Jax (she/they) is the owner of Embodied Animal Training and is a passionate dog trainer born and raised in California on Ohlone land, where the coastal redwoods and sandy beaches paved their love of animals, nature, and all things outdoors. These curiosities grew into learning different ways of communication and how that influences how we engage with the world around us. Jax studied American Sign Language and Deaf Education and has over ten years of experience working in educational spaces; including public education, outdoor education, and a specialized Deaf program at California School for the Deaf, Fremont. These experiences continue to nurture her curiosity about learning, and how to create a judgment-free space for learners. 

In 2015, Jax acquired a red-fronted macaw, Forrest, which catapulted their learning and exploration of behavior science. They tumbled quickly into the positive reinforcement, an evidence-based approach, for learning and behavior. Forrest remains to be one of Jax’s biggest teachers about animal behavior. 

Driven by the desire to support others in building positive relationships with their animals, Jax decided to transition from a traditional school teacher to a both human and dog educator. They are a Certified Training Partner through Karen Pryor Academy and have their Fear Free Certification. Jax continues to study and research the most current and up-to-date science-based training techniques to support the well-being of their human and dog teams.