about

early years

from a young age, i have been fascinated by animals of all shapes and sizes. as a teenager, i worked on two local horse farms, where i learned everything i could about animal behavior, body language, and communication. i received this education from trainers, clinics, long-time riders, and, most importantly, the animals themselves.

veterinary experience

when i went off to college, i started with the intention of becoming a therapist, as i have a deep interest in human (and animal) behavior and mental health. during my junior year, i began working at a general practice veterinary hospital, which i enjoyed so much that i decided to explore veterinary medicine further before committing to graduate school.

during this time, i earned my fear free certification and deepened my understanding of animal behavior and care. i gained additional experience working in a small animal emergency and specialty hospital, continually honing my skills, especially with anxious, shy, under-socialized, and reactive animals.

training inclination

in 2019, i took on and began to behaviorally rehabilitate my own "demon dog", charlie, an 11-month-old kelpie mix who was struggling with anxiety, insecurity, reactivity, and hypervigilance. his transformation from a fearful, unsettled dog to a grounded, joyful, confident, and intrepid companion and best friend still fills my heart and amazes me to this day.

i soon delved into agility and advanced training with charlie, which opened up a new pursuit for me -- becoming a professional dog trainer. while being mentored by a local trainer, i enjoyed teaching group puppy and obedience classes, as well as sitting in on individual consults. while continuing to learn and study to become a dog trainer, i worked as a professional dog walker and pet sitter, and received my cpdt-ka certification in early 2022.

coneflower canines — the beginning

in response to the pandemic, i saw a need for mobile dog training services. in july of 2022, i started coneflower canines, llc, a business where i focus on the intersection of behavioral health and communication, both inter- and intra-species. i now work with anxious and distressed dogs and their human counterparts in their home environments, using humane and effective training techniques grounded in positive reinforcement and respect. my compassionate and understanding approach to training and learning benefits canines and humans alike.

coneflower canines — today!

i am committed to staying informed and continuing my education as a trainer. i enjoy being a resource and cheerleader for my clients, wherever they may be in their training journeys!

so, as i continued my education as a trainer, in late 2024 i discovered the work of the nordic centre for ethical dog training, and their approach immediately felt like what i had been searching for my entire career (more accurately, my entire time interacting with animals!). their emphasis on autonomy, choice, and understanding canine body language resonated deeply with me — it aligns perfectly with the instinctive direction i have always moved toward in my training philosophy.

at the start of 2025, i began my formal education at the nordic international dog trainer school, where i am on track to complete all four levels and earn an advanced certificate by spring 2026. i am beyond thrilled to incorporate this compassionate, science-backed, effective, and respectful approach into my work, as well as to witness the impact it has on my own dog.

this approach is quite different from traditional training methods, which often focus on forcing dogs to fit into our human world for our convenience, and strips them of much of their autonomy, with behavior problems being a common outcome.

instead, the nordic method focuses on seeing the dog as a sentient, autonomous being, worthy of respect. it encourages trainers and guardians alike to deepen their knowledge of canine communication, ethology, and their dog’s inherent needs. the goal is to live together in peaceful, easy communication and coexistence — which is not only simpler but more effective than many traditional methods.

i am so excited to continue sharing this knowledge and approach with my clients, and i am confident it will continue to bring tangible results for both you and your dog!