From my earliest memory I’ve loved animals, especially dogs. Growing up in Kalamazoo,
Michigan, I spent many hours with our Miniature Poodle, Pierre, and our big gray cat, Hubie,
hanging out with them and teaching them all sorts of tricks.
I spent the first part of my adult life as a professional cellist, playing full time in the Fort Wayne
Philharmonic, freelancing with small ensembles, and teaching private cello lessons. Around
2000, I developed problems with my left hand which left me unable to play cello full time any
longer. Looking for a career change, I decided to pursue my lifelong love of dogs and began to
learn more about dog training and behavior.
I am a founding partner (2001), and now sole trainer/behavior consultant, at My Best Friend Dog
Training. I am a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and a Canine Hoopers World
Instructor (CHWI).
My husband, Dave, and I share our lives with 4 dogs. Jack is a 15-year-old Border Collie/Heeler
cross, Frankie is an 8-year-old Pitbull, and our two Shetland Sheepdogs are 2-year-old Ozzy, and
his sister Sharon who is 1 ½ years. All our dogs love any type of training challenge and are
especially enjoying our newest endeavor – Canine Hoopers. They keep me busy and on my toes!