Animals have always been part of my family. I was born and raised on a farm in Tennessee where I grew up surrounded by horses, chickens, dogs, and just about every other animal you can imagine. From a young age, I learned that animals aren't just pets—they're family. That passion has guided every step of my life.
At 18, I packed up and moved to Brooklyn, New York. I worked in Manhattan as an executive assistant, a career I enjoyed for 11 years. Outside of work, my heart was always with the dogs. I spent my free time pulling dogs from the NYACC shelter that were at risk of euthanasia and worked with an incredible trainer friend in upstate New York who helped rehabilitate, train & get them into loving homes. Together, we gave these dogs a second chance at life by preparing them for loving forever homes. Watching scared, broken dogs transform into confident companions only strengthened my belief in the power of patience, structure, and understanding.
Life eventually brought me to California through a career opportunity that ultimately wasn't the right fit—but sometimes the best things happen when plans change. It was there that I met an amazing woman, Suzanne, owner of Tails on Trails in Orange County.
She introduced me to the world of off-leash trail pack adventures, and it completely changed my life.
For the first time, I saw dogs doing exactly what they were meant to do—running, exploring, socializing, building confidence, and thriving together as a pack. It wasn't just exercise; it was freedom. I knew immediately that this was what I was meant to do.
After working alongside Suzanne for several years, I fulfilled another dream by moving to Thailand to volunteer with elephants affected by the tourism industry.
When I returned to California, I joined Suzanne once again before eventually taking over part of her client base and beginning a journey of my own. That dream grew into Seaside Hounds.
Today, Seaside Hounds is built on everything I've learned throughout my life—from growing up on a Tennessee farm, to rescuing dogs in New York and discovering the incredible benefits of structured off-leash pack adventures in California.
My goal has always been simple: give dogs the life they deserve. Real adventures. Real exercise. Real socialization. Watching dogs gain confidence, form friendships, and come home happily exhausted is the best job I could ever imagine.
Welcome to Seaside Hounds—where every dog gets to live a little more like a dog.