Education & Professional Background
My interest in animal behavior is rooted in a simple belief: understanding why an animal behaves the way it does is the foundation of improving both animal welfare and the human-animal relationship.
I am currently completing graduate education in Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare with the goal of becoming an Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (ACAAB) through the Animal Behavior Society. My graduate studies emphasize the scientific study of animal behavior, learning theory, animal welfare, applied behavior analysis, behavioral assessment, and professional ethics.
Before pursuing graduate education in animal behavior, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, where I developed a strong foundation in behavioral science, learning, cognition, research methods, and evidence-based practice.
In addition to my graduate education, I have completed Living and Learning with Animals (LLA Professional), an intensive professional course developed by Susan G. Friedman that provides advanced instruction in the science of behavior analysis, humane behavior change, and ethical decision-making for animal professionals. The course reinforces the principles of effective, evidence-based, and welfare-focused behavior assessment and intervention.
My professional career has also centered on understanding behavior and helping individuals navigate complex situations.
As a Behavior Support Professional, I developed individualized behavior support plans, conducted behavioral assessments, collaborated with interdisciplinary teams, and helped improve quality of life through evidence-based behavioral interventions. This experience reinforced the importance of understanding the function of behavior, considering environmental influences, and developing individualized recommendations rather than relying on one-size-fits-all solutions.
As a Crisis Therapist, I worked with individuals experiencing behavioral health emergencies, where careful assessment, effective communication, empathy, and sound clinical judgment were essential. This role strengthened my ability to remain calm under pressure, gather information objectively, and work collaboratively with individuals and families during stressful situations.
As a Case Manager, I partnered with clients, families, healthcare providers, and community organizations to coordinate services, advocate for client needs, and develop individualized plans of care. That experience taught me the value of listening carefully, understanding each family's unique circumstances, and recognizing that successful outcomes often depend on collaboration rather than simple solutions.
While these professional experiences involved human behavior, they reinforced a principle that remains central to my work today: meaningful behavior change begins with understanding the individual, their environment, and the factors influencing their behavior.
My recommendations are guided by the principles of Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA). I believe behavior should be understood before it is changed and that recommendations should strive to improve both the animal's welfare and the relationship between pets and the people who love them.
Because I am still completing my graduate education, I believe it is important to be transparent about my qualifications. I will never represent myself as holding credentials that I have not yet earned. My commitment is to provide thoughtful, evidence-based recommendations within the scope of my education and experience while continuing to learn, grow, and uphold the highest professional and ethical standards.
Whether a consultation involves a complex behavioral concern or simply helping an owner better understand their pet, my goal remains the same: to improve animal welfare, strengthen the human-animal relationship, and help pets and their families thrive together through compassionate, science-based behavioral guidance.
