Jamie - owner, trainer and veterinary technician

Hello pet parents and future students — thanks for visiting! I created B.A.R.K. Institute as a place where pet parents could feel confident leaving their beloved fur-kids. My mission was to combine my two passions: veterinary medicine and balanced dog training, all under one roof.

As a veterinary technician since 2007 and a dog trainer since 2015, I understand the unique needs of every dog. Whether your dog needs medical care while you travel or structured behavior support, we’re here to help.

Specialties:

• Fearful and reactive dogs
• Puppy raising
• Therapy and service dog development
• Animal actor training
• Competition obedience and protection sports (PSA, rally, barnhunt, nosework)

Training Philosophy:

At B.A.R.K., we use a balanced training system that sets dogs up for success and gives owners the tools to ensure their dog remains a reliable K9.

Continuing Education Highlights:

• Canine Aggression Diagnostics – Paul Ludwig (2024)
• Cooperative Care – Christy Grossman (2024)
• Bitework Foundations – Jeff Riccio (2021–2024)
• NEPOPO Seminar – Rebecca Weiss (2019)
• Art of Obedience – Deb Zappia (2021–2022)
  (and many more—full list available on request)

Fun Fact:

Some of my personal dogs have appeared on the big screen!

I can’t wait to meet you and help guide your dog on their journey.

I began my career in human healthcare, earning my nursing degree from Quinnipiac University / Bridgeport Hospital. But it didn’t take long for me to realize my heart was in veterinary medicine and dog training. I transitioned into the pet-care field and never looked back.

Specialties:

• Service Dogs
• Puppy development
• Veterinary support care for training clients

Experience:

I purchased my first competition dog in 2018 and have since dedicated my life to training, learning from world-class instructors and seminars.

At Home:

I live in Toms River, NJ with my husband Christopher and our four dogs:

Lainey (Lab mix), Jax (Pit mix), Maxwell (Shepinois), and Alcatraz (Dutch Shepherd).

I’m here to help your dog become their best self — and help you become their most confident leader!

Before moving into training full-time, I managed a busy doggy daycare, where I learned to read body language, support safe group play, and work with dogs of all ages and personalities. I’ve also fostered over a dozen dogs over the past several years, which has given me a deep understanding of rehabilitation, confidence-building, and meeting each dog where they are. I bring patience, practical experience, and a genuine love for helping dogs and their people build stronger, more confident relationships. I currently share my home with my two dogs: Gary and golden retriever and Ivy a basset hound/poodle/chihuahua mix. I really enjoy the bully breeds and find great joy in training dogs we rescue from the shelter and helping find them their new homes. 

 Hi, I’m Mariana, and I’m so excited to be a part of Bark Institute! From a young age, dogs have always been a big part of my life, and in September 2020, I adopted my dog, Nala, who truly sparked my passion for dog training. My professional journey with animals began in 2022 when I worked as a receptionist at an animal hospital. From there, I transitioned into a doggy daycare role, spending two years immersed in canine behavior, reading dog body language, and managing large groups of dogs. During that time, I was inspired to earn my dog handling certification and began offering pet sitting and dog walking services. Today, my current dog, Jasmine, continues to inspire me every day and helps me to grow as both a trainer and dog owner. Outside of dog training, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, video and audio production, hiking, and photography. I can’t wait to meet you and your pup and help you build a joyful, balanced life!