Dogs have been an essential part of my life ever since I was a young child. My family always included dogs, and therefore, I have worked with dogs all my life. As a young child, I participated in caring for and training the family dogs (Shetland Sheepdogs), which is where my love and passion for dog training began. When I was older, I spent many summers at a ranch in Lassen County, California, at a girls' camp. I was responsible for my assigned horse, calf, as well as the day-to-day chores of the ranch. That also included the abandoned puppies that were brought to the ranch. We would raise and train the puppies to be good farm dogs. Later, I became a handler in AKC conformation show competitions. I championed several dogs and won first place in a handler competition.

I studied behavioral science and graduated from the University of the Pacific, Conservatory of Music with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Therapy and earned my ECE credential and worked as a teacher and specialist in an integrated classroom. I later went back to school and graduated from Animal Behavioral College with honors (top 3% of all graduates) to earn my official dog training certification. I completed Trish King's Canine Behavior Academy (CBA I and CBA II), and also had the privilege to work with her on private consultations. I also took an online course to further my knowledge in canine behavior to earn my certification as a Pro Dog Trainer. That course gave me knowlege in conceptual training, which compliments my applied knowledge very nicely. My education and experience give me the tools to effectively train dogs utilizing humane techniques. I also provide dog owners with the knowledge and skills they need to continue the training, so their dog is a well-behaved and respectful member of the family.

For many years I was a volunteer at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley (HSSV) in Milpitas, California, as a dog socializer. I also worked in the Education Department for their Kind Kids Field Trips, Animal Starz, and CIA programs, where I assisted kids and teens on how to train dogs. I also volunteered at Valley Humane Society (VHS) in Pleasanton, California, with a team of people and helped to rehabilitate dogs rescued from a hoarding situation. These dogs were featured on Animal Planet's "Confessions: Animal Hoarders." I teamed up with another ABC Honors graduate, and together we taught group classes at Concord Feed Pet Supply in Dublin, CA. After she moved, I taught classes for a few more years until my family relocated to Montana.

In Montana, I teamed up with Jessica Clough, owner of Montana K9 Sports in Arlee, and taught nose work classes. I also took Barn Hunt classes from Jess and titled a few of my dogs in competitions. I have since gone back into the classroom for the human kind to teach 6th grade. I am currently getting my master’s degree. Apparently my education process is never ending! I continue to take seminars and classes to further my education in dog training and behavior to keep up-to-date with the latest information, techniques, and studies.