I like to say that ‘animal’ is my first language. Being raised as an only child on a farm with a house full of dogs and cats, my family agrees. I learn something from every animal I engage with and consider myself a devoted, lifelong student.

I have developed a deep-rooted passion for teaching people how to inspire their dogs to work and play with them. I’ve been a professional dog trainer since 1991. Before then, starting in 1979, I worked with race horses, was a technician at a veterinary hospital, managed a commercial boarding kennel and owned a pet travel agency. Managing the stress of these animals who were entrusted to my care has made me the intuitive trainer that I am today.

I started competing at 5 years of age, first with horses then with dogs. I honed the skills needed to achieve a world championship, 4 world medals, 4 national championships and countless placements at the national level with 6 dogs in 4 jump heights.

Beyond the pride I have for my incredible dogs and our accomplishments is the pride I have for my students. Their successes, in and out of the competition arena, are a testimony to my work – they inspire me every day.