Dr. Evelyn Reed holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and possesses over fifteen years of experience integrating animal-assisted interventions into evidence-based therapeutic practices. She founded HEALING HEARTS K-9 THERAPY after extensive research and personal experience highlighted the unparalleled efficacy of the human-canine bond in trauma recovery and anxiety reduction. Evelyn is personally certified with her Golden Retriever, “Apollo,” a team renowned for their gentle, stabilizing presence in crisis and disaster relief deployments. Her biofeedback research focuses on quantifying the immediate physiological effects of AAT on human heart rate variability and stress hormone levels, providing the scientific foundation for the organization’s protocols. Evelyn’s leadership emphasizes both clinical rigor and profound compassion, training handlers to see their dogs not just as companions, but as co-therapists, capable of sensing and responding to nuanced human emotional states. Her greatest passion is expanding K-9 therapy access to underserved populations, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of socioeconomic status, can benefit from the healing power she discovered years ago.

Michael Chen is a former certified Veterinary Technician with a specialization in animal behavior and training, bringing a decade of expertise in canine welfare and positive reinforcement methods to the team. His role is critical, overseeing the rigorous selection, training, and ongoing certification of all human and canine teams, ensuring every participant meets the demanding standards required for therapeutic work in vulnerable settings. Michael’s certified partner, “Roux,” a calm and focused Beagle mix, is often deployed in educational settings to facilitate social skills and emotional regulation workshops for elementary school students. Michael develops the customized training modules that prepare teams for the specific demands of hospitals, nursing homes, and trauma centers, focusing heavily on environmental desensitization and handler communication. He is deeply committed to the ethical treatment of all working dogs, implementing regular wellness checks and mandatory rest protocols to ensure the longevity and happiness of every canine therapist, truly embodying the caring approach we value.

Sarah Johnson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who joined HEALING HEARTS K-9 THERAPY to integrate the organization more closely with established clinical care networks across the Abilene region. Her background includes extensive work in family and grief counseling, giving her a vital perspective on how AAT can complement traditional talk therapy and group support. Sarah is responsible for designing our goal-oriented therapeutic session plans, consulting with facility staff to tailor K-9 visits to patient treatment goals, and managing the intake process for new partner organizations. She handles complex deployments, ensuring compliance with all medical and behavioral health regulations, and acts as the liaison between the dog handlers and the clinical teams they support. Sarah frequently works alongside her mixed-breed terrier, “Piper,” who has a remarkable intuitive sense for detecting client anxiety and offering subtle, grounding contact, making them an invaluable team for children and teenagers navigating difficult transitions or mental health crises.