Katelyn experienced tremendous loss in the spring of 2009. She lost her beloved brother, Kenny, to the ugly illnesses of depression and anxiety.
After the pain of losing Kenny and watching the discrimination he fought each day due to his illness, Katelyn and her family wanted to do something to make a difference. They wanted to bring mental illness out into the community, letting people know that it is OK to talk about it. No one should be embarrassed. Discussions ensued and Katelyn’s creative mind and ability to wordsmith, gave her the idea that mental illness is just like air…just because you do not see it, doesn’t mean it isn’t there. It is all around us. Attitudes In Reverse or AIR was born.
AIR quickly grew, offering evidence-based mental wellness programs to students from kindergarten through 12th grade, staff, and parents. Every one of these mental wellness programs includes certified therapy dogs. Research shows that the simple act of interacting with a dog releases de-stressing brain chemicals. Katelyn’s work with AIR therapy dogs inspired Katelyn to choose becoming a professional dog trainer as her career. Katelyn is also a certified American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen instructor and evaluator along with being a certified American Nose Work Instructor through the National Association of Canine Scent Work.
Katelyn has a tremendous love for animals. This passion helped her through her difficult times. How can you be sad when you hug your puppy? Her love for animals and seeing how her personal dogs benefited other students through all of AIR’s programs, inspired her to want to grow AIR’s therapy dog program. But how?
Sadly, the answer came six years ago, when a young student passed away tragically in the Hopewell Valley School District. The AIR Dogs were invited in to offer support to the surviving students. What the superintendent, Dr. Thomas Smith saw it as “magic”. He saw how the students responded and began their healing process when the dogs walked in. In a partnership with HVRSD and AIR the AIR Dogs: PAWS FOR MINDS program was born. This is a first in the country school-based therapy dog program where school staff are trained and certify their personal dogs. The goal – one certified therapy dog on every school property every day. To date, there are close to 70 dogs in schools across New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Katelyn was instrumental in the development and execution of this program. Katelyn used her writing skills from her English Degree from TCNJ and was instrumental in writing of the 11-month program curriculum. Katelyn travels across New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania to instruct and to test. Without Katelyn’s contribution, AIR would not have so many dogs supporting students and school staff. Katelyn’s hope is to grow the AIR Dogs: Paws for Minds to bring more dogs to help support more students during this challenging time.