I have been fortunate enough to work with the Centennial Mental Health Center (CMHC) organization for the past 11 years.  I have held the position of mental health clinician, providing individual, group, family and couples services.  I have held two program manger positions and currently serve as the clinical coordinator of adult services for the four regions of CMHC.

I became interested in Animal Assisted Therapy/Animals Assisted Activity (AAT/AAA) services in 2005.  I am registered with two canines as handler/animal teams through Therapy Dogs, Inc.  I have completed the training and am a member of Delta Society, and hold a certificate in Animals and Human Health through the DU Graduate School of Social Work.  My registered dogs are also Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.).

Colorado is fortunate to have the DU Graduate School of Social Work who is nationally and internationally recognized in the area of research in the human animal bond.  DU recently endowed their first research chair, which will further advance credibility to the AAT treatment modality.  Colorado is also geographically situated near Cheyenne, Wyoming, which is the home of the founders and national office of Therapy Dogs, Inc.

Exciting opportunities are on the horizon for adult services for CMHC.  The evidenced based practices (EBP) of Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) will be available throughout the four regions of CMHC beginning January of 2010.  Opportunities are also being created in the areas of horticulture, vocations and peer specialists, all within the guiding principles of the recovery model.