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!

I graduated from Monmouth University with my BSW and discovered my passion for dogs while developing a therapy dog program during an internship. That’s when I knew I was meant to work with dogs professionally.

Experience:

At age 15, I started working as a kennel tech and volunteering with my dogs in nursing homes. Since then, I’ve helped train:

• Service and therapy dogs
• Scent detection dogs
• Rescue dogs for foster success
• Dogs for dock diving, scent work, and more

Specialties:

• Puppy development
• Therapy and emotional support dogs
• Foster and rescue transitions
• Scent detection foundations

At Home:

I’ve always had dogs in my life. I currently share my home with:

Copo (Spanish Galgo), Missy & Honey (English Labs), Kane (German Shepherd), Bubs (rabbit), and Annie (our rescue cat).

I’m beyond excited to meet your dogs and help them grow into their best selves!