In 2019, Bridgette began her career with Dogs for our Brave as a volunteer. After a few short months, Director of Training, Paul, decided to take her under his wing as an apprentice trainer. From there, she was promoted to a Full-Time trainer. Her background includes a B.S. in Animal Science with a Minor in Captive Wild Animal Management from the University of Missouri. She worked at several zoos as an Animal Care Intern and Zookeeper before discovering Dogs for our Brave. During this time, she decided to go back to school to pursue her Master’s degree. In the fall of 2021, she graduated from University of Missouri – St. Louis with her Master’s in Public Policy, and a certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership. She then joined the Leadership Team at Dogs for our Brave as the Community Engagement Coordinator.

Bridgette has always had a deep love and passion for animal welfare, and she knew she would always have a career with animals. What she didn’t know was the impact service dogs had on individuals. After spending some time with the people at Dogs for our Brave, Bridgette knew she was in a very special place. She has several family members who have served in the military, and has always been appreciative of the sacrifice those service men and women make to protect our freedoms. Dogs for our Brave is the perfect place for Bridgette to utilize her skillset and knowledge from school to make a big impact for those who have given us so much.