Hi, I'm Kim!

As a midwestern animal lover, I've been working with household pets since I was 11 years old. My love for animals, nature, and learning theory led to my Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Behavior from Carroll University (2020) in Waukesha, WI. I've had many hats in the animal training field and have lived across the country. In March 2025, I moved to Bend to work at the High Desert Museum where I train raptors the same way I train dogs.

​

In December 2024 I earned the Accredited Dog Trainer credential through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and adhere to the Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive (LIMA) guidelines.

• You can read the IAABC's statement on LIMA here:
  https://iaabc.org/en/lima?r=cr 

In addition my Bachelor of Science, I earned an Associate of Arts degree in American Sign Language Interpreting from Delgado Community College in New Orleans, LA (2024). I am continuously developing my conversational skills. If you use ASL, our sessions may be slower but I'd love to sign all things training!

Here's a brief overview of my experiences in the animal training field:

• 2025, I joined the Wildlife Team at the High Desert Museum in Bend, OR. I primarily care for and train non-releasable raptors, with an emphasis on behavioral enrichment and choice-based training.

• 2024 to 2025, I established Positive Animal Training LLC and consulted for Dr. Laura Ansel (DVM) of Louisiana Veterinary Behavior Services on behavior modification, reactivity, inter-dog aggression, and the impacts of underlying pain on behavior. I also shadowed calls on cat behavior and inter-cat aggression.

• Fall 2024, I worked at Louisiana Renaissance Festival with Kitty Carroll of International Falconry Academy, assisting in free-flight programs.

• 2022 to 2024, I worked part-time with R+ Dog and Janette Rael (CTC) in New Orleans, LA. Here I further built​ my skills in dog to dog social skills, reactivity, and behavior modification.

• 2021 to 2024, I worked at the Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans, LA. I held several positions on the Education team and the Animal Care team, building connections with guests while working my training skills with exotic animals. Some fun species include an alpaca herd, several non-venomous snakes, two species of armadillos, sloth, porcupines, insects, and chickens.

• 2020 to 2021 in Quechee VT, I worked at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science as an environmental educator training birds of prey (raptors), delivering public programming, and leading volunteers. On the side I helped guide puppy owners' and rescue heroes' relationships with their furry family members.

• 2019 to 2020, I took part in a year-long course working with shelter dogs. I had the incredible opportunity to foster a shy, reactive, three year old Jack Russell/Hound mix named Ora for my final semester. Through our three months together, I honed in on my skills of operant conditioning, positive reinforcement training, and trust-based relationship techniques before placing her in her forever home.

• 2016 to 2020, undergraduate degree. I applied my skills with numerous species such as parrots, dogs, cats, reptiles, and even black bears! This includes volunteer work, internships, and small business employment.

I know one of the hardest challenges as an animal guardian is asking for help and trusting the process. My biggest message is that training animals should not be a giant life change, but a welcomed addition. I will listen to your unique challenges and present numerous options to best fit who you and your pet are, because learning is something wonderful we share with animals of all kinds.

​

I'm so excited to work with you and your animal companions!