Amanda’s professional journey with dogs started in 2016 when she was searching for a new summer job in between college semesters. She was on track to pursue a career in fashion journalism, entering her senior year at the Fashion Institute in Manhattan. Instead of returning to her usual gig as a cashier at the grocery store, she answered a job ad for a kennel technician position at a local dog boarding and training facility. Quickly, she realized how rewarding it could be to fulfill dogs through high quality care, proper enrichment, and training that transformed behavior. Her passion for dogs grew and when college graduation came around, she abandoned her plans to move to New York City, and instead told her parents she was adopting a dog. This decision changed the trajectory of Amanda’s life forever. 

In June 2017, shortly after graduating college, serendipitously Amanda met her heart dog, Maya Blue. Maya, a fearful seven month old pit/cattle dog mix, became Amanda’s first training project. As trainers, we all wish we knew then what we know now. Maya is patient, tolerant, and resilient. Exactly what Amanda needed in her first dog. It’s the trust Maya has in Amanda that makes their relationship as strong as it is. It was love at first sight but trust takes time. Amanda wants nothing more than to help other dog owners achieve this level of relationship with their four legged companions. 

Amanda has experience as a vet assistant, been certified in pet first aid and CPR, and attended workshops focused on the biomechanics of how dogs move and how it affects learning and performance. She also values a holistic approach to dog’s health in conjunction with modern medicine. A major element being diet and nutrition. 

Prior to working with dogs, Amanda envisioned a life surrounded by lights and skyscrapers. With a career change and her dog’s quality of life being a top priority, for the first time ever, she considered moving out of her home state. In June 2018, Amanda and her now husband, Conor, packed up their lives and relocated to Denver, Colorado. Shortly after the move, they adopted their second dog, Kari, a husky/shepherd mix from tribal lands. 

Amanda’s first job in Denver was a supervisor of a high volume dog daycare and boarding facility. She was responsible for overseeing the care of up to 150 dogs (and some cats). Feeding, medicating, and managing play groups are only a few of the responsibilities. While she appreciated the experience, her heart was still drawn to training. She believed it was the most impactful way of making a difference and truly helping dogs. 

Amanda understands the value of hands-on learning and mentorship so she sought out a reputable trainer to shadow and learn from. She ended up working with the same trainer and company for the next seven years. After months of shadowing, Amanda accepted a role as Assistant Trainer with Flash Dog Training in 2019. She moved up to Trainer in 2020 and lived with the board and train dogs like they were her own. She was asked to join the team at the new facility in Redmond, Oregon, and called Oregon home for the next five years. After another big move, she welcomed home a Whippet puppy, named Jet, completing her pack of three. 

In 2022, she was named Head Trainer and oversaw 20+ training cases a month as well as the team of trainers and assistants. She handled multiple bite history cases, but her sweet spot is the fearful ones, often street dogs or rescues in need of confidence and understanding of our complex manmade world. She trained hundreds of dogs to be off leash adventure dogs, many previously reactive or aggressive. She can confidently handle any breed, size, and temperament. 

Amanda and Conor decided it was time to be closer to family on the East coast and once again packed up their lives in the fall of 2025. After a decade of gathering a wealth of knowledge, skill, and experience, Amanda ventured out on her own and started Unlimited K9! She’s worked in the trenches, taking no short cuts, and understands learning and growing never ends. Amanda is excited to leave her mark in the industry, providing in depth, personalized training to help dogs and dog owners live their best lives together.