My love of dogs began at age nine, when I started raising puppies for The Seeing Eye through my local 4-H club. What started as a childhood opportunity quickly grew into a lifelong passion. Over the next eight years, I raised seven future Seeing Eye dogs and learned an important lesson: every dog is an individual, with its own personality, strengths, and way of learning.

     

     In 2006, one of my Seeing Eye dogs was released from the program and he became my first agility partner—and opened the door to a whole new world of dog sports and training.

Since then, I’ve worked with dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments, helping with everything from basic manners and loose-leash walking to barking, confidence, and everyday life skills. My approach is simple: understand the dog in front of you and make training both effective and enjoyable.

     

     In 2015, I interned with Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue in Chestertown, Maryland, where I adopted my first dog as an adult, Auggie. He introduced me to trick training, nose work, and countless new adventures. Many others soon followed, and together they’ve challenged me to grow as a trainer while expanding my experience in agility, rally, herding, tracking, scent work, and other canine sports.

 

     I earned my degree in Business Administration from Lebanon Valley College in 2016 and opened Belle Rose Kennels later that year. Today, I provide boarding, daycare, training, and basic grooming while continuing to train and compete with my own dogs. I’m also proud to volunteer with Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue, Kent County Humane Society, Northeast Border Collie Association, and the Virginia Border Collie Association.

 

     At Belle Rose Kennels, I believe training is about more than teaching commands—it’s about building communication, confidence, and a stronger bond between dogs and their people. Training should be engaging, encouraging, and fun, creating happier dogs and owners who truly understand one another.