Meet Kristin
My journey began in the quiet corners of Gaston, Oregon, where the rhythms of farm life taught me my first and most enduring lessons. From those earliest memories of meditating with monks at a Buddhist monastery to the physical labor of driving teams of oxen, my life has been a practice in mindfulness and land stewardship. I was raised with the belief that true strength doesn’t come from force, but from a calm, centered presence and a deep respect for the natural world.
That childhood curiosity naturally evolved into a lifelong pursuit of understanding how we learn and connect with the creatures around us. I followed my passion to Oregon State University, where I earned my degree in Animal Sciences.
Life eventually led me back to my family’s roots in education at the Elizabeth Perry Montessori School. During my nine years as an upper elementary teacher, I pursued a Masters in Education, deeply immersing myself in the Montessori method. This philosophy is rooted in attentive observation, patience, respect for the individual and became the heartbeat of my approach to everything, especially dog training.
My professional path with dogs began in 2000 with Guide Dogs for the Blind. It was there I met my first great teacher, a puppy named Leon. Although I originally took him on as a high school project to find a loophole in my parents no dog rule, Leon became my soul dog. When health issues prevented him from becoming a guide dog, he stayed by my side for 16.5 years, teaching me that a true partnership is built on unconditional love rather than just perfect obedience.
In 2009, I founded the Dogs Assisting Diabetics Foundation (the businesses have since merged). Helping people train service dogs further solidified my belief that a mindful, trusting bond between a handler and a dog isn’t just a luxury, it’s life saving.
My Philosophy Today
I believe our dogs are our mirrors. When we find inner peace, they find peace, too. Today, I combine 26 years of training experience with a background as a yoga instructor and Montessori educator to offer a unique, holistic training philosophy.
My credentials include:
- M.Ed. (Montessori Focus)
- IAABC Certified Canine Behavior Consultant
- CPDT-KA Certified Professional Dog Trainer
- Certified Yoga Teacher (International Yoga Alliance)
- AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
Alongside my husband, Jesse, and our pack of dogs, I live in sync with the land. Whether I am teaching a mindful dog retreat or working one on one with a handler, my goal is the same: to help you master your own awareness and presence so you can create a harmonious, soulful life with your dog. My philosophy is built on the belief that a truly harmonious relationship with your dog begins with you. I call it The Leash Between Us because a dog’s behavior is a mirror of their human’s energy and state of mind. Instead of focusing solely on training your dog, I guide you to find your own inner calm, helping you become the centered and mindful leader your dog needs.
Training is not just about commands. It is about deepening your relationship through presence and awareness. I believe that by cultivating your own sense of calm, you create a ripple effect that helps your dog match your energy. When you are mindful, your dog can be more at ease.
I will help you achieve this through practices that go beyond traditional training.
Awareness
I will help you learn to observe and understand your dog’s cues without judgment.
Breathing
I will teach you to use intentional breathing exercises to center yourself and model calmness for your dog.
Mindfulness
I will help you be fully present in the moment with your dog, creating stronger bonds and a deeper connection.
By finding more joy in your everyday life and embracing these practices (whether through awareness, yoga, or even art) you can become a better person for your dog, and in doing so, create a more joyful and connected life together. My training philosophy moves beyond simple commands and obedience. I believe that a truly engaged and connected relationship is built on trust and partnership. I recognize that your dog is a feeling, thinking being with emotional and psychological needs.
This is why I focus on helping you understand your dog’s inner world, so you can build a bond that goes deeper than just performing tasks. By prioritizing your dog’s emotional well being, I can help you create a joyful and cooperative relationship where they perform tasks willingly and with genuine enthusiasm.