Jodi was born on Marthas Vineyard, Massachusetts. She attended Emory University in Atlanta where she earned her BA in Theater Studies / Anthropology. While at University she spent her summers in Alaska and fell in love with the place. As soon as she graduated in 1991 she moved to Alaska full time and never looked back.
Today she and her husband Dan Kaduce call Dew Claw Kennel in Chatanika Alaska their home. Jodi has been running dogs for almost 2 decades, starting recreationally and graduating to competitive distance mushing. She has run many races in Alaska including the Copper Basin 300, Kobuk 440, GinGin 200, and Denali Doubles. She is also a veteran of both the Yukon Quest and Iditarod 1000 mile races. She holds the distinction of being the first rookie to ever complete both races in the same year.
The lifestyle is neither easy nor glamorous, but I would not trade it for the world” Jodi says. “I love my time with the dogs. When you are out there on the trail you don’t have emails, work, laundry or anything but you and them and the miles ahead of you. It is a wonderful feeling.” When it comes to racing Jodi says, “Training dogs for a race like the Iditarod takes an enormous amount of work and investment. However you get the honor of running the race, and that is the reward.” She also loves how you are exposed traveling by dog team. “Alaska is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen, geography, wildlife, Aurora, I am constantly in awe of the views that surround me mushing.”
In addition to mushing Jodi enjoys food & cooking, arts & crafts, yoga, and working on projects around the house and kennel. She also makes custom fused glass pet memorials and other glass crafts, you can find her on Facebook, and Etsy.