Growing up, she lived with 3 dogs that each had behavioral needs. This built Nicole’s foundation of understanding some dogs need extra help.

Between barrel racing horses, rescuing kittens, or hanging out with the 3 dogs (Bagel, Biscuit, & Nessie) — you could always find her with an animal.

She initially enrolled in college for Veterinary Medicine, but graduated in 2018 with a dual baccalaureate in Psychology and Criminology.

During her final year of undergraduate studies, Nicole owner trained “Vici”, to professional standards, as a Psychiatric & Medical Alert Service Dog.

Training Vici allowed her to go back to a life of independence. Now she helps others do the same with GRIT’s Professionally Guided Owner Trained Service Dog Program.

Nicole’s commitment is evident via the programs, awards, and certifications she’s earned:

• Certified Professional Dog Trainer -

  • Knowledge assessed by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers

• Completed Canine Behavior Apprenticeship Program (Relationship - based training, 1 year of hands on skills training).

  • Nicole learned specifically how to work with fearful, reactive, and aggressive dogs. Often working with dogs who had a bite history, and even rehabbing dogs other trainers had recommended for euthanasia.

• Completed Aggression in Dogs Master Course (led by Michael Shikashio).

• Awarded 2023 Best of Fairfield Dog Trainer

• Currently working towards: Certified Dog Behavior Consultant via the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, Tellington TTouch Practitioner, and Affective Dog Behavior Certification.

At GRIT Dog Training, Nicole embraces a positive, empathetic, and personalized approach to each dog she works with.

Building trust and respect forms the foundation of her training philosophy.