ANIMAL BEHAVIOR
MEET THE TEAM
Jill E. Sackman,
DVM, PhD
Dr. Sackman is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and the Practice Owner of Animal Behavior Consultants of Michigan.
Dr. Sackman grew up in Rochester, Michigan. Her interest in veterinary medicine began when she was a young child and she has been a life-long animal lover. She graduated from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Following graduation, she completed an internship at the University Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and a surgery residency and PhD at the University of Tennessee- Knoxville. Dr Sackman is boarded in veterinary surgery and is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (as well as a boarded veterinary behaviorist) – and is the only veterinarian with these dual board certifications. She practiced clinical surgery and had a research lab at the University of Tennessee, where she worked side-by-side with human surgeons and engineers. She then led medical device clinical research and development and Regulatory affairs at Johnson & Johnson where she led a team of veterinarians and engineers in developing innovative medical products.
Following her love of behavior, animals and the human-animal bond, Dr Sackman returned to Michigan as regional medical director for Blue Pearl Specialty hospitals in Michigan. She established their first behavior service in Michigan as well as completing her veterinary behavior residency program under the mentorship of Dr Katherine Houpt, professor emeritus Cornell University and founding member of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. Following her board certification in veterinary behavior, Dr Sackman started her referral veterinary behavioral practice where she sees cats, dogs and horses in Michigan as well as doing clinical consultations across the U.S., Canada and in Europe. Dr Sackman is also certified as a professional animal trainer through the Karen Pryor Academy and earned her KPA-CTA certification. Dr. Sackman has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters. She speaks nationally and internationally on companion animal behavioral issues and human-animal interactions. During her spare time, she enjoys riding and training her two young horses, hiking and training with her dogs, gardening, and playing her guitar.
Dr Sackman is a member of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, American College of Veterinary Surgeons, American Veterinary Medical Association, Western Michigan Veterinary Medical Association, the Feline Veterinary Medical Association and is a Fear Free Certified™ veterinarian.
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Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Doctor of Philosophy, Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Residency, Small Animal Surgery, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing
Bachelor of Arts, Biology, Oakland University, Rochester MI
Residency, Veterinary Behavior – Blue Pearl Veterinary Associates
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Dr. Sackman volunteers giving talks and workshops on animal behavior for dog clubs and horse groups. She provides coaching, mentoring and leadership development through professional organizations such as the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, American Veterinary Medical Association and the Healthcare Business Women’s Association.
Her house and barn are full of animals. She trains and shows her French Bulldogs in rally, obedience, agility, and AKC conformation: Georgie was her first AKC conformation champion; Theodore is George’s younger brother, and Rosie is her clicker training certification dog. She has Tonkinese cats Willow and Skye who think they are French bulldogs.
Dr. Sackman also trains and shows her two dressage horses: Nyewyn, a Grand Prix dressage pony who successfully competed at the highest levels of dressage and was high score at the National Pony Dressage Championships in Lexington in 2014; and Galiano, aka Leo, an Arabian/Hanoverian gelding.
In addition to spending time with all of her animals, Dr. Sackman loves jazz, the symphony, and the theatre.
Melanie Rockman BVSc. MANZCVS (Veterinary Behaviour)
Fear Free Certified Professional™
Veterinary Behavior Resident (ACVB)
Dr. Melanie Rockman is a current resident of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) with over 25 years of diverse experience spanning clinical practice, academia, and behavioral medicine. A graduate of Melbourne University, her career includes extensive work in mixed rural practice, shelter medicine, and small animal private practice across Australia and the United Kingdom.
In 2013, Dr Rockman attained her Memberships in Veterinary Behaviour from the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists and founded Bayside Animal Behaviour Services, a dedicated behavior practice servicing Melbourne and regional Victoria. Her deep commitment to education is rooted in a 16- year tenure as a clinician, tutor and lecturer at the Melbourne University Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
Dr Rockman commenced her ACVB residency in 2023 in Australia, and after a year at North Carolina State University (NCSU) College of Veterinary Medicine she joins the team at Animal Behavior Consultants of Michigan under the mentorship of Dr. Jill Sackman.
Dr Rockman co-authored “Preadoption and Prepurchase Counseling” chapter in the definitive textbook Feline Behavior and Welfare (Ed. Valarie V. Tynes, 2024). She has contributed to pivotal research published in the Australian Veterinary Journal (2021) regarding clinical trials for canine osteoarthritis treatments.
Between 2024-2025, Dr Rockman served as Education Coordinator and Conference Convenor for the Australian and New-Zealand College of Veterinary Behavior chapter, bringing exciting webinars and lectures to members across the globe. From 2023-2025, Dr Rockman organized the Australian Residents Day, offering further professional development for residents undertaking their veterinary specialist studies with the Australian, American and European boards.
When not in the US, Melanie and her family live on the Surf Coast of Victoria, Australia, where they enjoy living beside terrestrial and aquatic wildlife, spectacular beaches and national parks. She loves bushwalking (hiking…), walking her dog Honey, watching her son play Australian Football, great coffee, cooking and live music and is looking forward to exploring the wilderness of the United States.
Lauren Wozniacki,
CPDT-KA, LVT
Lauren Wozniacki’s dedication to understanding dog behavior and training began nearly 20 years ago when she faced a significant challenge with her own dog, Rascal, a husky mix. Rascal struggled with severe fear-based aggression toward people, other dogs, and even everyday objects like trash cans. He was also an endlessly mischievous companion, keeping Lauren on her toes! Determined to help Rascal thrive, Lauren immersed herself in learning about canine behavior and body language. With unwavering commitment and hard work, she helped Rascal become a well-mannered and confident dog. This experience ignited her passion for helping other pet owners address their dogs' behavioral challenges.
Lauren is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. She is also a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) with many years of experience working in Emergency and Specialty Medicine. She is also a Fear Free® certified professional. She collaborates closely with Dr. Sackman, expertly assisting with clinical behavior cases involving both dogs and cats. Lauren has become a sought-after speaker and trainer, specializing in low-stress handling techniques for veterinary practices, further showcasing her expertise in animal welfare and behavior management.
Lauren brings a wealth of knowledge and a compassionate approach to addressing a wide variety of behavior problems, such as fear, reactivity, resource guarding, pulling on the leash, jumping, lunging, barking, and more. She also works with puppies and helps pet owners achieve success in essential skills like crate training, house training, polite greetings, and maintaining control in highly distracting environments.
Lauren also has a deep love for fostering dogs, guiding them toward building healthy behaviors as they transition to their “forever homes”. She thrives on creating meaningful connections between owners and their pets, ensuring that relationships are built on trust, understanding, and mutual respect.
Lauren is based in Livonia but offers training throughout the Metro Detroit area including Novi, Birmingham, Royal Oak and other surrounding areas.
Haley Morales
Haley joined Dr. Sackman's team in 2020. She is passionate about helping pets and their owners thrive, and she enjoys guiding clients through the initial steps of finding support for their furry companions. Outside of her work with Dr. Sackman, Haley can be found grooming dogs or spending quality time with her family, including her adorable child and two beloved dogs. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting and engaging in creative activities. Haley is dedicated to connecting pet owners with our expert care and is ready to assist you in taking the first steps toward building a happier, healthier relationship with your pet.