I was raised in Peoria, IL. Graduated from Woodruff High School “1976”. I started working with animals after high school. I did volunteer work at Glen Oak Zoo. Prepared animal diets, later was a “zoomobile” presenter. This was where I educated the public on the importance of wild animals in our zoos. I worked at Wildlife Prairie Park as an animal keeper in Hanna City, IL. This taught me a great deal about animals that were once native to IL. I got my first dog in 1984. It was suggested we go to obedience school. I was glad we did! By 1987 I became an assistant obedience instructor at Heartland Dog Training Center (HDTC). In 1988 my second dog “Shiloh” entered my life. She earned her first AKC Obedience Title (1990) and her 2nd AKC title (1991). She was in training for her third when she was diagnosed with cancer. “Shiloh” competed in several more trails before I had to finally retire her. She lived for another 6 years after her surgery. If it wasn’t for Joan Segler & Alma Rosser I wouldn’t be where I am today. They were fantastic mentors. 

I moved to Colorado (1991) to train at International Hearing Dog Inc. We trained shelter dogs to become the “ears” for the hearing impaired. This was the most rewarding work I have ever done. I moved back to East Peoria, IL (2006) & currently continue to work with dogs. I also was (formerly) an obedience instructor at Heartland Dog Training & Education Foundation for over 5 years. I currently have 3 Belgian Malinois that we  continue to train as training never stops. Dogs bring us all such JOY!