Conference Workshop Descriptions and Presenter Bios
Here are our workshops and presenters for the 2024 conference! Have you already registered? If not, just click the orange “register now” button.
Keynote Presentation: Cool Dog, School Dog – The Impact Pet Therapy Can Make in a School
Research on therapy animals in schools has shown a multitude of benefits to students including lower anxiety, higher confidence, more regular attendance, better social skills, and improved motivation. All of these factors can help schools create a more positive climate with greater trust and a better environment for learning. PAWS for People has launched a new, innovative program called Cool Dog, School Dog which partners one PAWS Pet Therapy Team with a school. This panel presentation will provide a look into this new program from inception to reality, sharing heart-warming stories of friendships made and lives changed.
Panel Members:
Dr. John Arnold, ESP Therapist, Lombardy Elementary School
Steve Bruchey, PAWS Advisory Council Chair and Board Member
Bob Jarvis, PAWS Board Chair and PAWS Pet Therapy Team Partner to Lombardy
Lynne Robinson, PAWS Founder
John Arnold has his PhD in clinical psychology with expertise in trauma/PTSD treatment. However, his career started in the medical field as a paid and volunteer firefighter/paramedic as he advanced his education in psychology. After graduating with his Ph.D. in psychology, John continued his trauma-related education and research. He completed an additional fellowship in trauma/PTSD diagnosis and treatment and has become one of 673 Certified Trauma Treatment Specialists in the US.
He has worked closely with law enforcement, the Veterans Association, and first responders using Cognitive Processing Therapy and virtual reality therapy. He now works in the Brandywine School District with children who have severe mental health disabilities and behavior problems.
Steve Bruchey retired in 2009 with 41 years of experience from the DE. Air National Guard. In 2013, Steve and his wife, Donna, rescued Gracie and realizing she was special, began looking for a pet therapy program. In March of 2019 Gracie and Steve joined PAWS, and so began a fantastic journey. They started out doing weekly DeStress events at corporations, schools, and community events as well.
Over the next few years their visits included Helen Graham Cancer Center, Vaughn Correction Center, Nemours Hospital, and Sean’s House. When COVID hit and PAWS stopped in person visits they did ZOOM visits, and made site visits to future PAWS partners looking for pet therapy after COVID.
Wanting to stay engaged with PAWS after losing his therapy companion, Steve became the Chair of PAWS Advisory Council and a member of the Board of Directors, as well as performing Site Orientation Specialist duties with new therapy teams.
After seven years in the U.S. Air Force, flying mostly to Europe, Bob Jarvis entered corporate America and focused on the development of complex computer systems and process quality. He “retired” in 2013, ending his corporate career at eBay.
Since then, he’s been pursuing opportunities to help others. He and his wife Maureen started their pet therapy journey about 25 years ago at a nursing home in North Salem, NY, with golden retriever #2, and continued at The Country House when they moved to Wilmington in 2004.
Bob joined PAWS in 2021 with Dagda, golden #6. They regularly visit at The Country House, Sean’s House, and Lombardy Elementary School. Bob is also PAWS Lead Ambassador and Chairs the Board of Directors.
Lynne Robinson has been working in the field of pet therapy since her Golden Boo Radley arrived literally on her doorstep in 2003. Training him (or actually he trained her) led to her involvement with the fledgling pet therapy program of Faithful Friends. Lynne and Boo were the 6th team to join that program and Lynne almost immediately became their Coordinator, then Director for their Just Fur You pet therapy program. Building that program to 141 teams in 10 months, Lynne and Boo found that he could do more and better and together they found ed PAWS for People in Feb. of 2005.
Lynne served as Executive Director of PAWS for People for 17 years, retiring in Jan of 2023. Currently she sits on PAWS Board of Directors, its Advisory Council, teaches PAWS U classes, and continues therapy visits with her golden Tory. She is pleased to participate in today’s annual conference and especially in the creation of Cool Dog, School Dog.
Closer to the Heart: Making Your Visits Even More Impactful
Closer to the Heart is a PAWS University class to help teams build a stronger connection to the folks they visit, enhancing the connection through more engaged visits with their pet. Between sharing techniques with other classmates and learning a few new ones, Closer to the Heart will help teams improve on the wonderful visits they already provide to the community.
Moira Stephan, PAWS Training Director
Moira (“Mo”) joined PAWS as the Scheduling Coordinator in July of 2017 and became the Director of Training in 2018. She comes to us with several years of scheduling and organizational experience from working with schools in the area as well as coordinating her family of six. Moira and her husband Ed have four fantastic children Jake, Riley, Abby, and Owen as well as her chocolate lab, Bear. Outside of PAWS, she loves camping, photography, reading, spending time with friends and family, as well as trips to Bethany Beach.
PAWS to Comfort – Understanding the Value of Pet Therapy in Hospice Care
Does the thought of visiting in a hospice setting frighten you? Are you afraid of making connections with people only to lose them? This course will share the special work of pet therapy with hospice patients and demonstrate how stepping outside your comfort zone may just yield great rewards for you and your pet and bring comfort and compassion to patients and their families.
Anne Cecil-Kempski
Anne Cecil-Kempski served for 22 years as Director of Volunteer Services in hospice care. While in her role, she worked with PAWS for People to develop a pet therapy program for her patients and their families. Anne also became a pet therapy volunteer and for 10 years she volunteered with her beagle, Penny. During that time, Penny realized that her true calling was to provide comfort to her “Hospice Friends”.
Anne is a lifelong resident of Delaware, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Goldey-Beacom College and her Masters of Education from Wilmington University. Volunteering has always been a big part of her life and she looks forward to volunteering as a pet therapy team with her new beagle, Juliet.
Engaging Elders: The Impact of Pet Therapy in Elder Care Facilities
Elders were one of the most impacted populations throughout the pandemic. Feeling isolated and lonely, many elders had heightened anxiety and depression. Pet therapy visits provide elders connection to both humans and pets. This workshop will share the benefits of pet therapy in elder care facilities and how volunteers can make a difference by sharing their pet.
Cate Bryson, PAWS Volunteer & Site Manager
Cate Bryson’s background is primarily in media and communications. For 17 years she was the area’s “at work companion” as midday Lady DJ Catey Hill at 99.5 WJBR. She also hosted the weekly public affairs program, “Focus on Delaware Valley,” where she interviewed PAWS Founder, Lynne Robinson, who helped her gain appreciation for PAWS, its mission and its impact on the community. In 2018, Cate joined PAWS as part of the Volunteer and Site Management team. Since becoming a PAWS staff member, her focus has been the adult programs, which includes 28 Eldercare partnering sites. She has engaged extensively with facility personnel and the PAWS volunteers to provide meaningful pet therapy to this population.
In her spare time, Cate enjoys spending time with her horse, Lady; her not-ready-for-pet-therapy dog, Roxanne; gardening; bonsai; calligraphy; and face painting.
Pet Therapy’s Role in Social, Emotional Learning
This workshop will share a glimpse of social and emotional behavioral problems in children and implications they may have. Learn how pet therapy can help to meet the needs of these children and become a valuable new tool for therapists and teachers.
Andréa Cox, PAWS Volunteer & Site Manager
Andréa first joined PAWS in July of 2016 as Volunteer Coordinator and is excited to return as a Volunteer and Site Manager in October 2023. She happily brings her customer service and volunteer engagement skills to an already amazing and passionate team. Appreciating the many ways humans and animals connect, she has a deep understanding of the power of pet therapy.
Andréa most enjoys spending time with her family in the beauty of nature and talking to her personal therapy dog, Rocket, and waiting for a response.
Is Pet Therapy Right for You & Your Pet? Becoming a PAWS for People Pet Therapy team
So you’ve got a great pet – sweet and friendly and LOVES people… and you think sharing all that love would be a good way to give back to people in the community. But can your pet pass the test? Can you fit it into your schedule? Will your pet be a good visitor? You’ve got lots of questions – and PAWS has one terrific answer: Yes, you can and your pet can, too!
Janice Baldwin-Hench, PAWS University Trainer, PAWS for People
Janice joined PAWS for People in December 2012 with her first pup, Clementine who is still working at age 11. Since then five other rescue dogs have joined the family. Governor (pictured) is the youngest at three years old. He’s been a PAWS member most of his young life. We all think of the benefits that pet therapy brings to those we visit, but one of the best surprises of PAWS visiting to Janice is that her dogs become happier and more confident with each year of therapy they provide. Just when she thinks she couldn’t love them more, she sees them at work and falls in love with them all over again.
Rotational Feeding: Feeding the Rainbow
Have you ever wondered how to upgrade your pet’s bowl? Heard of “feeding the rainbow” but not sure how to go about it safely? This workshop will teach you not only how to improve and enrich your pets mind, but also their health through nutritious varied and rotational feeding. During this hour-long workshop, you can expect to learn the immense health benefits of a varied diet, and how to mentally stimulate your canine companion by utilizing a variety of foods, textures, and scents!
Mackenzie Howell, Concord Pet Foods Manager
Mackenzie has volunteered and worked within the pet trade for over a decade, and currently manages Concord Pet Foods and Supplies of Smyrna, DE. She specializes in pet nutrition, and has a deep passion for helping pets live their best lives!
When not at her store, she spends her free time taking care of her small “zoo” of animals, including dogs, cats, lizards, sugar gliders, fish, and a tortoise.
Dog Training: Clear Communication Using Marker Words
When training your pup, it is important to use consistent wording to ensure they get the right message. The use of “Marker Words” to tell your pet when they are doing the right thing is key to getting the results that you want. This workshop will explain the use of marker words and their importance in dog training success.
Karen Powell, Dog Trainer, PAWS for People
Karen has been actively involved in training dogs for over 20 years and has been PAWS lead dog trainer since 2015. She attends weekly and monthly private lessons at Top Dog Obedience School under the expert instruction of Betsy Scapicchio. She owns German Shepherds and enjoys many dog sports including competitive AKC obedience and rally, tracking, nosework and sheep herding.
Karen believes that training can build a strong relationship and bond between dog and owner. Young puppies and dogs of any age can benefit and become good companions and citizens that are a joy to be around.
Sit, Stay Away! How to Avoid the Pet Emergency Room
A visit to a veterinary emergency hospital can be a scary and stressful trip. We are thankful they exist for our pet’s emergencies, but we’d rather avoid them altogether. What can you do at home to best protect your pet from the unexpected emergency? Join us for a discussion of how to stay out of the ER.
Natalie Titus,
Dr. Natalie Titus is originally from northern Virginia, and she received her Bachelor of Science degree, summa cum laude, from Virginia Tech. She then attended the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine and received her DVM in 1991. She practiced for several years in the DC metro and Baltimore areas before settling in Delaware. Dr. Titus now works at Haven Lake Animal Hospital in Milford, DE where she just celebrated her 16th year. Her responsibilities encompass preventative care, general medicine, surgery, dentistry, and acupuncture. Additionally, she serves as the chief veterinary consultant for Delaware’s Office of Animal Welfare. In this role she performs shelter inspections, investigates shelter welfare complaints, and assists in training animal control officers. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Delaware Veterinary Medical Association (DVMA). She has served on the board of the DVMA and served a term on the State Board of Veterinary Medicine. She is currently on the PAWS advisory board. In her spare time, she travels, practices photography, serves as an officer in her graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and has fun with her new little ragamuffin, Marco, who is not quite PAWS ready…yet.
What brought her to PAWS? Dr. Titus adopted a stray Great Dane running the streets of Felton back in 2015. Hailey was a part of her family’s life for 6 wonderful years. Her gentle demeanor led Dr. Titus to look for opportunities for Hailey to be a therapy dog. Once they finished PAWS training, they regularly visited Star Hill Elementary School and Dover Public Library for the children to read to her. Hailey was a most willing listener. She was so calm and gentle that even children hesitant to touch a dog of any size would come over and rub her head or her belly.