Cindy has volunteered professionally since 1998 developing and implementing programs that specialize in providing Animal Assisted Activities and Therapy for children and youth at risk.
After the High School Shooting in May of 1998, Cindy created and developed training curriculum for animal assisted crisis response teams. On Sept. 21, 2001, she and three other animal/handler teams responded to the request from the American Red Cross Mental Health. For two weeks, they provided emotional support and comfort at the Family Assistant Center and the WTC site. At the request of the Mayors office they traveled on the Ferry Boats with family members viewing The WTC site.
Upon returning home, Cindy founded the first Animal Assisted Crisis Response organization, adding a mental health practitioner to teach crisis intervention and stress management. She has taught Animal Assisted Crisis Response courses throughout the Untied States.
Cindy's passion is helping others who have been affected by life changing events, crisis and disaster through the human animal bond. Her experiences as a trauma responder, victim advocate, and therapy dog team have given her a unique ability to reach people of many different nationalities, cultures and populations.