The Big Picture

I believe that agility brings out the best in our dogs and it can bring out the best in us.

Through agility training, we can not only enhance our dogs' lives, but also help us to grow as people. As an agility competitor, I hope to helps support and grow our sport through education and competition. As a veteriarian, I hope to support our dogs' in living their best athletic lives too.

Education

D.V.M. 2025 University of Arizona

*Licensed in Arizona*

Ph.D. 2022 Biochemistry, Arizona State University

B. Sci 2020 Biochemistry and Microbiology, Arizona State University

ResearchGate | LinkedIn

Vision for the Future

In efforts to bring the best care forward to our agility dogs, my next steps will be working with VEG ER for Pets as a New ER Doctor (yes, a professional NERD) to improve my clinical skills, knowledge, and patient care. While ER isn't why I got into vet. med., I quickly learned that I deeply enjoy the workflow and providing this type of care.

Going forward with agility clients, my long term goals include completion of my Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT), Certified Canine Strength and Conditioning Coach (CSCC), and training in musculoskeletal ultrasound. I hope to one day open a practice in Arizona providing care for sporting and working dogs in the state of Arizona, including an adjacent indoor training facility.

Community

One way I like to share my love through the sport is through the Intercollegiate Dog Agility Association as part of USDAA. The program supports collegiate students in learning and participating in agility. Clubs across the country allow students to gain access to training and community support within the sport.

I am also currently serving as the president for the Integrative Sports Medicine Club (ISMC) at the UAz College of Veterinary Medicine with the goal of creating more opportunities for vet students in the areas of sports and integrative medicine for large and small animals.

Training

I define my methods and myself as a "choice-based reinforcement trainer." To me this reflects my commitment to use reinforcers (such as treats and toys) in my training and my preference for using shaping techniques that allow for the animal to make choices in their behavior. 

I'm passionate about psychology, biology, and the early works such as the work of the Brelands & Baileys. The basis of my education in dog training & agility is under Susan Garrett (Dogs That). As a trainer my goals are share kindness, knowledge, and excellence in dog training.

Awards

At the Cynosport World Games, we also were inducted into the Hall of Fame under the volunteer of the year award, for our work in intercollegiate agility. 

Notable awards include serving on Team USA at the European Open for Juniors in 2015 along with podium finishes in 2-dog team and steeplechase at regional events.
 
All of these awards were recieved while attending university full-time and working in research.  

Current Competition Goals

As a student-athlete, the student part always comes first. I want to be the best veterinarian that I can be, which means focusing on my studies. My current competitive goals are through 2023 and include the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge Regional in Huntington Beach, California. 
However, my goals will be shifting towards teaching more (online and in-person) and my veterinary studies as we move to clinical management in 2024 and clinical rotations in 2025. 
Following graduation, I look forward to rejoining the competitive agility world as well as providing my services and working towards my goals as a veterinarian to serve the dog sports community.