Melissa Winkle, OTR/L  works with children and adults of all ages and abilities in Albuquerque, NM. Her private practice, Dogwood Therapy Services Inc. offers opportunities to improve independent living and vocational skills in natural and integrated community settings. Melissa is active in evaluation, intervention, consulting, international workshops, program development and research. Special interests include animal assisted interventions, assistance dogs as assistive technology options, and nature therapy. Melissa serves as faculty or clinical instructor for a dozen universities within the United States, Chile, Spain, & Costa Rica. She is an instructor trainer for Assistance Dogs of the West, is on the standards and ethics committee for Assistance Dogs International and an upcoming organization called Animal Assisted Intervention International based in Europe. Melissa recently received the New Mexico Humanitarian of the Year Award, and was recognized by the New Mexico Commission on the Status of Women and the American Occupational Therapy Association.

Carol has been volunteering for Dogwood and Assistance Dogs of the West since 2004. Carol holds down the fort including assisting in occupational therapy sessions, integrated programs, and maintaining our infrastructure. Her specialties include new puppy cuddling, assistance dog sitting, grooming, and keeping all of the bellies full. She maintains all of the other animals that work at Dogwood including fish and hedgehogs. We love Carol and wonder how she does it all.

Libby Jackson, OTR/L collaborates many projects with Dogwood. Libby came to us for a post-professional rotation in 2010, to learn more about animal assisted interventions, assistance dogs, and program development.  While Libby lives in Oregon, she frequently comes to Dogwood in sunny New Mexico. She contributes to writing articles, product development, and is speed tracking her way into teaching our workshops. Libby will begin working clinical and community based summer programs with us in 2012.

Heather Hill generously donates her time to support Dogwood Therapy Services and Assistance Dogs of the West. Melissa (owner of Dogwood) describes her as a super hero. By education and trade, Heather is an air traffic controller, which is a perfect match for our environment, as she helps us navigate uncharted territory. Heathers gifts are diverse, and include, graphics and design, IT support, volunteer and intern coordination and training, assistance dog training groupie, and occupational therapy aide. She dabbles in operations, policy and procedure, program development, and mind reading. Dogwood and Assistance Dogs of the West are grateful to have Heather on our team.