about me
Dog Behavior Consultant & Trainer | CPDT-KA, KPA CTP
I'm a dedicated dog behavior consultant and trainer who has worked for over a decade with shelter and companion dogs and their humans. I am committed to using humane, effective, ethical, and evidence-based behavior management and training methods that strengthen the bond between dogs and their families.
My Credentials & Expertise
I hold two highly respected certifications in the dog training field: Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP). I am dedicated to being a lifelong learner, continually seeking out and participating in continuing education to improve my performance and skills while keeping up to date on the science and how it can be applied to the humans and animals I serve.
My approach emphasizes positive reinforcement and rewards-based training methods. Understanding that the techniques a trainer uses will affect a dog's behavior for years post-training, possibly for the dog's entire lifetime. I am committed to making training both effective and a fun, positive experience for both dogs and their families.
My Experience Across Two Sectors
Animal Welfare Leadership
For more than a decade, I have been working across two sectors: animal welfare and higher education. My commitment to assisting open-admissions shelters started when I was an active volunteer at Berkeley Animal Care Services (BACS). While at BACS, I trained incoming volunteers and provided adoption counseling.
From 2014-2016, I served as a board member with Friends of Berkeley Animal Care Services, where I helped raise funds for educational and enrichment programs, adoptions, medical care, equipment, and other shelter necessities. I facilitated the rollout of new enrichment and adoption protocols and assisted in fundraising efforts including the highly successful Paint Your Pet events.
I joined the Behavior and Training unit at Contra Costa Animal Services (CCAS) from 2016-2020, where I conducted behavior evaluations, implemented behavior modification plans, and trained dogs using positive reinforcement methods. I have also been a part of local rescues helping in various capacities, from coaching potential fosters, adoption counseling, fostering, training, and community support at pet health and wellness events around the Bay Area.
Professional Training & Consulting
Since 2016, I have operated my own behavior and training consulting practice, coaching private clients to train and manage their animals using current, evidence-based, effective and humane methods. My services include training programs and behavior modification plans that integrate science and practical solutions for dogs and their families.
My Industry Leadership & Education
From 2018-2025, I served as Operations Director for the Shelter Playgroup Alliance, where I provided leadership and project management for guideline creation and updates, as well as event planning and management of SPA's educational offerings. In this role, I collaborated among shelter staff and behavior experts to develop frameworks that support enrichment, safe and healthy play, and limit the use of aversives to manage playgroups.
I have also volunteered with Tony La Russa's ARF Pet Hug Pack (now Joy Bound) from 2014-2019, attending animal assisted therapy assignments around the San Francisco Bay Area with Leo, my humanely trained canine companion. Currently, I volunteer with Marin Humane, assisting with community nose work training classes.
My Commitment to Continuing Education
I maintain an extensive commitment to professional development, having completed advanced training programs including the Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Professional Program, multiple "Dive Deep" advanced training courses with Ken Ramirez, and specialized programs in separation anxiety, cooperative care training, and canine enrichment. I regularly attend conferences such as ClickerExpo, the Canine Science Symposium, and various professional development workshops focused on evidence-based training methods.
My Philosophy & Approach
Understanding that dog training is an unregulated industry, I recognize the importance of professional credentials and evidence-based methods. My goal and promise is to make training effective and a positive experience for both dogs and their families, using techniques that will benefit the human-animal bond for years to come.
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I combine over a decade of shelter experience with advanced professional training to provide evidence-based, humane solutions aimed at strengthening the bond between dogs and their humans.