Missouri Patriot Paws Board of Directors
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Staff
Susan & Ranger, Rags, and Big MO
Susan Hinkle, Program Director
Susan first became involved in working with therapy dogs by taking her own therapy dogs to local school, universities, nursing homes, and medical facilities. Currently, Susan has five dogs with two being registered therapy dogs. A mixed retriever named Angus, a golden retriever named Ranger, and a golden doodle puppy, Sgt. Rags, who will be tested in December to become a registered therapy dog.
Susan is active in a local therapy dog group, Paw Prints Missouri. This group has therapy dogs working in elementary schools in the towns of Rolla, Fort Leonard Wood, Bourbon, and Vienna; hospitals, Hospice Care, USO at Fort Leonard Wood, the Missouri Veterans Homes at St James, and the University of Missouri Science and Technology. The objective of Paw Prints Missouri is to form a network of caring individuals who are willing to share their special animals in order to bring happiness to people, young and old alike.
Susan Hinkle has been a Tester/Observer for Alliance of Therapy Dogs Incorporated for the last 14 years. As a tester/Observer, she has tested approximately 100 dogs that have become registered therapy dogs with Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Inc. The goal of Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Inc. is to provide registration, support and insurance for members who are involved in volunteer animal assisted activities. These activities include, but are not limited to: visits to hospital, special needs centers, schools, and nursing homes.
For the past years Susan has been working with dogs and veterans. Susan started working with two Texas based non-profits in 2011 to train and certify Post Traumatic Stress Disorder/Traumatic Brain Injury (PTSD/TBI) service dog teams.
Missouri Patriot Paws was formed in December of 2013. Since that time 37 teams have graduated with PTSD/TBI Service Dogs. Missouri Patriot Paws has trainers in Rolla, St Louis, and Dexter, Missouri.
If a veteran applies to MPP and does not have his/her own dog to be assessed for service dogs work, Susan coordinates with Missouri Department of Corrections “Puppies for Parole Program”, to find a suitable dog from their program. At this time, MPP has pulled many dogs from this program and is extremely pleased with the dogs. Missouri Patriot Paws is proud of this connection with the Puppies for Parole Program.
Susan is pleased and overwhelmed by the generosity of all the groups willing to help raise funds for Missouri Patriot Paws.
It gives Susan great pleasure to take a dog that was running the street with no one to take care of it to becoming a trained service dog, in less than a year, helping save a veteran’s life.
Missouri Patriot Paws is expanding into training PTSD Service Dogs for Missouri First Responders in 2018. MPP has its first St Louis fireman who will begin training his dog for a PTSD Service dog.
Susan first became involved in working with therapy dogs by taking her own therapy dogs to local school, universities, nursing homes, and medical facilities. Currently, Susan has five dogs with two being registered therapy dogs. A mixed retriever named Angus, a golden retriever named Ranger, and a golden doodle puppy, Sgt. Rags, who will be tested in December to become a registered therapy dog.
Susan is active in a local therapy dog group, Paw Prints Missouri. This group has therapy dogs working in elementary schools in the towns of Rolla, Fort Leonard Wood, Bourbon, and Vienna; hospitals, Hospice Care, USO at Fort Leonard Wood, the Missouri Veterans Homes at St James, and the University of Missouri Science and Technology. The objective of Paw Prints Missouri is to form a network of caring individuals who are willing to share their special animals in order to bring happiness to people, young and old alike.
Susan Hinkle has been a Tester/Observer for Alliance of Therapy Dogs Incorporated for the last 14 years. As a tester/Observer, she has tested approximately 100 dogs that have become registered therapy dogs with Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Inc. The goal of Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Inc. is to provide registration, support and insurance for members who are involved in volunteer animal assisted activities. These activities include, but are not limited to: visits to hospital, special needs centers, schools, and nursing homes.
For the past years Susan has been working with dogs and veterans. Susan started working with two Texas based non-profits in 2011 to train and certify Post Traumatic Stress Disorder/Traumatic Brain Injury (PTSD/TBI) service dog teams.
Missouri Patriot Paws was formed in December of 2013. Since that time 37 teams have graduated with PTSD/TBI Service Dogs. Missouri Patriot Paws has trainers in Rolla, St Louis, and Dexter, Missouri.
If a veteran applies to MPP and does not have his/her own dog to be assessed for service dogs work, Susan coordinates with Missouri Department of Corrections “Puppies for Parole Program”, to find a suitable dog from their program. At this time, MPP has pulled many dogs from this program and is extremely pleased with the dogs. Missouri Patriot Paws is proud of this connection with the Puppies for Parole Program.
Susan is pleased and overwhelmed by the generosity of all the groups willing to help raise funds for Missouri Patriot Paws.
It gives Susan great pleasure to take a dog that was running the street with no one to take care of it to becoming a trained service dog, in less than a year, helping save a veteran’s life.
Missouri Patriot Paws is expanding into training PTSD Service Dogs for Missouri First Responders in 2018. MPP has its first St Louis fireman who will begin training his dog for a PTSD Service dog.
Missouri Patriot Paws Board of directoRs
Shay Hawkins
Shay Hawkins is the Marketing Coordinator for Town & Country Bank, a community bank that operates in nine markets across south-central Missouri. With over thirty years of experience, she blends creativity and strategic thinking to understand people and build brands, products, and messages that connect with various audiences.
She shares her time and talents in her spare time by serving on the Phelps County Habitat for Humanity board. She is also a Rolla Chamber Ambassador and volunteers regularly with the Rolla Downtown Business Association events.
Shay and her husband have been married for 31 years and have two children. Their son is an officer in the US Army, and their daughter is a third-grade teacher in the Rockwood School District. Her favorite things include spending time with her family and their dogs, Echo and Foxtrot.
She shares her time and talents in her spare time by serving on the Phelps County Habitat for Humanity board. She is also a Rolla Chamber Ambassador and volunteers regularly with the Rolla Downtown Business Association events.
Shay and her husband have been married for 31 years and have two children. Their son is an officer in the US Army, and their daughter is a third-grade teacher in the Rockwood School District. Her favorite things include spending time with her family and their dogs, Echo and Foxtrot.
Shawn Wethington
MPP Secretary, Shawn Wethington and his service dog Chewie
April & Todd
In 1980, at the age of 17, Todd enlisted into the United States Army as an infantryman. Over the period of 21 years, Todd served his country in numerous essential missions for the United States domestically and abroad.
When Todd was a young soldier he reached out for assistance to deal with the stress and anxiety that came with his missions. Upon reaching out he was offered no resources and told to just deal with it. After prolonged experiences with the stress and anxiety, Todd turned to self-medicating with alcohol. Todd had hit rock bottom roughly 7 years ago.
Since then, Todd has turned to the Lord and begun to face the feelings and memories he had suppressed. Although it has not been easy, he has made major progress and has even stopped drinking completely.
Five years ago, Todd met his wife April who helped push Todd for additional treatment. April adopted Duke in November 2014 from a local shelter. Neither April nor Todd had realized just how important Duke would become for the family at that time. Through Missouri Patriot Paws, Duke became trained as Todd’s service dog. Having Duke has changed Todd’s life tremendously. Duke allows Todd to have less anxiety in stores, remind him to take his medication, awaken Todd from nightmares, block people from approaching Todd too closely, and much more. Duke has proven to be an essential part of Todd’s life both at home and at work.
Missouri Patriot Paws played an essential piece of both Duke and Todd’s lives. We are honored to have the opportunity to serve on the Missouri Patriot Paws board. We are both excited to help veterans.
In 1980, at the age of 17, Todd enlisted into the United States Army as an infantryman. Over the period of 21 years, Todd served his country in numerous essential missions for the United States domestically and abroad.
When Todd was a young soldier he reached out for assistance to deal with the stress and anxiety that came with his missions. Upon reaching out he was offered no resources and told to just deal with it. After prolonged experiences with the stress and anxiety, Todd turned to self-medicating with alcohol. Todd had hit rock bottom roughly 7 years ago.
Since then, Todd has turned to the Lord and begun to face the feelings and memories he had suppressed. Although it has not been easy, he has made major progress and has even stopped drinking completely.
Five years ago, Todd met his wife April who helped push Todd for additional treatment. April adopted Duke in November 2014 from a local shelter. Neither April nor Todd had realized just how important Duke would become for the family at that time. Through Missouri Patriot Paws, Duke became trained as Todd’s service dog. Having Duke has changed Todd’s life tremendously. Duke allows Todd to have less anxiety in stores, remind him to take his medication, awaken Todd from nightmares, block people from approaching Todd too closely, and much more. Duke has proven to be an essential part of Todd’s life both at home and at work.
Missouri Patriot Paws played an essential piece of both Duke and Todd’s lives. We are honored to have the opportunity to serve on the Missouri Patriot Paws board. We are both excited to help veterans.
Dorothy Northern
Some of my earliest memories were of people asking me what I wanted to be when I grew up..my answer was always...a nurse. As my high school days ended, I realized that I wanted a profession that would enable me to make a difference in people’s lives. With caring and compassion. A job that was challenging, interesting profession that would bring a since of satisfaction and enrich my life. This again brought me back to the nursing field.
Now forty years later I no longer practice nursing and find myself yearning to again make a difference, touch lives. So I began doing therapy dog work. Which I adore...but would love to give more...Seeing our wounded warriors and the hero’s they are. That have many disabling conditions I was inspired to help make a difference in their lives.
Personally I had a service dog...and saw firsthand what a huge difference they can make in a life...at times the difference between life and death...Our warriors deserve this and more...and I want to make a difference with caring and compassion. Just as it was when my nursing career began.
Some of my earliest memories were of people asking me what I wanted to be when I grew up..my answer was always...a nurse. As my high school days ended, I realized that I wanted a profession that would enable me to make a difference in people’s lives. With caring and compassion. A job that was challenging, interesting profession that would bring a since of satisfaction and enrich my life. This again brought me back to the nursing field.
Now forty years later I no longer practice nursing and find myself yearning to again make a difference, touch lives. So I began doing therapy dog work. Which I adore...but would love to give more...Seeing our wounded warriors and the hero’s they are. That have many disabling conditions I was inspired to help make a difference in their lives.
Personally I had a service dog...and saw firsthand what a huge difference they can make in a life...at times the difference between life and death...Our warriors deserve this and more...and I want to make a difference with caring and compassion. Just as it was when my nursing career began.
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Caren Whites
I’ve been a dog lover for as long as I can remember. Partner that with being an Army brat and you see why being a part of Missouri Patriot Paws is a perfect fit for me. My father and brother both served in the Army and are both Vietnam War veterans. Having been raised in the military I know firsthand the sacrifices that these service men and women (and their families) make so that we might enjoy the freedom we have in this country. I will always be grateful to them. I have been in the banking business for many, many years and currently serve as the Treasurer for Missouri Patriot Paws. It’s my honor to do this small part to help our veterans |
Missouri Patriot Paws advisory Board of directions
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Timothy Kirchoff
My name is Tim Kirchoff and I was raised in St Louis Mo. I have a wonderful wife named Laura and two fantastic boys. I served eleven years as a combat engineer with the Missouri Army National Guard making the rank of sergeant. I used my GI Bill to put myself first through EMT school and then I continued my education in the field of EMS completing my Paramedic training. I started working as an EMT in 1998 for a private ambulance company until getting hired by the St Louis Fire Department Bureau of Emergency Medical Services as a paramedic in 2000. I worked on some of the busiest ambulances in the country. In 2004 I was accepted into the St Louis Fire Academy and was honored to be the class valedictorian. I worked as a firefighter/paramedic on one of the busiest engine companies in the City of St. Louis until excepting a position with the City of St. Charles in 2013. On January 5, 2014 I was trapped in a house fire and dove out of a window to safety. This event caused multiple physical injuries and several subsequent surgeries. This caused my downhill slide mentally and I was diagnosed with severe PTSD, depression, anxiety, and mood disorder. The physical and mental injuries caused my forced retirement which in turn made my mental health much worse. I started looking for help, this led me to reach out to Missouri Patriot Paws. This organization put there best foot forward and trained my dog Ozzy to help me with my PTSD. Ozzy has been a godsend and has helped me to go out in public and has reduced my anxiety. With Ozzy, medications, meditation, and therapy my life is much improved. I still have my struggles and bad days but I have come to learn that life is worth living. |
MISSOURI PATRIOT PAWS TRAINERS
Rolla area Trainers
Jessi Queen
Jessi Queen
Jessi Queen has been training dogs and their owners for over 20 years and is professional member of the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors, AKC/CGC Evaluator, Animal Behavior College Mentor Trainer and Owner of Canine Connections Dog Training. Committed to providing the most effective, convenient solutions to her clients' dog training needs. Jessi avidly pursue ongoing continuing education and professional development by attending several seminars per year and keeping current on all industry literature. Jessi puts clients first and is well respected and referred to by local veterinarians and the Rolla Animal Shelter. Jessi has trained several veterans and their dogs to become certified service dog teams. When not helping clients to enjoy easier lives with their canine companions, Jessi competes in obedience with her own dogs.
Jessi Queen has been training dogs and their owners for over 20 years and is professional member of the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors, AKC/CGC Evaluator, Animal Behavior College Mentor Trainer and Owner of Canine Connections Dog Training. Committed to providing the most effective, convenient solutions to her clients' dog training needs. Jessi avidly pursue ongoing continuing education and professional development by attending several seminars per year and keeping current on all industry literature. Jessi puts clients first and is well respected and referred to by local veterinarians and the Rolla Animal Shelter. Jessi has trained several veterans and their dogs to become certified service dog teams. When not helping clients to enjoy easier lives with their canine companions, Jessi competes in obedience with her own dogs.
K9 Biz Trainers
Christa Tucker of K9Biz
ST LOUIS AREA TRAINERS
Dogs On Duty
Meribeth Broadway
Meribeth Broadway
Meribeth has worked in the animal field for over 35 years. She has worked in grooming salons, boarding kennels, veterinarian offices, vet ER, and pet stores. She has been a trainer at companies such as PetSmart and Paws for Play. She is an approved AKC evaluator, a therapy dog evaluator, and a public access evaluator. Her passion is to see the dog become the best that it can be by giving it the right tools to succeed.Meribeth Broadway