Description:

Our forum will include a discussion of screening and evaluation of animals for AAS. Christine Olsen, from the International Community of Anthrozoology (ICofA)  will offer a brief overview of the Personality Assessment of Domestic Animals (PADA), a screening test to evaluate the suitability of animals—such as cats, dogs, horses, and farm animals—for roles in animal-assisted services. She will then be joined by Melissa Winkle and Jennifer Rogers for additional discussion on the topic, along with forum member practices and questions. 

Discussion Forum Panel: 

Melissa Winkle is the Vice-Chair of AASI, an occupational therapist, certified professional dog trainer, and human-animal interaction specialist. She is a university instructor at the University of North Florida for the Animal Assisted Services Certificate Program and designs & develops AAS & human-dog coaching instruction. Melissa is a practitioner, researcher, author, consultant, and speaks internationally about disability, integrated & community-based program development, AAS, and service dogs.

Jennifer Rogers is one of our Founding Board Members of AASI. Jen is the Founding Director of PAALS, an ADI and AASI accredited school. She volunteers with horses and people with trauma. Jen has a marine mammal, zoological, and service dog training background with a B. S. in Biological Sciences and Masters in Education: Neuroscience and Trauma Response.

Dr. Christine Olsen holds a master’s in ethology and a PhD in public health with a focus on animal-assisted services. She is a certified behaviorist for both cats and dogs, as well as a certified dog instructor. As co-developer and lead of the PADA screening tool, she also founded the Norwegian Center of Anthrozoology, now ICofA, where she serves as president. Her research includes numerous publications on companion animal behavior and the human-animal bond.

We are excited to be hosting a panel discussion at the June forum about dog behavior and communication and how to ensure practitioners find the right dog for the right job to meet the needs of the dog and participants involved. Do come and join the forum! You will have an opportunity to post questions to the panel and be part of a stimulating discussion where we can learn from each other’s expertise and experiences.