Working Groups
Get Involved!
AASI is member driven and organizational growth is planned at the annual conference visionary meetings. AASI recognizes that our members are the support in our structure, and that each member can bring something to enrich the organization. We offer two ways for members to get involved:
Working groups are formed to achieve specific projects or goals. Working group tasks are large enough that they may require that several people work to organize processes and policies. Frequently, the next step is for working groups to divide and conquer different aspects of the greater project until it reaches completion. Our working groups usually have opportunities to work as a group member or as an individual. We have long term goals and short term goals, so there is likely something you can get involved in according to your skills and availability.
Volunteers are invited to assist our volunteer working board in the day to day tasks that it takes to keep the organization running. It may involve administrative duties, graphic design, member and public communications, conference and webinar coordination and planning, member benefits, project reviews, fund raising and development.
Watch here for working group and volunteer opportunity descriptions.
Email coordinator@aas-int.org to get involved!
Meet Our Working Group Members
Natashya Sheppard
Natashya is a qualified canine behaviourist and trainer. She is a community dog handler for Dogs for Good. She is currently working to make positive changes on the Dementia Dog Project.
Natashya would like to contribute to AASI by continuing to be an active member of the working group, building connections with fellow AASI members, helping to evolve the forums, and support development of educational resources.
Mercedes Iacoviello
Mercedes Iacoviello has been an AASI Associate Member since 2018.
Her day job/experience includes: Canine Assisted Interventions Specialist (IHAC Denver), Leader of Proyecto Salta Violeta since 2006, an AAS team that offers educational programs on responsible animal care, bite prevention, and animal well being. She has been a Pet Partners international evaluator since 2018, and developed a local volunteering program in Argentina. She is also a senior researcher and university professor in public management.
Mercedes would like to contribute to AASI by continuing to lead local projects in Argentina and mentoring other groups in Latin America. AASI provides support and valuable networking for both purposes, and that is why she plans to continue as an active member of the committee.
Anice Nascimento
Anice Nascimento, who has been an Associate Member since 2022.
Anice is a pediatric physiotherapist, Master of Science and studying Neurofunctional Physiotherapy. She has been providing Animal Assisted Interventions/Services since 2004 and has a certificate in training of dogs and assistance dogs. She started the “Projeto o Sorriso de Monalisa” (Monalisa’s Smile Project) in 2019.
Anice would like to contribute with study and hopefully with good articles in AATx.
Jennifer Rogers
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.
Jen would like to help develop an educational pathway for animal professionals who work in AAS or hope to educate professionals on ways to increase the intervention animals’ wellbeing.