My journey into dog training began in 2019 at Bergin University of Canine Studies in California, where I fostered and trained service dogs for individuals with disabilities. But my love for dogs started long before that. My family got our first dog when I was three years old, and the bond I had with her sparked my passion for animals and initially drove me to pursue a career as a veterinarian. The summer after I graduated high school, she passed away. She didn't get to see how my life turned out while she was here, but I like to think she's watching from across the rainbow bridge.
I then started college at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls, when about two years into my animal science degree, everything changed. I discovered the service dog training program on my college campus, which pulled my interest away from pursuing a career as a veterinarian, and towards training dogs. Learning that the program’s director had attended Bergin University, I knew I had to follow in her footsteps.
In the time since graduating from Bergin, I've gained experience with various organizations and companies before officially launching Doggone Endorphins. I now dedicate a few hours every week to volunteer with PawPADs (Pawsitive Perspective Assistance Dogs), the organization that originally sparked my passion for dog training.
Focuses on breeding healthy, social puppies and matching them with their ideal families.
Trains dogs to be partnered with individuals with physical disabilities or Type 1 Diabetes.
Rescues, rehabilitates, and finds adoptive homes for abandoned, abused, or neglected dogs.
Another organization that holds a special place in my heart is Warrior Dog Rescue. Since my family and I began fostering in 2018, rescue work has become a deep passion of ours. We’ve had the privilege of fostering over 65 dogs through Warrior Dog Rescue, each one teaching us invaluable lessons about resilience and the power of second chances.
Alongside fostering, I’ve also had the opportunity to train several of these dogs, which has given me a deep understanding of how to support dogs from diverse and often uncertain backgrounds. Helping them build trust, adjust to new environments, and prepare for their forever homes has been incredibly rewarding. Watching their transformation—from scared or unsure to confident and joyful—continues to inspire my dedication to rescue work and my commitment to helping dogs transition to a better life.
My home is filled with boundless joy and laughter, all thanks to my incredible dog, Endor. He’s an English Labrador Retriever from Hansen Retrievers in Northern California, and he’s easily the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Endor is a social butterfly, always eager to meet anyone and everyone—human or dog—with all the grace and subtlety of a cannonball. His favorite hobbies include splashing in any water he can find, chasing squeaky toys, and going all-in for tug-of-war (with anyone willing). Of course, he never says no to a snack. When it comes to snuggling, Endor’s somewhat of an expert—always ready to climb all over you and shower you with affection (and plenty of slobber).
Transforming puppies into well-rounded adults for dog guardians across the Twin Cities Metro