09/21/2026
When I’m not at work conducting therapy, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll find me at home or at a dog show with my West Highland White Terriers.
I show my Westies in AKC conformation, and I hope to ethically breed them in the next couple of years. This passion actually began when I was very young. I lived on a farm for a few years and spent countless hours around animals. One of my favorite childhood memories is helping our mama cats whelp their kittens—sometimes caring for two litters at a time. I suppose my fascination with breeding, raising, and caring for animals started long before I realized it!
Then, in 2016, I attended the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City. I already had a pet Westie, but walking into Westminster and seeing those beautifully groomed white coats, the tradition, prestige, precision, and showmanship completely captivated me. I remember thinking, I want to show my own dog someday.
Fast forward to 2021, and I brought home my first show Westie. I taught myself how to navigate the world of AKC conformation, learned to show and groom him, and ultimately Grand Championed him—all on my own. Along the way, I’ve made some truly wonderful friendships and found a community that has become incredibly meaningful to me.
Dog showing brings out a very different side of me: competitive, driven, detail-oriented, and always striving to improve. In many ways, it’s the perfect balance to the reflective, compassionate, and emotionally focused work I do as a therapist.
I love that life can hold seemingly different passions that actually complement one another. Therapy allows me to connect deeply with people, while showing dogs gives me a place to compete, learn, create, and simply enjoy the dogs I love so much.
So, if you ever wonder what I’m doing when I’m not in the therapy room…there’s a pretty good chance I’m covered in Westie hair!