About our Regional Directors

Region 1 (Red): Celestia Lensky

Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and the District of Columbia 

I have been training dogs, exotic birds and coaching/teaching school age children using positive reinforcement for over 28 years. I fell in love with the Berger Picard breed after importing my first eight week old Berger Picard puppy boy from France in 2007. Since then, my love for the breed has become a passion to help protect and preserve them which, along with some persuasion from Betsy Richards, led to becoming a member of the BPCA in 2010.

I have been involved in the dog sports of herding, conformation, agility, obedience, nose work, barn hunt and most recently dock diving. My dogs have enjoyed being ambassadors for the breed meeting people all over the USA and Canada both as official participants representing the BPCA as well as unofficial BPCA events and programs at elementary schools – teaching and nursing homes – with TDI (Therapy Dogs International). Sharing the many talents of these dogs with others in so many different venues and environments has been an “amazing journey”. I am committed to helping and supporting everyone who has an interest in this wonderful and unique breed and believes that by working together the Berger Picard will be able to be preserved for many generations to come.

Over the course of my membership with the BPCA, I have been the Chair for the National Berger Picard Rehome, the Chair of the National Health Committee, the NE Director, and BPCA Corresponding Secretary. I also serve as a breed and judge’s mentor, and work with the BPCA judges education program. I firmly believe that publicly available health and temperament disclosure are of paramount importance when making decisions in breeding. My first import, Berger Picard CH Caspian de Lann Guic CM CGCA HIT TT successfully produced some of the first AKC Berger Picard conformation Grand Champions/Champions and the number one Owner Handled Picard in the US. That line continues producing Grand Champions today and I have similar high hopes for my newest Picard puppy boy, Pierre de La Vie en Rose.

Region 2 (Purple): Jenny Scifres

Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia

My husband John and I live on a small farm in the Piedmont Region in Northeast Georgia along with our three dogs and cat. We sell our farm products at a local Farmers Market that is supported by the Athens Land Trust and John is involved with our County’s Habitat for Humanity Affiliate. I am a retired scientist from the federal government and John works for the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) at the Odum School of Ecology.

While I’ve had pet dogs all my life, I’m new to Picards and the show world. I received my first BergerPicard puppy in June 2020 and was immediately impressed with her personality. I’ve worked with her in conformation, lure coursing, scent work, tracking, barn hunt, and herding. I’m having a blast and meeting some great new friends. I’m also a member of the Oconee River Kennel Club.

Region 3 (Blue): Diane Cocos

Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin

Thank you for allowing me to  represent Region 3 and continue as a Board Member of BPCA. I own two Berger Picards, GCH CH Jasmine de la Vie En Rose BCAT- who is 9 years old and CH Napoleon De La Vie En Rose DCAT who is 6 years old-whom I co-own with Valerie Black. I have been a member of BPCA since 2014 and I was the Auction Chair at the 2018 BPCA National held at Purina Farms and I was the Co-Chair for the (2020 & 2021) BPCA Nationals held at Hatboro,PA.  I enjoy showing my dogs in conformation and competing in Fast Cat. I have recently retired and hope to try additional sports with my dogs.

I am a Board Member of Waukesha Kennel Club in Wisconsin and have been Assistant Show Chair for the past 2 years, prior to that I was Chief Ring Steward. I was born into the world of Purebred Dogs. My father, Charles Prager was an all breed dog handler, later a dog Judge. He bred Bedlington Terriers for Center Ridge Kennels. Center Ridge Kennels was located at our home where my father was involved in breeding and whelping a variety of purebred dogs for their owners.  He also created and produced GroomRite Products-a line of dog grooming products which included tack boxes, grooming tables, dog dryers and aluminum crates. So dog shows occupied my formative years and my love for dogs began early.  

My goal as Region 3 Director is to get more Picard owners to participate in Regional events such as Picardy Parties to share time with others who love the breed. I would encourage more Picard owners who are involved in Conformation, Fast Cat, Dock Diving, Barn Hunt, Obedience, Rally, Herding or any other dog sport to volunteer in their sport. You will make new friends, learn something new and find more enjoyment of the sport that your dog and you love!

Region 4 (Green): Ailynn Knox-Collins

Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming

In my life, I've had the fortune to own and  love many different breeds. I didn't show dogs until I got my third Old English Sheepdog about 6 years ago. That's when I also became involved in the breed club. 

The first time I saw a Berger Picard, I was in love. I waited patiently for almost 3 years to get my first -- Marius (GCH Pollux des Montagnes). The western region Picard community was so welcoming that it made showing Picards a lot of fun. And Marius set the bar high for the rest of my pack. He shows beautifully in the ring, but more than that, he loves sports and therapy work. His favorite is FastCat. He's discovered agility and barn hunt. He has such a great temperament and now he's a certified therapy dog and is on his way to becoming a crisis response dog. He loves people and has a real instinct for those in need. 

I am happy to help out on the BPCA board, representing the community out here in the western region as Region 4 director. I want to continue that friendly, Picard-loving culture that's been built out here.  I hope to meet old and new owners, and be a resource for all.