Regional Puppy Instructor

• Jun 2023 - Present

I.W.D.R Coordinator

• Aug 2017 - Present

• Track, integrate, and analyze the health, behavior, and training information for 400+ service dogs at various stages of training via a cloud-based database. Use the analysis to identify patterns in health or behavior and determine ways to improve our training program.• Promote efficiency and data integrity throughout the nonprofit by creating tutorials, holding training sessions, and encouraging a more efficient flow of information.• Transition to remote work in 2019

Intern

• Jun 2017 - Aug 2017

• Tasked with integrating current and past data into a new database, the International Working Dog Registry.

Key Contributor to the I.W.D.R. User Group

• Aug 2017 - Present

• Co-lead a support group to assist over forty working dog organizations using this database internationally. • Improve data integrity by running bi-monthly audits and reaching out to offer personalized support to organizations whose records do not meet the current standards. Supporting organizations by holding video conference calls, creating tutorials, and monitoring a private Facebook group. • Beta test new features of the database and work with the creators to add new functions. • Co-lead a support group to assist over forty working dog organizations using this database internationally. • Improve data integrity by running bi-monthly audits and reaching out to offer personalized support to organizations whose records do not meet the current standards. Supporting organizations by holding video conference calls, creating tutorials, and monitoring a private Facebook group. • Beta test new features of the database and work with the creators to add new functions.

Puppy Program Coordinator

• Jun 2020 - May 2023

•Manage puppy raisers through all stages of volunteering including recruitment, onboarding, and puppy raising. Provide a compassionate and supportive environment for volunteers who may be inexperienced or struggling with their puppy. •Coordinate the transitions of puppies from whelping homes to placement with puppy raisers, respite stays with sitters, and advancement into training. Rely on organizational skills in order to schedule these transitions in a dynamic environment and maintain updated information on availability and lifestyle of 40+ volunteers to determine which will be suitable for each puppy. •Conduct multiple weekly group classes for puppy raisers as well as individual check-ins virtually or in-person. Create online resources including video tutorials and written instructions to support the puppy curriculum via Google Classroom. Employ advanced leadership skills to meet the differing needs of puppy raisers with various skill levels.•Evaluate the behavior of puppies in training via standardized assessments using the Behavior Checklist scoring system, observations during class, and analyzing monthly reports. Apply knowledge gained from advanced education, certifications, and job related experience to provide puppy raisers with relevant behavior modification suggestions and resources to address challenges.•Gather key health, training, and behavior information and communicate it to staff and volunteers to ensure that it is entered into the appropriate databases. Adept at designing and employing custom communication tools such as digital forms and reports as well as more traditional methods of communication.•Track the distribution of puppy raiser supplies and maintain inventory of available items.• Develop and implement socialization and handling protocols for new litters of puppies. Show less

Advanced Trainer

• Jun 2020 - May 2023

•Use positive reinforcement to train a string of dogs to perform advanced skills for individuals with a variety of disabilities. Experience in training dogs to provide counterbalance, alert for low blood sugar, and support individuals with Autism and PTSD. •Work with clients throughout the interview, matching, and placement stages. Teach clients how to work effectively with their new service dogs during a 1-2 week Transfer Camp. Perform follow up communication with clients including re-certifications. Adjust communication method and frequency in order to best support clients with differing needs and abilities. Show less

Intern

• Jan 2020 - May 2020

• Analyzed industry recommendations and research-based best practices to determine how to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of lost and found programs in animal shelters. Compared my findings to the lost and found program at the CASPCA and addressed areas in need of improvement. • Created a variety of educational resources aimed at different audiences in the community. These resources included an informational brochure and magnet, a comprehensive web-page, and activities for children. • Addressed gaps in current information collection and analysis by editing current protocols and creating heat maps of stray animal intake to demonstrate uses of data analysis. Show less

Trainer

• Oct 2019 - Nov 2019

▪ Taught a 6 session class for 6 veterans or active duty military members and their dogs. ▪ Topics included identifying dog body language, building a trusting relationship with your dog, and teaching basic cues using positive reinforcement based training methods. ▪ Taught a 6 session class for 6 veterans or active duty military members and their dogs. ▪ Topics included identifying dog body language, building a trusting relationship with your dog, and teaching basic cues using positive reinforcement based training methods.

Data & Social Media Coordinator

• May 2018 - Apr 2019

• Optimized and maintained the Exceed database used to track thousands of donations, sales, guests, and volunteers. Created reports for annual reports, mailing lists, donation breakdowns, etcetera. • Processed in-kind and monetary donations and thanked our donors via letters or social media. • Designed and wrote e-newsletters on a regular basis to keep our stakeholders informed. Managed the RMHC of SW VA Facebook page with a focus on community engagement, posts about day to day experiences, generating interest in events, and increasing our following. Also maintained the RMHC of SW VA website (https://www.rmhc-swva.org/) to ensure content was up to date and visually appealing. • Helped plan and manage the annual Rock A Tee and Holiday Card sales along with other fundraisers and events. • Assisted with day-to-day house functions including engaging with guests, showing donors around the house, and working alongside House Managers. Show less

Undergraduate Research Assistant

• Oct 2017 - May 2018

Worked on a Systematic Literature Review for a Graduate Student starting research on Equine Assisted Interventions until she unexpectedly left the program. Performed data analysis for a Graduate Student researching the effects of a therapy dog’s presence on a patient in counseling sessions. Worked on a Systematic Literature Review for a Graduate Student starting research on Equine Assisted Interventions until she unexpectedly left the program. Performed data analysis for a Graduate Student researching the effects of a therapy dog’s presence on a patient in counseling sessions.

Hippotherapy and Camp Aide

• May 2017 - Aug 2017

Brenda Stephens provides occupational therapy sessions on horses (hippotherapy) for children with special needs. I acted alongside Brenda during each child’s lesson, learned how to use the movement of the horse to work on functional goals for each child, and ensured that the child remained safe. During the months of June and July, Brenda has a farm camp which is open to both children with special needs and those that are typically developing. Skills addressed during camp include team building, social skills, free play, and nature education. I worked as an aide with this camp to lead group activities, work with the children, and ensure safety. Show less

Tutor

• Jan 2017 - May 2017

Provided support in certain subjects for student athletes as well as providing them with general study skills. Figured out what each student needed to accomplish and helped him or her make a plan to accomplish goals. Completed records of each session in a prompt manner. Provided support in certain subjects for student athletes as well as providing them with general study skills. Figured out what each student needed to accomplish and helped him or her make a plan to accomplish goals. Completed records of each session in a prompt manner.

Undergraduate Research Assistant for Dr. Susan White

• Aug 2016 - May 2017

Assisted with research under Dr. Susan White focused on Facial Emotion Recognition Intervention for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I Interacted with participants, including acting as a confederate during a task and administering tests used to determine IQ and executive functioning (for example, the WASI and DKEF among others). I assisted with the use of the equipment used for virtual reality and observed the interactions. I helped to enter the data we collected and attended biweekly project update meetings and weekly meetings with other research assistants. I also generated new participants by putting up fliers throughout Blacksburg and Christiansburg and calling individuals that might be interested in our study. Show less

Nanny

• Jun 2016 - Sep 2016

Cared for an infant (approximately three weeks to three months old) four to five days per week during the summer of 2016.Provided basic care including feeding, soothing, and entertaining.Created a stimulating environment that suited his developmental needs.

Care Provider

• May 2016 - Aug 2016

Acted as a companion and caretaker for an eight year old with limited functioning due to Autism Spectrum Disorder.I kept her occupied with appropriate activities, observed her occupational therapy appointments, worked with her on communication skills, and made sure she stayed safe.