Our Staff

LAURA POLESHUCK, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, Founder and Executive Director

• Certified Animal-Assisted Intervention Specialist (C-AAIS), the Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals (AAAIP)

• Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge-Assessed (CPDT-KA)

• Therapy Animal Evaluator for Professionals (pilot program), the Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals (AAAIP)

• Pet Partners Therapy Animal Program Team Evaluator

• Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and STAR Puppy Evaluator, American Kennel Club (AKC)

• Temperament Test (ATT) Evaluator, American Kennel Club (AKC)

• PhD (doctor of philosophy ) in Education: Curriculum, Instruction, and the Science of Learning, University at Buffalo

• OTD: clinical doctorate in occupational therapy, and MSOT, Boston University

• BS: clinical psychology and child studies, Tufts University, summa cum laude

The Board Members

JOHN RIGNEY, LCSW, Vice Chair

• Assistant Director of Wellness Outreach and Education, Nazareth University

KIM FERRIS-CHURCH, MS Ed., CHES, Secretary

• Humane Education Manager, Humane Society of Greater Rochester, Lollypop Farm

JENNIFER TRACHTMAN, DVM, Animal Health and Welfare

• Founder of Bayside Veterinary Care (Fear Free certified hospital and staff)

TAYLOR CHASTAIN GRIFFIN, PhD, Communications

• Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals (AAAIP) Executive Director, National Director of Animal-Assisted Intervention (AAI) Advancement, Pet Partners

EMILY PERECHOV, Treasurer

• The Bonadio Group, Accounting, Consulting & More; past treasurer of the IPAW Club

MELISSA REED, MS Ed, MT-BC, Honorary Member at Large

• Clinical Associate Professor of Music Therapy

LAURA POLESHUCK, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, Chair