I have a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Illinois. My education helped build a foundation and understanding of animal welfare, behavior, nutrition, and safe animal handling. I have over two years of professional experience training dogs in basic on-leash obedience, including heel, sit, stay, place, recall, and other foundational commands. I was trained by master trainer Joel Slaven, who has trained animals for movies, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, and worked extensively alongside Jack Hanna. In addition to dog training, I have worked as a Kennel Technician, where I helped care for up to 50 dogs at a time. My responsibilities included feeding, administering oral and subcutaneous medications, and providing daily exercise through walks and free running in a large pasture. This experience gave me the opportunity to work with a wide variety of breeds, sizes, and temperaments. I also have experience working at a dog daycare, where I supervised playgroups of 25 or more dogs and learned how to manage different personalities and energy levels in a group setting. Outside of my professional experience, I own a two-year-old English Bulldog. Her stubborn personality and high energy have taught me a great deal about patience, consistency, and adapting my approach to each individual dog. Overall, my experience has strengthened my passion for working with dogs and my commitment to providing them with patient, knowledgeable, and compassionate care.