Growing up in an animal loving family, I had many childhood experiences with all types of animals including dogs, horses, reptiles, birds and more, so I had a solid obsession for animal training from the start. Throughout high school I spent my free time out at the barn, starting young horses, training horses with behavioral issues and riding my own horse for the high school rodeo team. Additionally, I raised puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind and have graduates working with their blind partners all over the US and Canada.

I continued on to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, majoring in Agricultural Sciences and Education, with a concentration in Animal Science. There, I progressed my training career by taking courses on animal behavior modification and working as the dog trainer for Petco. I quickly became a Mentor Trainer and began to focus on not only teaching the animals, but also teaching other people as well.

Now, I own and operate Pawsitively Trained, LLC which has been growing and thriving for many years. I have spent time working with shelters and rescue groups, veterinary clinics, daycare facilities and dog walkers, grooming salons, breeders, other trainers, and, primarily, pet owners. I believe it takes a village to raise a good dog! Having an educated village is the easiest way to streamline the process of adding more well-behaved canines to our community.

Additionally, I have started Paws for Responders, LLC. Here, we work with emergency responder facilities (police and fire departments, EMS, and 911 dispatch), raising and training therapy facility dogs. These dogs are co-raised with Paws for Responders and the participating facilities, and are utilized as part of the emotional wellness program to provide comfort to emergency responders. The Comfort K9s are trained using a carefully structured program and the facility handlers are also instructed throughout the process. I am so excited to be able to spread the wonderful effects of positive raising and training methods and create such an impact in the lives of people who will benefit so substantially. 

My true passion lies in teaching other people how to communicate with their animals effectively. Over the years I have been teaching numerous group classes and private sessions, consisting of dogs of all different ages and breeds, and covering everything from basic obedience, to agility, to therapy and service dog work. I am excited to work with you and your dog on any behavioral challenges that you may face or simply help you reinforce positive behaviors; no matter your need, I can help you take your dog to the next level of training.