
“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” ― Jane Goodall
As a child, I spent hours up in a tree with a notepad, pretending to be Jane Goodall, captivated by nature. In high school, volunteering with the Special Olympics sparked my passion for working with special populations, which led me to earn a degree in Music Therapy. After years of working with diverse populations, I left to raise a family and rediscovered my love for animals while sharing the wonders of nature with my children.
Nearly 20 years ago, I visited Guide Dogs of America with my children on a homeschool tour and left, knowing in my heart, that I would one day return to raise a puppy. That dream became a reality in 2021 when I brought home my first puppy in training. As I’ve grown more involved in the program, Jane Goodall’s words often echo within me: ‘This is where I belong. This is what I came into this world to do.’
As Puppy Program Manager, my mission is to support and guide our puppy raisers through every step of their journey—from deciding to raise a puppy to the moment that puppy is placed in their arms. My goal is to ensure every raiser feels supported, connected, and empowered as they nurture puppies who will make a lasting impact, while helping them see the incredible difference they are making in the lives of those our puppies will serve.
Below are my typical hours of availability. Occasionally, certain events or responsibilities may require me to adjust them.