Finding My Direction

While I always had a strong connection with dogs my entire life, I never grew up thinking I would become a dog trainer. My thinking changed when someone asked my daughter: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Her reply: “I want to be a dog trainer like my mom.” I was surprised, mostly because that wasn’t my job at the time!

She assumed that was my profession because she saw me constantly reading books about dogs, volunteering with rescues and shelters, training our own dog, and helping friends and family with their dogs. My daughter planted the seed for what would eventually become my future career.

However, I did not take action until I gave a simple piece of dog advice to a couple who later told me: “You saved our dog’s life!” That's when I realized that the knowledge I had gained through the years could make a real difference in the lives of other people and their dogs, and I wanted to share it on a larger scale.

With the encouragement and support of my husband, I went back to school to gain the education and experience I needed to become a professional dog trainer and establish Direction for Dogs, LLC. I am grateful to my family for recognizing my passion and encouraging me to pursue my true calling. My journey is proof that there is always time to learn and grow and make positive changes in your life. It’s never too late to teach an old dog (or human) new tricks.

Meet Dakota

Direction for Dogs would not exist without Dakota, a black Labrador Retriever mix, who joined our family when she was about 15 months old. Her previous owners had returned her because they found her behaviors difficult to manage, but I saw a dog who simply needed understanding, guidance, and someone who believed in her.

I immersed myself in training to help Dakota become the best version of herself, but once we started, we never stopped. Training became something we both enjoyed and a special way for us to bond. For everything I taught Dakota, she taught me even more. She taught me how to find joy in the everyday simple things in life, how to be a leader, and most importantly, to never give up on a dog or myself. Together, we became a confident team and went on to earn six AKC titles. Seeing how far Dakota could come inspired me to help other dogs and their families discover their own potential and experience that same transformation.

At just five years old, Dakota was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer and crossed the rainbow bridge exactly one month later. Even though she was taken from this world far too soon, she profoundly impacted many lives. Although her physical presence is gone, her guidance continues to influence my life. Her loss inspired me to offer pet grief support, allowing me to help others navigate the difficult journey of losing a beloved pet. I promise to carry on the life lessons she taught me, and her love, loyalty, and legacy will live on through Direction for Dogs.

Meet Phillie

After a series of chance occurrences (or perhaps everything happens for a reason), my family crossed paths with a black and white, Labrador Retriever mix, who had been found as a stray on the streets of Mississippi, just like our previous dog, Dakota. The two dogs also had one more significant thing in common: the puppy's date of birth was listed as the same day that Dakota passed away.

The signs were impossible to ignore, so we adopted the puppy named Phillie when he was about 13 weeks old. Phillie was a fearful puppy who needed a patient and experienced family and in many ways, we needed him too. He was a comfort in mending our broken hearts from Dakota’s passing, even though we still miss her deeply every single day. 

Phillie has grown into an independent dog with a silly personality, has a natural ease with puppies, and confidence that continues to increase. He may always be a little cautious about the world around him, and that's okay. He is a wonderful reminder that our dogs don't have to be perfect to bring us joy. Phillie taught me that the most important thing we can do for our dogs is help them grow into the best version of themselves, while also loving and accepting them exactly as they are.

I believe there is no single right way to train every dog. Every dog is unique with its own strengths and challenges. My role is to be your supportive coach who guides each dog-owner team on their personalized path to reach their full potential.

I have learned many different ways to teach the same skill because what works for one dog may not work for another. Even something as simple as teaching “sit” can be approached in numerous ways. I take the time to understand how each team learns best and personalize my training methods, tools, and approach to fit their individual needs, abilities, and comfort levels.

I am a believer of positive reinforcement training, which rewards desired behaviors. However, instead of ignoring unwanted behaviors, I feel that it is important to acknowledge them. Just as we teach children right and wrong, I believe that dogs benefit from clear, unharmful guidance for the most effective and efficient learning.

I am a certified dog trainer, which means that I have accumulated numerous hours of professional dog training experience and that my knowledge and skills have been demonstrated and evaluated by a third party. Certification demonstrates my commitment to professional standards, ethical practices, and continuing education, so you know that you are working with a qualified trainer with the resources and expertise to help your dog succeed.

• Owner of Direction for Dogs, LLC

• Certified Dog Trainer from Woofs of Wisdom (WOW-CDT)

• Pet Grief Specialist from Animal Talks Inc.

• Volunteer and Foster with a local rescue

• Voted Best Dog Trainer in Main Line Today's Best of the Main Line & Western Suburbs 2026

• Approved AKC Evaluator for these titles;

  • • S.T.A.R. Puppy 

    • Canine Good Citizen

    • CGC Community Canine

    • CGC Urban

    • Trick Dog (all levels)

    • Virtual Home Manners (puppy & adult)

• Associate Member in the International Association of Canine Professionals

• Completion of the American Red Cross Cat and Dog First Aid online class and Woofs of Wisdom Pet First Aid and CPR training in-person class

• Graduate of Alvernia University with a Bachelor Degree and Master Degree of Business Administration 

• Graduate of Woofs of Wisdom's Trainer Academy, where I had the opportunity to:

• Assist in teaching group classes and private sessions, gaining valuable experience working with clients and their pets.

• Participate in a fully in-person program of study receiving personalized, 1-on-1 guidance and hands-on instruction.

• Delve into in-depth study modules covering key topics, including:

• Methodologies and Training Theories

• Obedience and Commands

• Behavior Modification and Common Behavior Issues

• Body Language, Vocalizations and Emotions

• Troubleshooting Behavior and Commands

• Development Stages and Breed Influences

• Dog/Dog and Human/Dog Interaction

• Types of Aggression

• Training Aids