About us

At Meraki Dog Training, I know that your dog is an extremely valuable member of your family and that when you start struggling with your dog, it can very quickly become a giant frustration where you don’t know what to do. Or maybe you aren’t struggling yet and want to be proactive….either way, I can help you.

As an owner of two dogs and a foster of many others, I know at a very personal level how difficult it can be to find the right training for your dog. I have experienced and dealt with so many behavioral issues with dogs ranging very serious issues to general naughtiness, but here at Meraki, the training is effective and applicable to any behavioral issue, whether it be serious or minor.

The very definition of Meraki is to do something with soul, creativity or love; to put something of yourself into your work. And that is what this is for me; this is more than training dogs. This work has meaning and to me it means keeping dogs in families. It is the heart and soul of what I do. I too have failed animals in the past, but as Maya Angelo says “when you know better, you do better.” That is my goal with this training company….to help pass along what I know to you….so that you too can do better for your dog because these creatures need us and we need them.

What makes this training company different….

Prior to falling in love with training dogs, I spent my adult life pursuing a career in the Human Service field, with the past decade being spent in the Child Protective Service arena. Due to this, I have a deep understanding of and extensive experience in helping people stabilize their lives.
I use this experience and knowledge now to help people understand and stabilize their dog’s behavior.

I have sought out the knowledge of, and traveled to see and work with, trainers across the country in order to bring back the most effective training methods out there today. My experience in the Child Protective Service world where I have gained tremendous knowledge about ensuring safety and helping adults and children to stabilize their behavior and lives, combined with my knowledge of dog training creates a unique perspective and approach to training. Experience is something you can gain no other way than to put in the years of work.

The journey that I have been on with my two dogs has not been easy and actually it has often times been met with what felt like road blocks and hard decisions to make. But it was through these dogs that I fell in love with training and because I know how deeply it affected my life, not to mention knowing without a doubt that my dog Bristal is alive because of it, gives me all that much more drive to help other people with their dogs.

First there is Bristal…..The Heart and Soul of Meraki Dog Training

I brought Bristal home from the shelter with visions of dog parks, bike trails, pet store visits, and all the typical experiences you’d expect with a new dog. I figured she might need to learn “sit” and “down,” maybe a few cute tricks along the way. I was even prepared for potty training. Little did I know what was to come...
Within just a few days of adopting her, I was shocked—and honestly beside myself—when I realized Bristal was extremely reactive to both humans and other dogs. She would lash out aggressively, with little to no warning, at anything in her line of vision. It was dangerous to have anyone unfamiliar enter my home and I knew I was in way over my head. I needed serious help, and I couldn’t afford to make any mistakes. If I didn’t find the right support, I knew the only humane option would have been to let her go, because the damage she was capable of causing, given her power and intensity, was very real.

So I set out on a determined journey to help her. And I firmly believe that without training, Bristal would not have lived the full, deeply meaningful life she did. Because of training, she began to understand the world—and because of that understanding, she was able to live out her WHOLE life and that life was filled with purpose, trust and connection.
Bristal passed away in October of 2024, but she remains the heart and soul of Meraki Dog Training. She’s the reason this business exists. My bond with Bristal was like nothing I have ever experienced, and I don’t know if I ever will again. But I do know this: without her, Meraki Dog Training would have never been born into existence. Because of her, hundreds and hundreds of dogs have been helped. She taught me more than I could have ever asked for or imagined. This work is deeply important to me because I know this is what saved her life and because of that I will continue to pass her lessons on to all the dogs I can for as long as I possibly can.

Meraki (Greek): to do something with soul, creativity, or love—to put a piece of yourself into your work. Bristal's life was her work and this is exactly what she did….she lived this life with soul, creativity and love - and she left all these lessons behind for all the dogs yet to come.

And then there is Harley….The Steady Heartbeat

Harley came into my life as a wild, unruly boy—full of energy and intensity. Bringing him home was a leap of faith, especially with my reactive dog (Bristal) already in the house, but something about him just felt right. With structure, patience, and training, Harley transformed into one of the most grounded, dependable dogs I’ve ever known.
He played a powerful role in Bristal’s development, and now serves as my calm, steady partner for helping dogs who are struggling. His gentle energy teaches other dogs how to relax and just “be.” Harley is the quiet strength behind so much of what I do at Meraki Dog Training—and the dog I can always count on.

Emma – The Energizer and Social Butterfly

Emma joined me as a 10-week-old pup and immediately filled every room with energy and joy. From day one, she was a handful—in constant motion and always looking for fun. She challenged me to grow as a trainer, and taught me the importance of balancing excitement with calm.
Now at six and a half, Emma is our spark plug. She thrives in high-energy environments and while she’s not the ideal fit for dogs who need calm, she’s the perfect playmate for those ready to engage and have fun.

Griffin “Griff” – The New Kid On the Block

Griff arrived in late fall of 2024—unexpected, but absolutely meant to be. He fit into our home seamlessly, instantly bonding with Harley and Emma and bringing warmth and joy just when we needed it most.

Griff is friendly, adaptable, and always up for an adventure. Though he’s still learning the ropes, he shows real promise as a helper dog. He’s the kind of dog who may one day take over for Harley—and the kind who makes you believe in perfect timing.