaws—shaped her perspective on enrichment and welfare ✅ Why she finds comfort in being "the least knowledgeable person in the room" ✅ How interoception, emotional awareness, and naming our experiences support better communication and empathy ✅ The power of language, inclusive communication, and "assuming good intent" in our professional and personal relationships

Ellen's reflections invite us to embrace imperfection, lead with curiosity, and build training cultures grounded in good faith and shared growth. Stay tuned for part two, where we'll dive deeper into her work with Pet Harmony, mentorship, and sustainable strategies for supporting both people and their pets.

Links

Enrichment for the Real World

Petharmonytraining.com

Pet Harmony on Instagram and Facebook

Pet Harmony Pro on Instagram and TikTok

Bear Studies:

The Effects of Automated Scatter Feeders on Captive Grizzly Bear Activity Budgets

Seasonal and Daily Activity of Two Zoo-Housed Grizzly Bears (Ursus Arctos Horribilis)

Caregiver Burden Resources