Hello! I'm Jess.

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You might know me from Local Dog, my Madison-based go training business.  A few years ago, I made a huge decision and decision to return to my original field, Parks and Recreation. 

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Instead of "Jess the Dog Trainer, " I am a recreation professional, writer, dog person, and firm believer that some of the best things in life happen outside.  The best place to keep up with me is at Hike with Jess. 

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​A neighborhood walk after a hard day.

A trail conversation that lasts longer than expected.

A quiet lake sunrise.

A dog investigating a scent like they're about to solve a cold case.

The feeling of coming home a little lighter than when you left.

For most of my career, I've worked in parks, recreation, wellness, and community programs. Along the way, I've become fascinated by a simple question:

How do we help people participate more fully in life?

Not perfectly.

Not productively.

Just fully.

That question has led me to trails, conference stages, neighborhood parks, classrooms, and countless miles alongside my dogs. It's shaped the way I think about leadership, recreation, community, and the ordinary moments that quietly change us.

I believe recreation is more than what we do.  It's how we connect.

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It's also, in my humble opinion, the best way to connect with our dogs and other likeminded folks.  So, if you're looking for a fun group that heads out to local trails together, I would love to connect with you. 

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Experience & Credentials

My work sits at the intersection of recreation, leadership, community well-being, dog behavior, and the outdoors. The experiences below have shaped the way I think, write, and speak about helping people participate more fully in their lives.

Education

• M.S., Recreation Administration
  George Williams College

• B.S., Community & Environmental Sociology
  University of Wisconsin–Madison

Certifications

• Certified Training Partner, Karen Pryor Academy

• Certified Health Coach, American Council on Exercise (ACE)

• Certified Group Fitness Instructor, American Council on Exercise (ACE)

Professional Experience

• Recreation professional and community program leader

• Speaker and writer

• Outdoor recreation advocate

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