Nicole’s life experiences have led her to believe that your choices put things in motion, but often they lead you to somewhere unexpected.

 

Nicole’s first choices, from age 10, catapulted her on an adventure to pursue acting in TV and film. Fully committing to that, upon graduating from Indiana University, she spent time in the Chicago acting scene followed by a 5-year stint in film’s “motherland” – Los Angeles.

 

Strangely, it was there that her passion for dogs bubbled to the surface. Though loving dogs for a lifetime, Nicole never thought of a career in training until a dog named Jake came into her life with multiple issues. After much searching, she found herself in a meeting with Paul Owens, co-author of “The ‘Original’ Dog Whisperer”, and it was then that her path changed. She studied for a year with him, apprenticed with him and finally taught for Paul over the course of three years, along with attending various conferences to further her education. Finally, her love of family and the Midwest lured her home.

 

In 2003, Nicole started a business of her own on the North Shore of Chicago focusing on helping families and their furry members. She now puts all her expertise to work as the Director of Training for AnimalSense. As a Certified Pet Dog Trainer, she is now honored to be a part of the CanineLink group of Guest Speakers.

 

Her favorite place to be is at home with her fabulous – and patient – husband, Art, her son Tommy, her new daughter Harper, and her steady Clumber Spaniel, Finlay. When she does get a moment to breathe, she can be found engrossed in a movie, writing, or practicing yoga, but mostly these days, learning real lessons about life from her children.