Academic + Professional Endeavors
researcher - instructor - trainer - facilitator - leadership psychologist - consultant - learning specialist
Academic Endeavors
As a self-professed learning addict, I will say I put a lot of effort into gaining knowledge within academia. Admittedly, through high school and even into my undergraduate work, I was fueled by a feeling of obligation to get a degree. It was expected if I were to be successful - or so I thought. Alternatively, my Master's and Doctoral work was driven by my own curiosity, and a yearning to explore the world of psychology, leadership, healing, and personal transformation. One mentor in particular opened me up to the idea that spirituality and emotionality can exist within academic containers. It was then that I wanted to apply for a PhD program - I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it, and I felt there were some questions in life that could only be answered by that sort of rigorous endeavor. During my time at Fielding Graduate University, I had to opportunity to publish several papers (including my dissertation) and be a contributor to a few leadership-based books. I was also asked to be a spokesperson for the Evidence-based Coaching program within FGU's School of Leadership.
- Bachelor's Degree - Psychology - University of Washington
- Master's Degree - Learning and Organizational Development - Saybrook University/Fielding Graduate University
- PhD - Human Development/Leadership Psychology - Fielding Graduate University
Working with Animals
“No philosophers so thoroughly comprehend us as dogs and horses.”
- Herman Melville
If you've gotten this far on this website, you may have guessed that working with animals is not only a passion and hobby, but has also played a big part in my career. I've been fortunate to study animal behavior/training, animal health, animal advocacy, as well as various forms of animal-assisted therapy. In the midst of my undergraduate studies at the University of Washington, I was searching for a profession and thought becoming a veterinarian would satisfy my soul. I learned a lot about animal health and volunteered at a reputable Seattle vet clinic. This gave me insight into the profession by caring for animal patients and even assisting with surgeries. I completed all the pre-vet requirements so I could go to vet school, but ultimately veered from that path to chase my dreams of riding and competing in the Olympics.
Horses. What I discovered in 2004 impacted my life in many ways: it was Natural Horsemanship. This is an approach to horse training and horsemanship that utilizes psychology, communication, and partnership - versus the traditional approach of force, fear, intimidation, and mechanics. Previously, I had the perception of great success with horses, and took pride in my accomplishments as an equestrian - I knew how to 'make' horses do things and how to win ribbons at fancy competitions. I soon realized I wasn't truly connecting with the horses. Natural Horsemanship works with the psyche of the horse to create partnership and harmony. The practices of natural horsemanship teach horses and humans to be smarter, calmer, braver, and healthier. The effect of natural horsemanship on horses is incredible - they truly feel understood and in turn, will do anything for you as their leader and partner.
One of the companies I worked for is Parelli Natural Horsemanship (PNH), which has hundreds of thousands of students and supporters globally. I started as a student and became a Parelli Certified Professional, working my way through the program and traveling the US, Australia, Europe, and the UK teaching people about natural horsemanship. One of my specialties was training 'difficult' horses or horses whose owners were about to give up on them - I'm so glad I could help rehabilitate these animals and help them gain a second chance at life. Every day I'm grateful for having the chance to coach thousands of people around the world and witness how important this work is to people and animals. My time as a Parelli Professional and Certified Horse Development Specialist provided me with so many incredible opportunities - I'm forever grateful for the chance to have taught so many people and horses. Fun Fact: RFDTV aired a show called The Horseman's Apprentice, in which I participated as a protege and advisor.
Video: How a natural horsemanship approach preserves the dignity of the animal:
"I thought I knew a lot... but you don’t know how much you don’t know, until you know it. I was frustrated a lot of the time, because I didn’t have the answers. I would only get firm when I was frustrated. Now I get firm or effective only when needed. If you have the love for horses, and you want a true relationship, then (natural) is the way to go. I’ve found that everything else I’ve ever done, it didn’t preserve the dignity of the horse and that’s the most important to me."
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Video: Demonstration - Rescue horse Auggie was an "untrainable, very aggressive, runaway" horse who was known to bite and buck riders off. His owners were ready to put him down after several injuries to humans. He wasn't mean, just misunderstood. He was given a second chance to show us that he always had the ability to be a safe, engaged, happy partner. Watch how he plays and jumps without ropes, halters, or whips - only body language and verbal cues; and is ridden calmly without a bridle:
Dogs. Many people channel their love for animals specifically through dogs and horses - after all, they are two of the most 'accessible' species for us to own, purchase, adopt, and steward. As an animal behaviorist, dogs have always been part of the equation. To this day, it's a rare occurrence to find me without a dog by my side. Fortunately, honoring and learning about dogs unlocked within me a deeper understanding of horses, and subsequently a greater ability to help others. (How you ask? Read this brief summary of the dynamics between prey animals and predator species for clues...) I have never pursued a career as a paid dog specialist, however, I have spent years studying and working with dogs as my own personal endeavor. I don't think I'll ever be able to pass up an opportunity to help someone with their dog or help an animal in need - it's in my DNA.
“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace.”
- Milan Kundera
My idea of heaven is being surrounded by animals, helping them lead better lives, and sharing knowledge with others to do the same. I'm so thankful that I've had the opportunity to do this in different ways throughout my life. My journey has led me to special people, groups, and healing communities around the world who share a common purpose, including PAWS, Humane Society, Assistance Dogs of Hawaii, Youth 4-H programs, US Pony Club, Equine Life Services, the Recovery Cafe, YouthCare, Seattle Childrens Hospital, and others. I was able to meet and work with very gifted leadership experts and animal specialists, including Cesar Millan "The Dog Whisperer", Temple Grandin, Buck Brannaman, Julie Krone, Tony Robbins, and many others.
I hope to continue to meet incredible people who share a love for animals.
Corporate and Business Experience
At one point in the not-so-distant past, I wanted to utilize my experience with Human Development and Leadership training within the business world. This led me to go back to school and get my Master's degree and eventually my PhD. I realized I could help people on a grander scale if I were to positively impact key leverage points within the system: the leaders. Understanding the psychology of high-functioning or emerging leaders was a puzzle I loved solving. We've probably all heard of training and leadership development in some way or another - often this comes in the form of group sessions, private coaching, consulting, or leadership retreats. I challenged myself to go beyond the stereotypical 'trust falls' and strategic planning sessions, and facilitate experiences that produced meaningful change. In executive development, individuals in high-pressure roles face complex challenges on a daily basis - this requires a particular type of support that can be very nuanced and unique. I worked with many businesses in the US and abroad to encourage people to simply do better and be better. In fact, the concepts I worked with the most in my corporate experience weren't that different from when I was working with animals. It turns out whether you are doing business on a global scale or helping people understand their animals, it all boils down to understanding the needs of another and how you can come to an understanding.
I was fortunate enough to work with people and teams within large companies, small businesses, philanthropic organizations, for-profit and non-profit, across many industries and sectors. More info about my experience here on LinkedIn or my professional resume.
