Animals have always been part of my life; not just as companions, but as teachers. I grew up surrounded by dogs, cats, and horses, raised in a home where respect for animals was simply part of who we were. I was the child happiest outdoors, finding calm beside them, learning early that animals offer a kind of understanding words often can’t.

That connection deepened through early training experiences with Rita Lynd, whose guidance quietly shaped the path I would one day follow; one grounded in learning, ethics, and doing right by dogs and the people who love them.

My later school years brought significant challenges, including bullying and the loss of a close friend. During that time, Fly came into my life and everything shifted. Fly was never just a dog. She was my anchor, my safe place, and the reason I kept moving forward. Through her, I experienced firsthand the profound impact dogs can have on our nervous systems, our healing, and our sense of purpose. She shaped not only who I am, but how I work; with compassion, patience, and a deep respect for both ends of the lead.

Although we lost Fly in June 2024, her legacy lives on in everything I do. A Bark Above exists because of her. Today, my work is grounded in recognised education, Fear Free and reward-based practice, and a commitment to ethical, whole dog care. As Tasmania’s first Certified Canine Behaviour Consultant and Fear Free Certified Professional, I blend science with empathy to support meaningful, lasting change.

At A Bark Above, we don’t just work on behaviour. We create space for understanding, confidence, and connection; for dogs, and for the people walking beside them.