Melissa Duran, CPDT-KA, CDBC is a certified professional dog trainer through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, and is a certified dog behavior consultant through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She is also a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and is an American Kennel Club, Canine Good Citizen evaluator. Melissa apprenticed under a veterinarian and a Cornell-certified canine behavior professional for five years before she began teaching classes of her own. She has been training dogs and teaching people for twenty years, and also has fifteen years of experience as a veterinary technician. This valuable blend of veterinary knowledge and training experience enables her to better evaluate each pet's needs and problems. Melissa has also studied psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Before opening Cloud K Nine, Melissa ran Thinking Dog, LLC, and taught classes at local veterinary hospitals. She also was responsible for the successful implementation of doggy day camp programs at local animal hospitals. She created innovative socialization programs and conducted staff training, where she utilized her dog behavior knowledge to optimize each dog's day camp experience.

In addition to her teaching and veterinary technician work, Melissa has volunteerd and provided training services for several animal rescue groups. She also trains her horses and donkeys using positive motivation training techniques. In the community, she has conducted seminars and workshops for schools, veterinary hospitals, and community based organizations, instructing on dog safety, training, and humane handling. She continues to expand her own knowledge by attending behavior seminars, classes and conferences. Melissa lives in Wake Forest with her husband, Brandon, her dogs, Desdemona, Puck and Briar, and the horses, donkeys and goats on their private farm.