When I was a young girl, if you had asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would often say, "I want to train police or service dogs". My favorite books and movies were always the ones where someone found themselves alone in the wilderness with a wolf or wolf-like dog - think Island of the Blue Dolphins, The Journey of Natty Gann, White Fang, and The Call of the Wild. I had a subscription to Dog Fancy magazine, and my bedroom walls were covered in dog posters. When I was nine, my parents got me a German shepherd/Collie mix who, in my eyes, looked just like a wolf. Naturally, I named him Wolfie.
While pursuing a Biology degree during undergrad, I found myself especially drawn to courses in animal behavior. One of the highlights of that season was spending time in the Bahamas alongside researchers, observing whales and dolphins and logging their behavior in an effort to better understand them.
Over time, my interest in behavior shifted toward human behavior, leading me to pursue a Master's degree in Professional Counseling. While in grad school, I focused my studies on trauma and it's impact on the brain. I was able to use this knowledge and skill set both in the office as well as in daily life with our children, both biological and adopted.
When Greg and I got married, we couldn't wait to get a dog! Early on we brought home a Golden Retriever puppy and named her Aspen. She was everything you hope a Golden Retriever will be - easy to train, endlessly friendly, and always by our side. She became our first office dog at Elbow Tree Christian Counseling.
Five kids, a few more dogs and a full counseling career later, I began an unexpected friendship with a Belgian Malinois breeder. That friendship led me to bringing home the runt of a litter - a little dog that ended up with a whole lot of drive in a compact package. She reignited something deep in me, sending me on a deep dive back into the world of dog training and behavior. I was quickly reminded of what I've always loved: studying and working with animals. It was then that I began dreaming of how to merge my passion for helping people with my love for working with dogs.
I have completed several courses of study taught by some of the most respected dog trainers in the world, including in-depth coursework in canine neurobiology. I have also completed courses and mentorships to develop the knowledge and skills to become a responsible and ethical breeder committed to excellence in whelping and rearing pups until they go home. In addition I have completed the coursework to become a Level 1 certified dog trainer through a well respected training program.
Over the past several years, I've helped people develop the tools and insight needed to build healthier relationships with themselves and others. Now, I'm excited to bring that experience into a new arena - helping people build strong, healthy relationships with their four-legged companions as well.
While pursuing a Biology degree during undergrad, I found myself especially drawn to courses in animal behavior. One of the highlights of that season was spending time in the Bahamas alongside researchers, observing whales and dolphins and logging their behavior in an effort to better understand them.
Over time, my interest in behavior shifted toward human behavior, leading me to pursue a Master's degree in Professional Counseling. While in grad school, I focused my studies on trauma and it's impact on the brain. I was able to use this knowledge and skill set both in the office as well as in daily life with our children, both biological and adopted.
When Greg and I got married, we couldn't wait to get a dog! Early on we brought home a Golden Retriever puppy and named her Aspen. She was everything you hope a Golden Retriever will be - easy to train, endlessly friendly, and always by our side. She became our first office dog at Elbow Tree Christian Counseling.
Five kids, a few more dogs and a full counseling career later, I began an unexpected friendship with a Belgian Malinois breeder. That friendship led me to bringing home the runt of a litter - a little dog that ended up with a whole lot of drive in a compact package. She reignited something deep in me, sending me on a deep dive back into the world of dog training and behavior. I was quickly reminded of what I've always loved: studying and working with animals. It was then that I began dreaming of how to merge my passion for helping people with my love for working with dogs.
I have completed several courses of study taught by some of the most respected dog trainers in the world, including in-depth coursework in canine neurobiology. I have also completed courses and mentorships to develop the knowledge and skills to become a responsible and ethical breeder committed to excellence in whelping and rearing pups until they go home. In addition I have completed the coursework to become a Level 1 certified dog trainer through a well respected training program.
Over the past several years, I've helped people develop the tools and insight needed to build healthier relationships with themselves and others. Now, I'm excited to bring that experience into a new arena - helping people build strong, healthy relationships with their four-legged companions as well.
