Jamie - Founder

Head trainer, Veterinary technician, NePoPo® Silver Graduate

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
Cooperative Care – Christy Grossman
Bitework Foundations – Jeff Riccio
NEPOPO Seminar – Rebecca Weiss
Art of Obedience – Deb Zappia
(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.

Jessica - Trainer

Lead service dog trainer, veterinary technician

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!

Sean- Trainer

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.

Mariana- Trainer

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!

Toni - veterinary technician, groomer and assistant trainer

Hello! Animals have always been a huge part of my life. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been surrounded by them, caring for them and wanting to understand them better. What started as a lifelong love for animals has grown into a career dedicated to their care, comfort, and well-being.

My journey began in high school, where I spent four

My journey began in high school, where I spent four years studying Veterinary Assisting and successfully passed my state certification exam. I then entered the veterinary medicine field as a receptionist and worked my way up to becoming a Veterinary Technician, gaining valuable hands-on experience with animals of all different personalities and needs.

From veterinary medicine, I found another passion in professional grooming. I continued expanding my knowledge through hands-on and online courses, earning multiple grooming certifications along the way. Grooming taught me even more about patience, trust, body language, and creating positive experiences for dogs—especially those who may be nervous or unsure.

Today, I’m part of the team at B.A.R.K Institute, where I began working in the kennel and caring for dogs with a wide variety of breeds, temperaments, and personalities. Dog training has been an interest of mine for a long time, so being able to learn and develop my training skills at B.A.R.K Institute has been an exciting next step in my career.

I’m currently continuing my education in dog training while gaining hands-on experience every day. With a background in veterinary medicine, grooming, kennel care, and now training, I’m passionate about understanding the whole dog—not just their behavior. My goal is to help dogs feel safe, understood, and confident while helping their owners build stronger, happier relationships with them.

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Leah - Assistant Trainer

Hi guys! My name is DaHe (da-heh), but I go by Leah. I’m a U.S. Navy helicopter crew-chief veteran that served for 6 years. I flew on helicopters, managed operations, and was the lead manager of Aircrew training department in the military. Once I got out, I earned a HRM Bachelors, Culinary Associates degree, and several professional certificates. With that time and effort put into my education, I couldn’t deny my love and passion for animals. I found my way to becoming a dog trainer because it’s truly what I love to do. For me, training isn’t just about teaching commands—it’s about building trust, understanding each dog, and creating a strong bond. I love helping people better understand their pets and build happier lives together. I also believe every dog deserves a second chance, and helping dogs in need find the right home is something I’m passionate about. Thank you for trusting me with your dog’s training journey. I promise to deliver my absolute best effort for you and for your dog!