Animal Training Academy

Maasa Nishimuta Bio

Maasa Nishimuta studied under Dr. Jesús Rosales-Ruiz and earned a master’s degree in Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas. In her master’s thesis, she studied the reinforcing effects of affection in the form of petting and gentle scratching with rescued equines. She modified Constructional Affection for use with equines and continues to apply Constructional Affection with animals in shelters where she volunteers.

In 2021, Maasa co-founded a 501(c)3 non-profit organization Constructional Approach to Animal Welfare and Training (CAAWT), and serves as its chief operating officer. CAAWT provides free training to individuals and organizations in need of training and cannot afford it, with the goal of improving the lives of animals and their caretakers through applications of the Constructional Approach. To carry out CAAWT’s mission, she co-hosts a monthly podcast, runs private sessions and group classes in-person and online, and hosts webinars and the Annual CAAWT Conference to disseminate information on the Constructional Approach and its many applications to animal welfare and training.