Advisors - Be BiteSmart

W. George Scarlett, PhD

Advisor – Child Development

Teaching Professor for Child Study & Human Development, Tufts University

Expert in child development, play, learning, and developmentally appropriate education.

David Elkind, PhD

Professor Emeritus of Child Development, Tufts University

David Elkind, PhD, is Professor Emeritus of Child Development at Tufts University. A leading scholar in child development, his work focuses on perceptual, social, and cognitive development and builds on the foundational theories of Jean Piaget. He is widely known for his influential books The Hurried Child and The Power of Play.

William “Bill” Isler

Advisor – Children’s Educational Media

Leader in children’s educational media and former President of Family Communications (Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood).

Pierinna Tenchio, Accredited Dog Trainer (IAABC-ADT)

Spanish Language Advisor

Language Director, International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
Editor-in-Chief, El Telégrafo

Pierinna Tenchio (IAABC-ADT) is an accredited dog trainer, translator, journalist, and educator from Uruguay. As an IAABC Accredited Dog Trainer (IAABC-ADT), she promotes evidence-based, humane training and family-centered dog education. She also serves as Language Director for the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), leading multilingual translation initiatives. With over 30 years of experience in journalism, she is the Editor-in-Chief of El Telégrafo, while also working as a professional English–Spanish translator specializing in legal, medical, veterinary, literary, and educational content. Through DogFam, a project she co-founded with her son, she develops engaging educational programs that teach children how to understand canine body language and interact safely with dogs.

Pierinna Tenchio (IAABC-ADT) is an accredited dog trainer, journalist, editor, translator, and educator from Uruguay whose career bridges communication, education, and animal behavior.

As an IAABC-ADT (Accredited Dog Trainer) through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), she has demonstrated professional competence in evidence-based, humane dog training, meeting rigorous standards in applied behavior, learning theory, and ethical practice. She also serves as Language Director for the IAABC, coordinating multilingual translation projects and supporting the organization’s global educational initiatives.

With more than 30 years of experience in journalism, Pierinna is currently Editor-in-Chief of El Telégrafo, one of Uruguay’s leading regional newspapers, where she oversees editorial content, reporting, and newsroom operations.

In parallel, she has worked as a professional English–Spanish translator since 2010, specializing in literary, legal, medical, veterinary, marketing, and educational translations, as well as website localization, e-learning materials, and children’s books. Her extensive experience includes collaborations with international organizations and the translation of professional resources related to animal behavior, education, and healthcare.

Pierinna has completed formal training in dog training, canine body language, and Tellington Ttouch®, combining scientific knowledge with practical family education. Together with her son—a musician—she co-founded DogFam, a family project dedicated to helping families create safer, stronger relationships with their dogs through education, training, and behavior consulting.

Through DogFam, they design and present engaging educational workshops for children that teach canine body language, safe interactions with dogs, and bite prevention using music, storytelling, games, and interactive activities. Their mission is to foster empathy, responsible dog guardianship, and harmonious coexistence between children and dogs.

Combining expertise in communication, translation, education, and canine behavior, Pierinna is committed to making complex information accessible and promoting evidence-based practices that improve the lives of both people and animals.