Conference Workshop Descriptions and Presenter Bios
Here are our workshops and presenters for the 2026 conference! Have you already registered? If not, just click the orange “register now” button.
Keynote Presentation:
Making Meaningful Connections – Pet Therapy’s Special Connection to People with Disabilities
PAWS Pet Therapy visits with people of all ages with disabilities can be the most challenging and the most rewarding interactions. The introduction of a therapy animal offers a gentle, compassionate method to support various disabilities, including mobility challenges, autism spectrum disorders, and mental health conditions, by fostering relaxation, boosting mood, and encouraging social engagement. The presentation will share the impact of these visits from the perspective of the visiting PAWS teams, partnering site contacts and PAWS staff members.
Panel Members:
Siobhan Kelly, Life Skills, Chadds Ford Elementary School
Chelsea Wirth, PAWS Pet Therapy Volunteer
Andréa Cox, PAWS Volunteer & Site Manager for Children Programs
Melina Coates, Assistant Program Manager, Forward Journey
Janice Baldwin-Hench, PAWS Pet Therapy Volunteer
Leslie Catts, PAWS Volunteer & Site Manager for Adult Programs
Siobhan Kelly is the Life Skills teacher at Chadds Ford Elementary School. Her “low incidence” classroom supports students with rare disabilities needing specialized care. In her first year in this role, Siobhan introduced PAWS pet therapy into her classroom. As a result, her students are more regulated and engaged, and she is amazed at the joy that the PAWS program has brought to her class.
Chelsea Wirth is a dedicated parent of three. As a parent volunteer, she was very involved in her children’s school, where she first saw PAWS for People’s pet therapy in action. When her family welcomed Sky, an English Crème golden retriever into their lives, her friendly demeanor inspired Chelsea to have her certified. They joined PAWS in April of 2024, and currently visit at Hillendale and Chadds Ford Elementary schools.
Andréa Cox first joined PAWS in July of 2016 as Volunteer Coordinator and excitedly returned as a Volunteer and Site Manager for Children’s Programs 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.
Melina Coates is the Assistant Program Manager at Forward Journey’s New Castle location. She has a Bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Northern Colorado and obtained a certificate in volunteer management from Delaware Technical and Community College. With a work history in direct support care, she became a part of the Forward Journey team in November 2021. Melina is passionate about advocacy and most enjoys helping people—participants and staff—find their best ways to shine.
Janice Baldwin-Hench joined PAWS for People in December 2012 with her first pup, Clementine. Since then five other rescue dogs have joined the family. 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.
Leslie Catts joined the PAWS for People staff in June 2024 as a Volunteer & Site Manager. Leslie has over 26 years of experience working with various, vulnerable populations including individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, substance use disorders and intellectual and cognitive disabilities. After experiencing first-hand, the many benefits of animal assisted therapy, she was extremely excited at the opportunity to join the PAWS for People team!
Workshop Descriptions & Bios
Courthouse Companions: The Impact of Pet Therapy in a Courthouse Setting
The Courthouse Companions program was developed to provide well-trained and certified pet therapy teams to assist children and families going through the court process. This workshop will share how PAWS pet therapy teams can help reduce anxiety and stress of courthouse interviews/testifying and offer a diversion/distraction from the stresses of being in the courthouse.
Kathryn Meloni, Esquire & PAWS Pet Therapy Volunteer
Kathryn is a member of the Pennsylvania & Delaware County Bar Associations and has practiced in the areas of family law, personal injury, workers compensation, wills and probate, and adoptions. Kathryn joined PAWS in 2014 with her sweet pup, Frangelica (pictured) and is continuing the journey with her new addition, Amaretta. After experiencing the impact that pet therapy had on those she and Frangelica visited, Kathryn became the driving force in the effort to start a program in the Delaware County Courthouse. Kathryn’s extensive experience in both the legal field and PAWS pet therapy visitation have been vital to the program’s continuing success.
The Fine Print: Navigating the Good, the Bad, and the (possibly)Toxic in Pet Nutrition
This workshop will help pet parents understand what different ingredients mean, what they are for, and what ingredients could lead to problems if used long term.
Donna Cheetam & Elaine “EJ” Johnson, Managers, Yarn & Bone
Donna Cheetham has been a pet store manager for 22 years. She has a long time career working with animals including veterinary technician and veterinary hospital manager and has traveled to many of the pet food manufacturing plants in the United States. Elaine (EJ) Johnson has been affiliated with pet stores for over 28 years and has been a manager for over 23 years. One of her primary goals has always been to educate consumers on proper nutrition and activities for their pets.
Healing Connections: Pet Therapy for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s & Beyond
This workshop is a PAWS for People initiative focusing on neurodegenerative disorders (ND), specifically Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. ND can negatively affect a person’s movement, cognition and emotional/behavioral capabilities, but PAWS Pet Therapy visits can have a great impact on the quality of life for many of these patients. Attendees will learn about the experience of someone with ND and the bright light that pet therapy can provide.
Lois Brooks, PAWS Bookkeeper PLUS
Lois (a member of PAWS since 2014 with multiple therapy companions) joined the PAWS staff in July as our Bookkeeper Plus. With a background in accounting for non-profits, Lois helps with all things financial. Lois has also jumped in to help with scheduling for some of our PAWS sites (that is the plus part of her job!) Her passion for the impact of PAWS Pet therapy led her to learning more about visiting with this special population.
Eliminating the Stigma: Visiting Children with Special Needs
Join us as we address how to have the most impactful visits with our friends with special needs. Learn what to do with your therapy companion to have meaningful, healing visits!
Andréa Cox, PAWS Volunteer & Site Manager
Andréa first joined PAWS in July of 2016 as Volunteer Coordinator and excitedly returned as a Volunteer and Site Manager for Children’s Programs 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.
Chelsea Wirth, PAWS for People Team Member
is a dedicated mother of three. She was inspired to become a pet therapy team because of her previous dog, Sydney who always naturally made friends with children on the autism spectrum, leaving Chelsea with regret that she hadn’t made the time to certify her. A parent volunteer, focused on the betterment of the school community, Chelsea was very involved in her children’s school, where she first saw PAWS for People’s pet therapy in action. When her family welcomed Sky, an English Crème golden retriever into their lives, her lovely and friendly demeanor inspired Chelsea to have her certified. They joined PAWS in April of 2024, and now currently visit at Hillendale and Chadds Ford Elementary schools.
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 & Volunteer
Janice joined PAWS for People in December 2012 with her first pup, Clementine and has been a dedicated volunteer and PAWS trainer. Since then five other rescue dogs have joined the family including her newest, Governor, pictured here. 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.
Dog Training: Introduction to Rally
This workshop will introduce you to the sport of Rally dog training. Rally is a fun and engaging way to enhance your dog’s obedience skills and behavior. It combines elements of agility and obedience training, allowing dogs to navigate a course with signs that display various obedience exercises. The sport promotes teamwork between the handler and the dog, encouraging positive communication and coordination.
Karen Powell, Dog Trainer, PAWS for People
Karen has been actively involved in training dogs for over 22 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.
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 22 years and has been PAWS lead dog trainer since 2015. 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.
Fluff Happens: Grooming Tips for Therapy Dogs
A few things to think about to make sure your pup is feeling their best on a daily basis.
Abi Fielder
Abi has spent over 15 years in the dog world, learning everything from grooming tricks to the quirks that make each pup unforgettable. For the past 5+ years, she has run her own grooming shop here in Delaware, where she gets to turn messy pups into masterpieces. At home, she shares life with seven dogs who keep her inspired, humbled, and constantly sweeping up hair.