meet grace

Owner, Coach
(Agility, Obedience, Swim)

Grace’s journey into dog training began with a challenge. A reactive dog she couldn’t quite figure out. With the help of multiple trainers, she dove deep into understanding him. That same dog, once misunderstood, is now a decorated athlete: a national agility winner, multiple-time DockDogs World Finals qualifier, and a trusted partner in helping other reactive dogs find calm and confidence at Optimal Performance Canine.

Grace currently competes at a National level in agility and is a coach known for her loud encouragement, gritty determination, and relentless commitment to her students - whether that be in obedience, swim, or agility. Her passion lies in seeing what makes each dog tick and helping handlers unlock their dog’s full potential.

Whether it's a group class or in a private session, Grace brings energy, insight, and a fierce dedication to every team she works with. The goal is always to help dogs and humans connect, grow, and truly shine as a partnership.

meet LB

A smiling woman sitting on the grass in an orchard with two German Shepherd dogs on either side, surrounded by fall foliage.

Co-Owner, Coach
(Agility)

Coach LB is a powerhouse in the agility ring. A national-level competitor who’s spent the last three years breaking expectations and turning heads with one of the few German Shepherds regularly seen at high-level events. Her journey started with two Shepherds who needed more than obedience; they needed trust, clarity, and belief. Known for her strategic, encouraging, and highly personalized coaching style, LB helps handlers bring out the very best in their dogs. She has a gift for meeting each student where they are, and her coaching blends competitive insight with genuine compassion. 

When she’s not in the agility ring, LB works as a professor in the Community Integration through Co‑operative Education (CICE) Program. For over nine years, she has worked to empower students with autism and learning disabilities.

As a top-level agility competitor and an educator of future-ready students, LB helps individuals realize their potential, rise to challenges, and succeed with confidence.