Christina studied both Philosophy and Computer Science, earning a B.A. in Philosophy and a Ph.D. in Computer Science. She worked in the animated film industry for over ten years, which included studying the mechanics of structure and motion, and a deep understanding of anatomy for a variety of animals. Christina developed her observation skills and a keen eye for detail while working with a variety of animated human and animal characters. She uses those observation skills daily in her work with clients and their dogs. Becoming a skilled observer helps her clients understand how dogs communicate through body language.

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​Christina launched her journey into the dog world in May 2008. She selected Luna, a miniature Alaskan Klee Kai, for herself and with the intention of training Luna to become a therapy dog. Luna was her first dog she raised and trained on her own. Christina quickly became hooked on rewards-based training, and subsequently volunteered as an assistant dog trainer in both puppy classes and all age obedience classes. Christina and Luna began scent training in January 2012 in the sport of NACSW K9 NoseWork®, where she found her passion in studying canine olfaction and body language. Luna went on to become the first Klee Kai to earn a NoseWork title with NACSW.

Personal experience with disability led Christina to change her career. She completed training Luna to detect gluten in 2016, completed an internship with Willow Service Dogs LLC in gluten and allergen detection (mid 2017), earned the Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT - KA) credential in 2017, completed the Low Stress Handling® Certified Silver program (2018), became a Licensed Pet Dog Ambassador Assessor and an AKC Canine Good Citizen / Trick Dog Evaluator (2018), earned the UKCSD Scent Instructor certificate in 2019, and became a Certified Trick Dog Instructor (2020). Christina is most proud of achieving the Professional Canine Trainer - Accredited (PCT - A) conferred by the Pet Professional Accreditation Board in 2020. The PCT-A is an independently verified professional credential that assesses both knowledge and demonstrated skills, and is currently the only professional certification completely in line with her evidence-based, force-free ethics. Christina takes a professional stance to continue her education, with a particular emphasis on ethical, evidence-based, force-free methods. She attends webinars and workshops to keep up with the latest in canine behavior, scent work, and service dog training. Additionally, Christina is a strong supporter of, and utilizes, the Progressive Reinforcement Training manifesto developed by Emily Larlham. 

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Christina is dedicated to helping other persons with disabilities owner-train their own scent detection service dog. She believes having the owner involved in every step of the training is the best way to learn the nuances of properly handling scent, the risks of cross-contact, and maintaining the scent training for the working life of their service dog. She is always so proud and overjoyed when her clients report back that their dogs have indicated the presence of gluten or allergen(s) in a food, medication or other item that would have otherwise made them ill had they consumed or used it. There is no greater reward than knowing she has helped another person live a more independent and healthful life.

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Christina shares her life with her three dogs (aka lifesavers), Luna, Zephyr, and Maera, each trained in gluten detection. She has titled her dogs in Conformation, CGC/PDA/Spot (manners), Rally, Scent Work, Barn Hunt, Parkour, Coursing Ability / Fast CAT, Fitness and Tricks. She continues to train and compete in a variety of dog sports.