From an early age, I have always carried a deep love and passion for animals. I was born in Miami, FL and raised in Peachtree City, GA, where I found myself rescuing wildlife and helping animals of all kinds. I graduated from the University of West Georgia with a B.S. in Early Childhood Education, and there I learned the importance of positive teaching methods and the impact they have on young learners as a Kindergarten teacher.

I became deeply involved with local rescues and the Humane Society, so I could assist with challenging situations involving dogs who needed extra love and care. This is when I began fostering dogs and exploring ways to provide the training and support they needed before finding them their forever homes. I started collaborating with local trainers to learn how to better help my foster dogs. As my experience grew with fostering behaviorally challenging dogs, I expanded my reach to organizations that could make a bigger impact on both the dogs’ well-being and our community. I began training dogs to become service dogs for Veterans with PTSD and traumatic brain injury. I immersed myself further in the dog world by working in doggy daycare and boarding facilities.

As my love for dog training and behavior deepened, I recognized there were many paths to becoming a better trainer. I decided to expand my knowledge by enrolling in the Atlanta Dog Trainer Academy for Professional Dog Trainers in 2016. I joined the apprenticeship program and later became a trainer at Canine Country Academy in Lawrenceville, GA. There, I broadened my understanding of dogs and behavior and was introduced to dog sports. I started scent work training with my dog, Precious and competed in NACSW and AKC scent work trials. I continue to compete with my current dog, Helix. 

Today, I reside in Sharpsburg, GA with my husband, Andrew, and our Ibizan hound, Helix & two rescue pit mixes, Daisy and Tipy. I earned my professional certification from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and opened Bright Mind Canine in 2023. My mission is to cultivate a mutually beneficial relationship between dogs and their human companions through humane, science-based training methods.