Meet the Founder

Jamie founded Puppy Preparatory after recognizing a critical need during her extensive work in animal welfare. Witnessing the high number of dogs surrendered each year due to behavioral issues, she was inspired to create a training program aimed at setting new puppies and their owners up for long-term success.

​

Jamie’s love for dogs began in the Carolinas, where she grew up surrounded by family pets. Over the past 10+ years, she has fostered dogs and puppies in various cities including New York City, Los Angeles, and now back in Charlotte. Her experience ranges from caring for newborn puppies to senior dogs, and from tiny Chihuahuas to towering Mastiffs. While Jamie has a deep love for all dogs, her true passion lies in working with young puppies, helping them grow, learn, and thrive.

​

In 2018, Jamie adopted Quinn, a goofy and gentle Great Dane who loves puppies and serves as an excellent teacher's assistant. Quinn aids in socialization through supervised interactions with new puppies, helping them learn how to interact with other dogs.

Since founding Puppy Preparatory, Jamie’s family has grown to include her fiancé, Joe, his lively senior husky mix, Sam, and their newest addition, Maggie, a playful 12-month-old Great Dane. Both dogs play a role in the training process—Sam gravitates toward the quieter, more laid-back students, while Maggie thrives with dogs of all energy levels, especially enjoying the company of larger, more energetic pups.

Though Jamie remains hands-on with Puppy Preparatory's students, she has expanded her team to include a group of outstanding (and equally puppy-obsessed) trainers. Jamie personally selects each student’s trainer and carefully oversees their progress and the school’s operations.