Alicea opened Barks and Rec. in 2019 after relocating to Traverse City from Indianapolis. She has more than 20 years of experience training many species of animals, but dogs are her favorite!

 

Alicea is a Licensed Veterinary Technician and a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Behavior (the only VTS - Behavior in northern Michigan, and one of fewer than 30 worldwide!). She became a Certified Training Partner through the prestigious Karen Pryor Academy (KPA - CTP) in 2008 and is also a Fear Free Certified Professional.​

 

Alicea has been nationally-recognized as a speaker at veterinary conferences and as a contributor to several veterinary texts and publications. She is the co-author of a book titled “Cooperative Veterinary Care,” published in Jan. 2018.

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Alicea loves teaching and training both humans and their dogs. While she specializes in working with clients to manage and treat abnormal behavior, she is also passionate about preventing behavioral issues. 

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When Alicea is not working with Barks and Rec. clients, she enjoys camping, hiking, and visiting national parks with her husband and their whippet, Coqui. She has previously owned retired racing greyhounds and Jack Russell terriers.