My Journey: From Dog Trainer to Animal Shaman and Medicine Woman

If you had told me years ago that my life’s work would be helping dogs and their humans heal—mind, body, and spirit—I wouldn’t have been surprised. This path has been calling to me for as long as I can remember.

Animals have always been part of my story. Growing up, I wasn’t just the kid who loved animals—I was the one who felt their emotions, understood their unspoken needs, and instinctively knew when something was wrong.

Over the years, my home became a sanctuary for all kinds of animals—dogs, cats, birds, reptiles—each one teaching me something new about patience, trust, and communication beyond words. They weren’t just pets; they were my teachers.

When I officially became a certified dog trainer over 15 years ago, I was excited to help pet parents create better relationships with their dogs through training and communication.

I worked with hundreds of dogs, tackling everything from basic obedience to severe behavioral issues like reactivity and anxiety. And for many, training was enough. But for others… something was missing.

At first, I followed the traditional training path—teaching obedience, behavior modification, and problem-solving techniques. And for many dogs, these methods worked.

But then there were the others.

Dogs who had deep anxiety that no amount of counter-conditioning could erase.
Dogs who had been through trauma and weren’t just “acting out” but carrying emotional wounds.
Dogs who were physically healthy by veterinary standards but still seemed off—restless, in pain, or disconnected.

I started seeing a pattern.

Pet parents would tell me, "We've tried everything—private trainers, group classes, behaviorists—and we’re still struggling." These were loving, dedicated people doing everything right but still not getting the results they hoped for.

And the dogs? They weren’t just “stubborn” or “difficult.” They were asking for a different kind of help.

That’s when I started exploring holistic healing—aromatherapy, Reiki, and energy work.

Something incredible happened. Dogs who had struggled for months, even years, began releasing tension, calming their nervous systems, and trusting in a way they never had before.

That’s when I knew: Behavior isn’t just about training. It’s about healing.

I still believe in training—it’s an essential part of living with dogs. But training alone is just a language—it’s how we teach cues, set boundaries, and create structure.

But healing goes deeper.

✔ Training teaches a dog how to behave. Healing teaches a dog how to feel safe.
✔ Training helps a dog understand what we want. Healing helps a dog release what they’ve been holding onto.
✔ Training builds rules. Healing builds trust.

A dog who is stressed, overwhelmed, or in pain can’t learn effectively, no matter how skilled the trainer is. And a dog who feels deeply understood, balanced, and supported will naturally become more cooperative, responsive, and open to training.

This is why my approach blends obedience training with holistic healing, energy work, and emotional support. Because true transformation happens when a dog doesn’t just know what to do—but feels safe, confident, and connected enough to do it.

As my practice evolved, I began to embrace what I had always known in my heart—my work is about more than just training.

I am here to guide both dogs and their humans through a journey of healing, transformation, and deep connection.

This led me to fully step into my role as an Animal Shaman & Medicine Woman—a title that reflects the deep healing, intuitive work, and holistic approach that has always been at the core of what I do.

Now, I help pet parents:

🌿 Navigate behavioral challenges by addressing the root cause—not just the symptoms.
🌿 Support dogs with medical conditions through natural remedies, energy work, and holistic care.
🌿 Strengthen the human-animal bond by helping pet parents understand their dogs on a soul level.
🌿 Create a peaceful, balanced life through a mix of training, Reiki, aromatherapy, and intuitive guidance.

I believe that dogs bring their humans to me for a reason.

If you’re reading this, you’re likely searching for something deeper than just training—you’re looking for a way to truly help your dog thrive.

Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, reactivity, chronic health issues, or just a feeling that there’s more you could be doing for your dog, I’m here to help you uncover the path forward.

This isn’t about quick fixes or surface-level solutions. It’s about healing from the inside out, creating a relationship built on understanding, and giving your dog the balanced, peaceful life they deserve.

If my story resonates with you, it’s because you were meant to find this path.

I invite you to take the next step—whether that’s booking a session, exploring holistic wellness for your dog, or simply reaching out with a question.

I’m here, and I can’t wait to help you and your dog step into a life of harmony, healing, and connection.