I grew up in the Pacific Northwest and have been fascinated by dogs for as long as I can remember. As a child, I had a Malamute mix named Barkley and a well-worn book about dogs that I had memorized by the time I was five. My first job in the animal industry was as a veterinary assistant at a private clinic. Throughout college, I continued working with dogs to support myself, providing in-home pet sitting services and later working at a doggy daycare.

In my 20s, I adopted a scrawny pit bull mix from the humane society and named him Gimli. As a puppy, he struggled with severe separation anxiety and leash reactivity, which led me to explore dog training in an effort to help him. Over the past decade, Gimli and I have faced many challenges, but our bond has only grown stronger. Through positive reinforcement training, we’ve built a deep connection, and he has become my greatest inspiration for helping other pet guardians develop meaningful, trusting relationships with their dogs.

I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology with a specialization in Disasters, Displacements, and Human Rights from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, along with a second degree in Religious Studies focusing on Neo-Paganism and Politics. After graduating, I took a break from academia and worked as a veterinary assistant at a county shelter. That experience solidified my passion for working with animals and led me to pursue a career in the animal industry rather than continuing with graduate studies. My background in anthropology helps me understand behavior, adaptation, and communication—key elements in effective, science-based dog training that strengthen the bond between dogs and their humans.

With 16 years of professional experience, I’ve worked across nearly every aspect of the dog industry, including fostering for local rescues. In recent years, I’ve specialized in pet retail, focusing on dog and cat nutrition. Now, I am furthering my knowledge of canine behavior and training through The Victoria Stilwell Academy, embracing dog training as my forever focus and passion.