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I was born and raised in California, where my lifelong love for animals began. As a child, I practiced training with every family dog I could, soaking up everything I could find online about animal behavior and psychology.
For my 13th birthday, I bought myself a Boxer puppy named Bear. Using YouTube tutorials, I taught him to be my service dog. Despite my limited experience at the time, he performed tasks that helped me manage—and ultimately overcome some personal challenges. Later, I learned I was also dealing with chronic physical illnesses that would benefit from a service dog. Bear gave me independence, stability, and hope during one of the darkest periods of my life. He is the reason I am who I am today and why I am passionate about service dog training.
As a teenager, I ran a small hobby farm with dairy goats, horses, sheep, rabbits, chickens, and a Jersey steer. Every spare moment was spent teaching my animals tricks. I also worked with serious livestock guardian dogs—Great Pyrenees and Anatolian Shepherds—an experience that taught me the importance of genetics and how deeply they shape behavior.
In adulthood, I lived in several states and sought out trainers who specialized in everything from police dogs to puppy foundations to competition sports. My professional journey began in Oregon, when I struggled with a reactive puppy of my own. I hired an incredible trainer who not only helped my dog, but also inspired me to turn my passion into a career. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to helping dog owners strengthen their relationships with their dogs, and to empowering members of the disability community to regain independence through service dogs.
I bring years of hands-on experience addressing behavioral concerns ranging from fear and anxiety to reactivity and aggression. And because I’ve been in the shoes of an overwhelmed owner, I understand what it feels like to struggle and to find hope again.
As a remote member of the Cold Creek Dog Training team, it’s my honor to be your first point of contact. My role is to listen to your concerns and guide you toward the program best suited to your dog and your family. I’m excited to help you start your training journey with us!
For my 13th birthday, I bought myself a Boxer puppy named Bear. Using YouTube tutorials, I taught him to be my service dog. Despite my limited experience at the time, he performed tasks that helped me manage—and ultimately overcome some personal challenges. Later, I learned I was also dealing with chronic physical illnesses that would benefit from a service dog. Bear gave me independence, stability, and hope during one of the darkest periods of my life. He is the reason I am who I am today and why I am passionate about service dog training.
As a teenager, I ran a small hobby farm with dairy goats, horses, sheep, rabbits, chickens, and a Jersey steer. Every spare moment was spent teaching my animals tricks. I also worked with serious livestock guardian dogs—Great Pyrenees and Anatolian Shepherds—an experience that taught me the importance of genetics and how deeply they shape behavior.
In adulthood, I lived in several states and sought out trainers who specialized in everything from police dogs to puppy foundations to competition sports. My professional journey began in Oregon, when I struggled with a reactive puppy of my own. I hired an incredible trainer who not only helped my dog, but also inspired me to turn my passion into a career. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to helping dog owners strengthen their relationships with their dogs, and to empowering members of the disability community to regain independence through service dogs.
I bring years of hands-on experience addressing behavioral concerns ranging from fear and anxiety to reactivity and aggression. And because I’ve been in the shoes of an overwhelmed owner, I understand what it feels like to struggle and to find hope again.
As a remote member of the Cold Creek Dog Training team, it’s my honor to be your first point of contact. My role is to listen to your concerns and guide you toward the program best suited to your dog and your family. I’m excited to help you start your training journey with us!