About
The Full Story
My name is Natalie Christensen. I am the founder of Sunflower Journey.
I’ve lived with chronic complex migraines and joint issues since elementary school. For years, my family and I struggled to find ways to manage my conditions. It wasn’t until eighth grade, after my first knee surgery, that things began to change — when I got Jezzebel, a spunky miniature schnauzer.
Over time, we noticed Jezzebel was alerting to my migraines and anxiety before I even realized what was happening. I began training her to become my service dog, but unfortunately, due to her own health challenges, she had to be retired early.
In high school, I dove deep into learning about service dogs and set out to train one on my own. But I quickly realized how limited my options were. Most programs were either only for veterans, had years-long waitlists, or didn’t cover the complex tasks I needed. As a civilian with multiple disabilities, I felt like I was slipping through the cracks — and at risk of losing my independence while trying to stay in college.
So, I built what I needed from scratch.
Over four years, I trained my service dog, Willow, to perform 15+ specialized tasks and advanced obedience skills. Through that journey, I discovered my passion for dog training — and a calling to help others who feel just as overlooked as I once did.
Sunflower Journey was born from that mission. I’m a LIMA-based trainer, which means I use the least intrusive, minimally aversive methods first, and only escalate when necessary. I welcome all training tools when used with proper education and intention — because the most important part of training is the relationship between you and your dog.
At Sunflower Journey, we focus on building bonds rooted in trust, confidence, affection, and respect. Whether it’s in-person training, board and train, or virtual sessions, we offer personalized, accessible programs to meet a wide range of needs — because everyone deserves the freedom and support that a well-trained service dog can bring.
Behind The Name
There’s deep meaning behind the name Sunflower Journey.
Sunflowers are a widely recognized symbol for invisible disabilities. In airports, stores, and other public places, staff are trained to recognize the small sunflower icon as a gentle signal: “I may need a little extra help.” It offers a way to communicate needs without having to explain or justify them — a quiet but powerful form of advocacy.
But the symbolism goes even further.
Sunflowers are known for their relationship with light. They follow the sun across the sky, always reaching toward brightness and warmth. And when the skies are cloudy, legend says that sunflowers turn to face each other — becoming the light for one another when the sun can’t be found. That message is at the heart of this journey.
Even more powerfully, when sunflowers grow heavy from rain or time, they don’t stand alone — they lean on each other for support. They form a community, holding one another up through the weight.
That's the heart of Sunflower Journey
Sunflower Journey represents growth, resilience, and community — a path toward healing and independence, even when the skies are gray. It’s a reminder that we’re never truly alone, and that sometimes, the light we need comes from those walking beside us. It’s about creating a space where people don’t have to carry everything by themselves. Where we lean on each other, lift each other up, and walk the journey together.
That is why Sunflower Journey is more than just a name — it’s a mission, a movement, and a safe space for transformation.
Mission
To empower the disabled community by providing the education, tools, and support needed to confidently owner-train their own service dogs — building independence, trust, and lasting partnerships along the way.
Vision
A world where every disabled individual has the confidence, knowledge, and support to train their own service dog — fostering freedom, dignity, and a deeper bond between human and dog.
