I have had the privilege of serving as a professional educator of children and adults for over 38 years. Teaching has always been my passion. Over these years, I have learned that everyone has unique talents, strengths and challenges. Having been the gift of raising a child with special needs, I long recognized that people learn in different ways and at different rates. Recognizing these differences, I work to facilitate learning in a way so that is relevant, caring, positive, collaborative and fun. My teaching methods are founded upon a professional relationship that fosters mutual respect and trust.

I can never remember a time when I didn’t have a dog in my life. Although I have been training dogs for over 40 years in agility, competition obedience, search and rescue, and animal assisted therapy; it was when I had an opportunity to train dogs for children with autism that my life-focus changed. I have seen and experienced the life changing bond that can form between humans and animals.

As a lifelong learner, I have continued my education and now additionally work with mobility dogs, hearing alert dogs, and psychiatric dogs. I am dedicated to helping people develop effective communication and positive training techniques to strengthen their bond and understanding of their animal partners.

My vision, like Atlas’, is to ensure that everyone who can benefit from a qualified assistance dog, can have one.