Ray Sanchez
ABC Admissions Counselor

Ray is a California native, born and raised in the greater Los Angeles area, and has worked in a variety of industries through-out his professional life; including twenty-two years for UPS in Management, Operations, as well as Human Resources.

As a kid, Ray had many different pets; dogs, parrots, and even snakes. One of his favorite memories was dirt biking at the age of sixteen with his Doberman Pinscher, Kimba, on his lap.

A huge sports fan, Ray finds much of his off-time is spent watching or playing everything from men’s softball to motor cross racing. But the most important time is spent with the loves of his life, his three beautiful daughters, Jessica, Amanda, and Sarah, who enjoy Dodger Dogs with dad as often as possible.

Ray takes great pride working for Animal Behavior College as colleagues and students make everyday a pleasure. “It’s interesting how many people have little idea how much the pet industry is booming and how much opportunity is out there to make a great living even in slow economic times. I really love helping students who are motivated and eager to get their careers going, and see that enthusiasm take them above and beyond their end goal. And it all starts with a conversation to get their education rolling. I love it.”

Marla Harkavy
ABC Admissions Counselor

Marla has loved animals her whole life. As a child, she and her two sisters raised hamsters alongside their favorite dog; a cock-a-pooh named “Freckles”. Early on, Marla found that all animals, even those outside of the familiar variety of dogs and cats, need love too. Miniature turtles, box turtle, a Dutch rabbit, a corn snake and even a group of praying mantis’ that grew to 6” long found a loving home with our Marla! Today, she and her husband, Steve, and their daughter Casey are devoted to their Golden Retriever, “Sadie”, and Lhasa-Shitz-Pooh, “Misty”.

Marla comes to ABC fresh from 24 years in the stressful world of the escrow industry. Now able to combine her love of animals with her passion of helping people, Marla finds her forte was simply a paw-print away. “I really love my job as an Admissions Counselor. I love the fact that I talk to people all day long from every walk of life and from all over the country. Everyone seems to have one thing in common with me, their passion and love for animals. Since I have become a member of the pack at ABC, I realize that this really is my niche in life, to assist students recognize what their dreams are in the animal industry, and help them turn those dreams into reality. It’s a win, win situation!”

Sam Barahona
ABC Admissions Counselor

Originally born in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, and the oldest of three, Sam grew up in the Francisco Morazán province with many loving pets; dogs being the family’s favorite. Sam’s father, a successful business man, moved his family to the United States when Sam was eight, due to his industry’s need.

Sam and his family lived on the East Coast and moved to California in the late 1980’s with his loving wife; and has lived in the Los Angeles area ever since. Now a totally, full-fledged L.A. dude, Sam says there’s no where else he would ever live and the ideal place to raise his two children. “The weather is perfect, and you can do anything at anytime. It’s just a great place to be.”

Sam steered his career through computer graphics, sales, and management before joining Animal Behavior College’s prestigious team of Admission Counselors. Sam tells us that his path led him to a much more fulfilling career here at ABC, where he enjoys helping students find their passion; their career dreams working with animals.

“Animals are perfect companions; especially when you are down. They have the ability to sooth, recharge, and simply make you happy while creating an atmosphere where you know you’re loved no matter what kind of day you’ve had. This field is so rewarding because I change the lives of people and animals in a very positive manner, every single day.”

Terrence Crook
ABC Admissions Counselor

Terrence (Terry) is a transplant from Philadelphia and has lived on the West Coast since 1999, holding a BA Degree in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Primarily working in the insurance and staffing industries, Terry has evolved from Underwriter, Claims Rep. and Recruiter to one of our newest Admission Counselors.

One of Terry’s favorite childhood memories was watching his puppy Basset Hound, Sanchez, chasing rabbits in the deep snow. He remembers Sanchez never actually getting close enough to the rabbit, however it was so much fun to watch Sanchez romp and play in the waist deep snow, wildly racing towards the much faster and perhaps even teasing bunnies.

Married to his lovely wife, Richelle, the Crooks enjoy taking their Basset Hound, Diego, on long hikes and visiting the dog friendly beaches of Southern California. Second to his pup, Terry’s passion is Motorcycling.

The best part of Terrence’s job is that he knows he directly helps students realize their animal career dreams. “I am so honored to be able to make dreams come true. This is a rewarding privilege. Every time I can make a student’s passion come to reality, I also know that animals’ lives are being saved. That is very cool!”

Michael "Scott" Dubrow
ABC Admissions Counselor

Michael “Scott” is a native Californian who was born and raised just outside of L.A. After much pleading for a pet, his parents finally gave in. Unfortunately, the desired pup was not the surprise he received, but a Salamander he named Sammie. Sammie, and a great number of fish, were Scott’s only pets until, finally, at age 9, the begging worked. A beautiful Golden Retriever named Rambo was added to the Dubrow family. Rambo was like Scott’s little brother and the two just could not be separated.

After attending Cabrillo and Pierce Colleges, Scott spent the next 10 years in the travel industry, assisting families with their vacation destinations. As the economy shifted, luxury-style businesses were no longer realistic to many. Subsequently, Scott searched out an industry in which to employ his outgoing, social skills that would offer people a chance to better themselves. This would then present the ability to strengthen potential profitability and prove to serve the economy for future comforts for his clients. That’s when Scott and Animal Behavior College found each other.

An avid outdoors man, Scott enjoys snowboarding, hiking, golf, and working out; and if all that can be done at the beach, the better! Of course, snowboarding at the beach has proven to be a bit difficult. Traveling and learning to play the guitar is also on the top of his list of life’s little pleasures.

“I love working for ABC because I am helping people begin a career that they love. I also have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our students and animals that they will eventually help. Another reason I love working for ABC is because I am surrounded by great people and animal lovers on a daily basis.”