Jen became a K9 Nose Work fan after taking her first class with Shadow, her black lab, in 2010. Shadow was environmentally fearful and K9 Nose Work changed her life. She went from being shy and trembling to an outgoing searcher. Seeing the positive changes in Shadow’s life, Jen began teaching K9 Nose Work classes in the Richmond, VA area with her parents, Jim and Janie Simmons. Through Paws Plus Training, LLC, Jen works with students of all levels to discover and enhance the amazing scenting abilities of dogs. Jen enjoys watching dogs come out of their shell while participating in Nose Work and watching the bonds develop between dogs and their handlers.

Jen graduated from James Madison University and Penn State University, but left the health care field to work with dogs full-time. She and Shadow earned the Elite Championship in 2019, and her younger dog, Ruby, is closing in on her Elite Championship.

Jen resides near Richmond, Virginia with her husband, son and daughter. She currently trains Ruby in Nose Work and Tracking. In her spare time, she is often watching her kids who are active in sports. Jen has been training dogs since 2008. She is a Certified Nose Work Instructor, NACSW Certifying Official, and an NACSW Score Room Lead.