EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
KELLY OSBURN
CO-FOUNDER &
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Prior to co-founding K9 Youth Alliance, Kelly’s life experience includes owning and operating a small business, providing milieu therapy and group counseling for youth from under-resourced communities in Los Angeles, grant proposal research and writing and political research, writing and strategy.
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She holds a Masters in Research Psychology (CSU Long Beach) and a Bachelors in Psychology (SUNY Buffalo. She is a certified professional dog trainer (CCPDT-KA) and holds a certification in Drug Abuse Counseling and Studies from UCLA Extension College.
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Kelly is inspired by the human-animal connection, and motivated by opportunities to promote growth, kindness and positive change through it. She envisions a community where all youth and all dogs have the chance to be similarly inspired and impacted.
PROGRAMS
KATIE MCGUIRE
CPDT-KA, CDBC, UW-AAB
DOG TRAINING INSTRUCTOR
Katie is a professional dog trainer with a passion for helping dogs and their people build trusting, lasting relationships.
With years of experience in animal behavior and positive reinforcement techniques, Katie has worked with diverse canine personalities, from playful puppies to older dogs with special needs.
Her approach is centered around compassionate, personalized training, making sure every dog—and their human—feels empowered and understood. Katie’s mission is to foster mutual respect and clear communication, so pets and their families can thrive together. Learn more about her work at katherinek9.com.
RANKO FUKUDA
EDUCATIONAL FACILITATOR
​Ranko is passionate about creating educational opportunities and fostering community growth through partnerships with vocational training organizations and employers.
A graduate of the University of Michigan, she spent over a decade in strategy and program management roles, including leading charitable giving initiatives at Capital One Financial.
Following her work in disaster recovery after the Great Northeast Earthquake in Japan, Ranko transitioned to the nonprofit sector, focusing on empowering underserved communities.
Passionate about lifelong learning, Ranko volunteers with animal rescue organizations and has fostered untold numbers of dogs, cats and kittens, combining her commitment to education and advocacy in all aspects of her work.
Take a peek at all the good things Ranko is up to on IG @fostermamaranko!
CAROLINA NOLASCO
LEAD PROGRAM ASSISTANT
With over eight years as a dedicated Los Angeles Animal Services volunteer, Carolina joined K9 Youth Alliance in 2024.
She firmly believes in service to her community and advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves, volunteering with A Purposeful Rescue, Angel City Pit Bulls, and the Watts Project.
CATE BUDDENBERG
PROGRAM ASSISTANT
Cate brings years of experience as a neighborhood dog-walker and animal advocate to her work with K9 Youth Alliance. She is grateful for the opportunity to support young people as they grow into more confident, empathic, and empowered community members with help from canine allies.
When she’s not working with dogs, Cate provides academic coaching for non-native English speakers. She loves poetry, fancy rats, loud music, DIY, and vegetable gardening.