Meet Kristin

My journey began in the quiet corners of Gaston, Oregon, where the rhythms of farm life taught me my first and most enduring lessons. From those earliest memories of meditating with monks at a Buddhist monastery to the physical labor of driving teams of oxen, my life has been a practice in mindfulness and land stewardship. I was raised with the belief that true strength doesn’t come from force, but from a calm, centered presence and a deep respect for the natural world.

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That childhood curiosity naturally evolved into a lifelong pursuit of understanding how we learn and connect with the creatures around us. I followed my passion to Oregon State University, where I earned my degree in Animal Sciences.

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Life eventually led me back to my family’s roots in education at the Elizabeth Perry Montessori School. During my nine years as an upper elementary teacher, I pursued a Masters in Education, deeply immersing myself in the Montessori method. This philosophy is rooted in attentive observation, patience, respect for the individual and became the heartbeat of my approach to everything, especially dog training.

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My professional path with dogs began in 2000 with Guide Dogs for the Blind. It was there I met my first great teacher, a puppy named Leon. Although I originally took him on as a high school project to find a loophole in my parents no dog rule, Leon became my soul dog. When health issues prevented him from becoming a guide dog, he stayed by my side for 16.5 years, teaching me that a true partnership is built on unconditional love rather than just perfect obedience.

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In 2009, I founded the Dogs Assisting Diabetics Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Helping people train service dogs further solidified my belief that a mindful, trusting bond between a handler and a dog isn't just a luxury, it’s life saving.

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My Philosophy Today

I believe our dogs are our mirrors. When we find inner peace, they find peace, too. Today, I combine my 26 years of training experience with my background as a yoga instructor and Montessori educator to offer a unique, holistic training philosophy.

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My credentials include:

• M.Ed. (Montessori Focus)

• IAABC Certified Canine Behavior Consultant

• CPDT-KA Certified Professional Dog Trainer

• Registered Yoga Teacher (Yoga Alliance)

• AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator

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Alongside my husband, Jesse, and our pack of dogs, I live in sync with the land. Whether I am teaching a mindful dog retreat or working one on one with a handler, my goal is the same: to help you master your own awareness and presence so you can create a harmonious, soulful life with your dog.