I first began working in substance abuse counseling, while working I was also doing dog training part-time before making the transition to dog training full-time. In 2015, I began working with dogs in our inner-city shelters helping to evaluate, rehabilitate and place long-term resident shelter dogs. It was through my involvement in rescue over the years that I adopted my two pit bulls Luna (Six) and Lego my tripod (Five). When I am not helping owners improve the relationships they have with their dogs, I am hiking in the woods with my own crew which also includes my one year old German shepherd, Hex!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Luna (6) Lego (5) Hex (1). Just me and the dogs!
Q: Please tell us about your current career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am the owner and head trainer at Good Dog Pet Training. I am truly lucky to be able to call my career and my passion the same. Watching owners totally transform the relationship they share with their dog(s) is my favorite part of the job. That’s what got me hooked when I was volunteering in the shelters.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Giovanna’s, Mahwah Bar&Grill, Novino, Smyrna
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have been training dogs in the area since 2015.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Amit Chopra is the most interesting person that I have met in the community. Someone who I am lucky enough to consider one of my best friends. He is also a local small business owner and is one of the most genuine people I know.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Glacier National Park. I have always wanted to hike and explore more of the national parks here in the US and around the world.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite movie would be any of the Disney classics.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
The best piece of advice I was ever given and is the advice I would pass along to someone else would be to be just as humble as you are bold in working towards your goals, take advice and criticism from those who have more experience than you because it’s the only way to learn.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Travel in an RV to our countries national parks with my dogs
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Zac Brown Band
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Brunch at Giovanna’s before the Farmers Market on the weekend in Ramsey
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Ivan Balabanov is a world renowned dog trainer that I would love to share lunch with if ever given the opportunity. Giovanna’s is one of my favorite go-to local restaurants.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The small town community feel, local Main Street shops
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Continuing to work with owners and dogs in our community through Good Dog Pet Training
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Hmm, this is a tough one! My family knows quite a bit about me but I suppose friends don’t all know that I can play the drums.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Turks and Caicos
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
December is my favorite month, Christmas is my favorite holiday
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
An early morning hike with my dogs
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My Father has always been my biggest motivator to be better and my constant reminder to do something each day for someone else. He is the most giving person I know.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Balsam and Eucalyptus
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Luna, Lego, Hex
