Meet the TAAILS Builders
It takes inspiring people to create change
We have no interns at the moment.
I have been an avid animal lover since my childhood, where no animal, be it dog or horse, could pass by without first getting pet. This compassion for animals has followed me into adulthood. As a forensically trained Registered Psychologist, I have witnessed the significant and positive impact that animals can have on lives of individuals who have faced life challenges such as trauma, violence, or scrutiny. I have truly been inspired. I use animals in my own practice as a means of building rapport and facilitating therapeutic change. Despite my own diligence and competence regarding my use of animals in my practice, I learned that this was not a requirement for professionals who choose to use animals in their given careers. As one of the founding board members of TAAILS, I am honoured to work with likeminded individuals who are devoted to ensuring the safety of our clients and our animals alike as we create positive change in the lives of others.
Amanda Baird
President
Angila Chase
Vice President
I am a Provisional Psychologist, specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Animal Assisted Therapy. My provincial registration is with the Psychology Association of Alberta and the College of Alberta Psychologists. For over thirty years I have worked with families and children through family-based treatment. During the course of my practice, I have personally witnessed the incredible benefits that therapeutic animal assisted therapy can have. My two certified therapy dogs, named Neuman and Sam, often join me in private therapy sessions, crisis counselling, and at various hospitals and at MacEwan University to de-stress students during exams. Sam and Neuman have such unique personalities allowing them to work with diverse groups. Knowing that my animals can create a positive change within the lives of people is truly fulfilling and inspiring.
Cheryl Newton-Skirrow
Director At Large
For me, helping to found TAAILS is a labour of love and lifelong learning. As a child, I enjoyed an interspecies household that welcomed dogs, cats, gerbils, birds and several other wondrous small creatures. As a grown up, my work in adult education and not-for-profit management eventually led me to animal assisted therapy programming. Through Chimo AAT pilot project, Service Dog Testing Pilot, Pet Therapy Society, Hope Heels, and a Canadian ad-hoc Task Force on Animal Assisted Therapy, I have worked with helpful professionals who share a vision of safe, accessible therapeutic AAI. I continue to enjoy AAT/AAA volunteer work alongside my dear friend, retired service-dog breeder, Macy.
Linda Shaw
Director At Large
I have been a registered nurse for many years and have loved animals for even longer. I decided to combine my passion for animals and for nursing by becoming involved in animal assisted therapy. I have a certificate in Animal Assisted Therapy through the University of Oakland, School of Nursing. Two years ago, I initiated a dog therapy program at NAIT with Flynn, my certified therapy dog. Through my work and training with Flynn, I was lucky enough to come into contact with one of TAAILS board members. She had the vision and passion to bring us together and build on our combined professional interest in utilizing therapy animals within our scope of practice. Flynn and I are also volunteers with the Pet Therapy Society of Northern Alberta and are pioneering a new dog assisted therapy program at the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton. Flynn is an Australian Labradoodle and a very photogenic one at that.
Sheri de Vries
Treasurer
I am a Registered Social Worker and am currently employed as an Outreach Worker at the Edmonton Public Library. I have a Certificate in animal assisted therapy from Harcum College and am interested in how animal assisted therapy can benefit adults who are dealing with mental health and addictions.
I first became interested in animal assisted therapy through my own love for animals and through an awareness of alternative forms of therapy. I have one dog and three cats and each one acts as informal therapy animals for my friends. I am hoping to certify my dog as a therapy animal in the near future.
I have been working with families since completing a diploma in Child and Youth Care in 2010. I went on to complete a degree in Child and Youth Care in 2012 and a Master’s degree in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counselling in 2015. I have also completed specialized Play Therapy training.
Since my internship in 2014, I have been working with children, youth, and adults who have experienced extensive trauma. While working with these individuals I utilize attachment theory, systems theory, and narrative therapy.
I have a two-year-old dog, Mr. Miyagi, who has been working hard to become a therapy animal. As a member of TAAILS my hope is to gain as much knowledge and resources as possible so that Mr. Miyagi and I will be ready to work with children, youth, and adults. I am also working hard to aid others who are interested in learning more about animal assisted interactions.
Danyelle Lynch
Director at Large
Jo Reimer
Secretary
While a Speech-Language Pathology student at the University of Alberta, I had the opportunity to combine three of my passions in the capping project for my Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders: working with people with communication challenges, working with therapy animals, and working with other people who love animals. From the first moment I considered entering the field of speech therapy, I knew I wanted to incorporate trained animals into my practice to support, motivate, and facilitate progress with my clients. It is such a privilege to work with the other members of TAAILS and support their efforts in Animal-Assisted Therapy.
Current TAAILS Interns
We have no interns at present
Asha Fritz
Research Intern
I am a research intern for TAAILS, and my research involves discussing insurance and liability options that may be available for those involved in Animal Assisted Therapy. In addition to being a full time student, I am a runner (with my favourite spot being the river valley), a coffee connoisseur, a foodie, and a photographer with a love of exploring the city. My adoration for animals of all shapes and sizes is endless, and I enjoy every meaningful interaction I have with them.
Jamie Easter
Special Projects Intern
I am a third-year student in Physical Therapy with a love for furry friends. My first experience with therapy animals occurred when I planned and coordinated pet volunteers to visit long term care facilities. From there, I got involved with TAAILS as an animal-loving intern, helping to plan and organize events to spread knowledge and create a network of professionals working together in Animal Assisted Interactions. In the future, I hope to incorporate animals into my practice. I am passionate and eager to see how TAAILS can help me get personally involved in Animal Assisted Interactions.
My whole life I have loved the unparalleled comfort and companionship that animals provide. I am a second year occupational therapy student. Upon my graduation I hope to work with people who experience neurocognitive disorders. I am also interested in exploring animal-assisted interactions in rehabilitation medicine. It was not until recently that I have recognized the therapeutic potential of working with animals. They can provide motivation, a sense of responsibility, and act as a catalyst for conversation. I feel privileged to be working with TAAILS as a special-projects intern and for the opportunity to expose myself into this emerging area of practice.
Becca Kemp
Special Projects Intern
Tamara Paetkau
Graphic Design and
Communications Intern
I am a second-year Speech-Language Pathology graduate student in the department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Alberta. Having left a 12-year career in graphic design to pursue Speech-Language Pathology, I am excited to combine my previous experience with my new therapy career. I am also excited to incorporate my lifelong love of dogs, who have been invaluable to my own well-being and appreciation of life. I look forward to helping TAAILS promote animal-assisted therapy far and wide!
