Our Staff
LAURA POLESHUCK, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, Founder and Executive Director
Certified Animal-Assisted Intervention Specialist (C-AAIS), C-AAAIS, the Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals (AAAIP)
Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge-Assessed (CPDT-KA), CPDT-KA, Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers
Therapy Animal Evaluator for Professionals (pilot program), Professional evaluation, Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals (AAAIP)
Pet Partners Therapy Animal Program Team Evaluator
Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and STAR Puppy Evaluator, CGC, American Kennel Club (AKC)
Temperament Test (ATT) Evaluator, ATT, American Kennel Club (AKC)
Fear Free® Certified Animal Trainer
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, Phi Beta Kappa
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
