I am a researcher examining the role of law and legal actors in human-animal welfare by exploring the translation of policy into practice. The areas of research I am interested in include animal organizations, equity, diversity, and inclusion, human-animal work and humane jobs, the human-animal violence link, organizational challenge and change, and sociolegal organizations and leaders. Through my dedication to learning mindfully about others' lived experiences, I’ve received several awards, including the Health Research Center for the Study of Violence Against Women Scholarship and the Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS) twice. 

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I have devoted my professional career to animals, specifically dogs. Having donned various roles, such as caregiver, trainer, volunteer, and advocate, my guiding principles have revolved around fostering understanding, nurturing, and protection.

I infuse each encounter with all species with enthusiasm, empathy, and respect. Building a harmonious relationship between humans and animals hinges on trust, effective communication, and positive leadership, which I consider my recipe for cultivating healthy and happy communities. 

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Transitioning into a consultancy role, my objective is to enhance the lives of both animals and people by implementing teaching and learning methodologies and providing a motivating work environment for their caregivers. My focus lies in fostering joyful and healthy communities while celebrating diversity wholeheartedly. I thrive on sharing knowledge, techniques, perspectives, and ideas. I believe we learn with and from each other. 

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The dogs I have shared my life with include a rescue pup named Lisa, a Chinese Crested/American Hairless Terrier. She transitioned well and convinced me that dogs were easy! It wasn’t until we added Bubba, a Chinese Crested rescued from a puppy mill who needed help through his crushing anxieties and fears, and so I began learning about dog behaviour. I began volunteering at shelters, as a therapy dog handler, and studying behavior and clicker training. After Bubba and Lisa passed away in 2020, I adopted Stevie, an under-socialized pandemic puppy. Stevie is also a Chinese Crested and, with the help of a trainer transformed from fearful to fear free who loves cutting loose in dog sports. Stevie has earned his Rally FrEe Novice Skills title (R-FE/NS), his Advanced Trick Dog Title (ATD), and his Novice Stunt Dog Title (NSD). We recently won a first place ribbon in a dog sport called Musical Freestyle. I also volunteer with an accredited service dog organization as a puppy raiser, puppy sitter, and in the kennels with the service dogs in training. So I have lots of fosters in and out of my home as well! When I want to unwind, you can find me in the backcountry viewing wildlife.