Always learning.
Always building my toolbox.
My approach brings together veterinary knowledge, psychology, scent-work experience, and continuing education. I keep learning so I can better support each dog and handler I teach.
My experience includes 14 years working with dogs in sports, bringing practical handling and competition experience to the teams I teach.
Veterinary & academic background
- Associate degree in Veterinary Technology
- Credentialed veterinary technician since 2009—17 years working with animals in the field (as of 2026).
- Fear Free Certified
- Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Psychology
Judging & evaluation
- AKC, USCSS, and CWAGS scent-work judge
- AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator
- Search-and-rescue evaluator and certifying official with the American Working Dog Association
Search & rescue experience
Eight years in search and rescue, including K9 team leadership, hands-on training, and evaluation work.
Experience learning from multiple search-and-rescue instructors and teams.
Learning from leaders in the field.
I have trained with NACSW founder Ron Gaunt and multiple senior NACSW faculty instructors, alongside a broad range of Nosework, professional detection handlers, and search-and-rescue educators.
Experience teaching people, too.
Alongside dog training, I teach approximately 200 college students each year. That teaching background shapes how I work with handlers: communicating clearly, breaking skills into understandable steps, and helping people build their knowledge and confidence.
Always a student.
I believe in staying humble and open to learning. No matter how much experience I gain, I am always a student—continuing to grow as a handler and instructor, learning from other instructors, and observing what each dog has to teach me. Every team offers a new perspective. Listening to the dog, reflecting on my own handling, and being willing to adapt are central to how I train and teach.
Continuing education is part of the work.
I host a minimum of four seminars each year because I believe continuing education is essential to my growth as an instructor. Bringing outside trainers to our area helps me keep learning while making new knowledge and perspectives accessible to my students and other local instructors.
I attend continuing education every year, building my knowledge of scent work, behavior, handling, and veterinary care. That includes in person veterinary conferences and behavior education with professionals such as Dr. Amy Pike and Dr. Chris Pachel.
My background includes the Midwest Veterinary Conference, instructor-led seminars, hands-on workshops, and ongoing study—not just a list of courses, but a commitment to keep growing.
Meet Melissa → · See accomplishments →
