Trainer

I've been surrounded by animals for as long as I can remember. There has never been a point in my life where we didn't have dogs, cats, or other animals as part of our family. Growing up, animals weren't just pets—they were family members, teachers, and lifelong companions. My passion for dogs started at a young age, but it truly took off when I was around 12 years old and my mom started her own dog boarding business. Our house was constantly filled with dogs of every breed, size, and personality. Every day brought a new opportunity to learn about canine behavior, and I quickly realized that no two dogs are ever the same.

Along with boarding, we also fostered puppies, which eventually led to our first of many "foster fails." That puppy was a Lacy/Pit Bull mix named Mischiff. She completely stole my heart and introduced me to the incredible Lacy breed. Losing her unexpectedly was one of the hardest experiences I've gone through, but it also deepened my appreciation for the bond we share with our dogs and strengthened my desire to spend my life working with them.

When I was 16, I heard about another Lacy that had been surrendered because she was supposedly aggressive. I didn't even need to meet her—I already knew I wanted to give her a chance. That's how my dog, Nami, came into my life. She has been one of the greatest blessings I've ever had and continues to remind me every day why I chose this career. She reinforced something I've always believed: most dogs are not "bad dogs." They simply need someone willing to understand them, communicate with them, and show them the right path.

Since 2021, I've had the privilege of training with United K9 Academy, where I've continued to grow as both a trainer and a person. Every single day, I get to wake up and do what I love—helping dogs become the best versions of themselves while teaching owners how to build strong, lasting relationships with their companions. There is nothing more rewarding to me than watching a confused or misunderstood dog gain confidence and seeing the relief and joy on an owner's face when they finally understand one another.

What drives me more than anything is knowing how many wonderful dogs end up in shelters every year because of behavioral problems that could have been prevented or resolved with the right guidance. It breaks my heart to see dogs surrendered for issues like pulling on the leash, jumping, reactivity, anxiety, or a lack of basic obedience—problems that, with patience, consistency, and proper training, are often completely manageable. So many incredible dogs lose their homes simply because their owners were never shown how to communicate with them.

My mission is to change that. I believe training is about so much more than teaching commands—it's about building trust, creating clear communication, and helping owners truly understand what their dogs need to succeed. Every dog deserves the opportunity to stay with the family that loves them, and every owner deserves the knowledge and confidence to help their dog thrive.

At the end of the day, I love knowing that I get to spend my life making sure dogs are trained, cared for, and loved. If I can help keep even one more dog out of a shelter and strengthen the bond between a family and their best friend, then I've done exactly what I set out to do.

Trainer

Born and raised in Liberty Hill, Texas, I grew up surrounded by animals. My parents bred horses, so caring for and working with animals has always been a natural part of my life. That early experience taught me patience, responsibility, and the importance of building trust with every animal.

My passion for dogs led me to join United K9 Academy in March 2022, where I've had the opportunity to grow as a trainer while helping dogs and their owners build stronger relationships. Shortly after joining the team, I welcomed my first dog, Ares a Belgian Malinios, into my life. Training Ares has strengthened my understanding of canine behavior and reinforced my passion for helping other owners achieve success with their dogs.

One of my greatest strengths as a trainer is my calm and patient demeanor. Dogs naturally respond to calm, confident leadership, and I take pride in creating an environment where they feel comfortable, motivated, and eager to learn. Every dog is different, and I enjoy finding the approach that allows each one to reach its full potential.

Today, I am proud to be part of the United K9 Academy team. Whether I'm working with a young puppy, a family companion, or a dog with behavioral challenges, my goal is to help every owner build a lasting bond with their dog through clear communication, consistency, and effective training.

Trainer

My passion for animals began in childhood. I was always bringing home stray animals, making sure they were safe, healthy, and cared for. Inspired by Steve Irwin, I knew from an early age that I wanted to dedicate my life to working with animals.

My professional journey started at 18 years old as a veterinary assistant for racehorses in Washington State. Shortly afterward, I moved to Oklahoma to be closer to family while continuing to develop my horsemanship and training skills. Although I loved helping horses reach their full potential, I realized my true calling was still ahead of me.

After relocating to North Carolina, I spent two years working as a veterinary assistant for cats and dogs, where I gained valuable medical knowledge and hands-on experience caring for companion animals. While I enjoyed veterinary medicine, I knew I wanted a more active role in training and behavior.

That opportunity came when I joined a professional dog training school specializing in police, sport, and companion dogs as a Kennel Technician. Within my first year, I was promoted to Kennel Manager and earned a Work-Study position, allowing me to further develop my training skills. Over the next three years, I worked primarily with Belgian Malinois, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and German Shorthaired Pointers. Although much of the training focused on police dogs, I found my greatest passion in helping dogs that were better suited for sport or family life. Watching those dogs thrive in their new roles became one of the most rewarding parts of my career.

Outside of work, I owned and trained four Belgian Malinois, each competing in different dog sports. After the heartbreaking loss of my dogs in an accident, I stepped away from the animal industry for several years to heal.

Eventually, I knew it was time to return to the career I loved. I moved to Texas, adopted my Cane Corso, DeeB, and immersed myself in training her while searching for the right opportunity. When I discovered United K9 Academy, I knew it was exactly where I wanted to be. I immediately applied, excited for the opportunity to contribute my experience while continuing to learn and grow alongside an incredible team.

Today, I am proud to be a trainer at United K9 Academy. My goal is to help owners build stronger relationships with their dogs through clear communication, leadership, and education. I look forward to helping every dog and owner become the best team they can be.