I train all breeds and all levels at my farm in Durango, Colorado. I have sheep, goats, geese, and ducks. I have two 100′ x 35′ greenhouses that we use for winter training. l have several outdoor arenas that will be fenced in early 2025 (200′ x 150′, 150′ x 100′, and 90′ x 90′).
I was lucky enough to apprentice, and receive continued mentorship, from Cathy Sumeracki of SummerNY Ranch. I continue to learn in the 40+ hours of training I do each week and by attending clinics and lessons whenever I can. A few folks I’ve had the privilege of learning from are: Robin MacGregor Brown, Carol Lucero, and Rusty Jeffers. I believe strongly in utilizing as much of our dog’s innate ability as possible and practicing good stockmanship. My methods are focused on ensuring that dog and handler are working as a team and that dogs are accountable for their own behavior (in life and work) so that we, as handlers, have to manage them as little as possible.
I bring real life experience to herding training as I own and operate Tierra Vida Farm and Tierra Vida Ranch. Managing, rotating, and grazing animals is part of the soil health and fertility program for both of my businesses. My dogs are my most reliable and valuable coworkers.
As a trainer, I’ve been told I’m patient and soft spoken with the ability to explain herding so my students can understand it. Herding is complex and dynamic and therefore can be difficult to grasp. My goal is to make the learning process enjoyable. I offer private lessons, group classes, and clinics as well as daycare, boarding, and leadership training services.
Outside of farming and training, you will find me hiking mountains, fishing, camping with my husband and dogs, and more recently, attending as many trials as I can.
