Our team is here to help you reach your goals.
Our goal is to deliver the highest standard of education possible within the animal sector, helping students to grow their knowledge. Whether you’re looking to develop your knowledge or develop your vocation, we are here to help.
The NAC
The NAC was established 1999 and provides educational courses on animal behaviour, training and management.
The NAC is an ABTC Practitioner Organisation run by a team of industry experts and is an approved UKRS, ABTC and NOCN provider offering the highest standard of accredited courses to animal owners and professionals alike.
The NAC has had students from all over the world to join in with courses, lectures and webinars and is at the forefront of the animal behaviour education industry.
We love what we do
We are passionate about making education and careers accessible to all by bringing high quality learning to students through the bespoke NAC Online Platform, which consists of a proprietary learning environment “The NAC Portal’ that delivers course content, combined with student access to the NAC Community, an app to help you stay in touch with fellow students and tutors. Many students who study with The NAC have gone on to build successful careers in as animal behaviourists and trainers.
A focus on ethics
Promoting the ethical application of animal behaviour science to animals in practical ways for over 20 years. Our ethos to animal behaviour modification and training is one of using evidence-based methods to positively impact the welfare of animals, we are passionate about applying the science of today to the animal training industry and believe that all animals deserve the best training, management and handling possible.
Developing online learning
Our online animal behaviour courses range from introductory courses for animal owners, up to advanced diplomas for professionals looking to join the ranks of qualified animal behaviourists in the UK and across the world.
Meet The Team
Alex Le Grand BSc (Hons) CHBC ABTC-AAB ABTC-ATI
Alex is registered with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council as a Registered Accredited Animal Behaviourist and a Registered Animal Training Instructor. Alex is also Certified Horse Behaviour Consultant with the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants. He also holds a BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour and Welfare and is an IASF Level 4 Certified Advanced Saddle Fitter and IASF Certified Level 5 Educator and Assessor and tutors on their accredited courses.
Alex consults under veterinary referral on equine behavioural and saddle fitting issues. He often deals with ridden behavioural problems, mixing his understanding of saddle fit and equine ergonomics with behaviour to help resolve complex cases.
Alex also guest lectures ad-hoc for colleges and educational institutions, delivering sessions on animal behaviour, training, learning and cognition.
Aliyah Woodland ABTC-ATI
Passionate about all things equine behaviour and welfare Aliyah has spent the last 5+ years dedicating her time to mastering the art of positive reinforcement training.
Co-author and head tutor of our multi-accredited Diploma in Equine Training and Coaching, Aliyah was the first to be registered as an Equine Specific ABTC-ATI and now pours her passion and knowledge into teaching others how to apply science to their animal training.
Alongside the work Aliyah does here at The NAC she runs a successful equine consultancy business Equine Thoughts, which won runner up in the CoE ‘Best Business Award’ 2020
Jane Williams BSc MA MSc ABTC-ATI ABTC-CAB
Jane has had a life-long interest in animals, their behaviour and well-being. She has a Zoology degree, an M.A. in Education, and has completed the Post Graduate Diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour Counselling at the University of Southampton. Jane also has a research M.Sc. from Southampton in the same subject.
Jane is registered with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) as a Clinical Animal Behaviourist and an Animal Training Instructor. Jane is a Full member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC).
When not working with the NAC, Jane runs Athenae Animal Behaviour and is also a Trustee of the ABTC.
Hayley Druce BSc (Hons)
Hayley’s path to Veterinary Physiotherapy began after her own horse was diagnosed with sacroiliac dysfunction. With little to no rehab resources available, a passion for Veterinary physiotherapy was born.
Hayley founded Berkshire Vet Rehab after graduating university with a 2:1 degree in Veterinary Physiotherapy in 2020. Since then, she has been providing specialist equine rehabilitation services to horses with poor performance and/or behaviours. Wobbly Dog Referrals was also born in 2021, a canine rehabilitation centre with a state-of-the-art underwater treadmill. Hayley is currently studying to become a saddle fitter with the IASF to compliment her equine remedial work.
Fionna McCallum ABTC-ATI
Fionna has been interested in horse training and behaviour since she got her first childhood pony. That interest has developed and deepened over time, resulting in a true passion for scientific and ethical horse training.
Registered ATI with the ABTC, having completed the NAC’s Equine Training and Coaching Diploma, Fionna is dedicated to providing the highest quality up-to-date information about equine care and training to horse owners and lovers alike. Through the use of positive reinforcement techniques, Fionna strives to help build safe, strong and cooperative relationships between horses and their people.