I did not grow up in the sport of dogs, but found it later on. At 10, after spectating the Harrisburg Kennel Club Show as a family outing, I convinced my parents to let me try to show our pet Siberian Husky in junior showmanship. One year later, when it became clear I was actually serious about this whole “dog show thing,” they bought our first show quality Siberian and never looked back. I continued to show in the breed as well as juniors until I aged out, and then went off to NYC for college.

While in school, I worked at an Upper East Side doggie daycare and grooming facility, which helped me realize how much I missed working with dogs. Over the summer between junior and senior year, I went to work for Sam and Karen Mammano as a professional handler’s assistant, and everything changed. The weekend I graduated with my BFA in Acting, I got back in my car and headed to Rochester, where I worked as the Mammano’s live-in assistant for 6 years.

After these years working for Sam and Karen, I spent 6 months seeing the west coast, and working for Bill and Taffe McFadden and then Luke and Tammy Seidlitz. I then returned east, and continued to freelance for 2 years. This gave me the wonderful opportunity to work in some of North America’s best set ups, kennels, and learn from the absolute best in the sport. These incredible people include Rebecca Cross, Adam and Katie Bernardin, RC Carusi and Hailey Griffith (now Carusi), Kristin Lyons, and David Harper.

In January of 2021, I made the leap and went on my own as a professional handler. I cannot thank each and every handler I have worked for, assistant I have worked with, and client who has allowed me to work with their “kids” as if they were my own, enough.

I am also so thankful to have Jess Johnstone join me as my full time assistant! She comes originally from Flatcoats and Irish Red and White Setters, but in her previous assisting jobs has gained knowledge across a wide variety of breeds! Her care and love for the dogs in our crew makes Jess the perfect addition to our team and we are lucky to have her!