Meet the Trainers
Teri, Buster and Halo |
My choice to be a dog trainer as a career happened when I recognized that it is my sacred gift. It isn’t just a job. It drives me to make a difference. More than a passion, it’s why I am on this earth.
I started working with animals when I was 8 years old. I have been all over the spectrum of animal training in my 63 years from chickens to dogs as a kid, to leopards, lions and pumas for the movies and back to dogs as an adult.Other career choices I’ve made and loved were being a veterinary technician for 17 years in Colorado and in Florida and working at a wildlife refuge in Orlando, Fl. I discovered though that dogs are my anchor. It is my work with dogs and their guardians that brings me the most joy, though all animals have my heart. Angels in the making, dog training and animal behavior consultation service, was born in 2004 here in Grand Junction, CO. The name came to me in an epiphany that all dogs have an angel within if only we will listen. They have much to teach us about unconditional love and humanity. I want to be the bridge that helps you and your dog communicate through training in a fun and powerful way. |
Marisa and Lyla |
Throughout high school and the first year of her college life Marisa wanted to be on stage. She decided to try for a Musical Theater degree but that wasn’t for her. She was at the point in her life where she didn’t want to go back to school unless it was something she was truly passionate about.
It took her 3 years of debating on what to do, she even considered training dolphins if that got her closer to animals. Marisa knew she couldn’t ignore her passion for animals and knew she had to find out if training was really the right career for her. She decided to take action and apply to be a volunteer at Roice-Hurst Humane Society. Working hands on with the animals there helped Marisa realize that she wanted to incorporate dogs into her life and make it a career. Marisa’s knowledge for animals grew more as she continued to volunteer there for the next 5 years. Then, one day, an opportunity to do a private class with Angels in the Making for a struggling dog at the shelter came about and Marisa joined in on the class. That's where Marisa met Teri! Marisa thought it would help to know who the dog trainer that everyone raves about was. Teri immediately saw that spark, that incredible passion and flame in Marisa that is required in a dog trainer. She personally invited Marisa to apply for a dog training internship at Angels in the Making through the Mesa County Force Center. Marisa knew she couldn’t pass up this chance. Shortly after started her internship Marisa knew this was it for her. She'd found her career. This is what she wanted to do for the rest of her working life. Marisa has never been happier in a job then she is at Angels in the Making and she can’t wait to see what the future has in store for her! Angels feels blessed to have her as part of the team. |
Lancelot, Gabrielle,
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Gabrielle and her family moved from Kansas to the Grand Valley when she was 6years old. She has 3 older siblings. Growing up, Gabrielle filled her time with anything that was animal related- visiting pet stores to fawn over animals, reading any books about any animal, and of course had imaginary pets. She had dreams of being a zookeeper, a veterinarian, and many other animal careers. When she made it into high school, she was ready to explore her career opportunities. She discovered the Small Animal Care program at the Career Center and applied. She was accepted into the program and, through dedication and hard work, her dream launched from there! While in the program, she dabbled in grooming, small animal science, dog agility, and other related topics. She completed and received several certifications in preparation for her animal career. She then entered into an internship at a local veterinary clinic! Though she enjoyed the internship, Gabby felt like something was missing. After her graduation, she spent a few years researching her options. She discovered that she really enjoyed graphic design and considered going to college for it, but her love for animals stayed with her. That’s when she remembered Angel’s in the Making! Her teacher at the Career Center had spoken highly of Angels and had taken her own dogs there. Gabrielle reached out and was accepted as an intern! She is now enjoying living out her dream as an employee and dog trainer with Angels in the Making. In her short time with them she and the owner, Teri Thomas, have already designed a volunteer program that helps other students at the Career Center get hands on experience in training dogs by volunteering with Mesa County Animal Services to help train their shelter dogs for skills that will help them get adopted. The program is called Mindful Mutts and is a huge success. When not working Gabrielle enjoys playing video games, riding bikes, playing badminton and writing stories. |