Jen has over thirty years of combined professional experience with marine mammal, zoo, equine, assistance dogs training and therapeutic programs. She is the Founding Director of PAALS, the only Assistance Dog International (ADI) and Animal Assisted Interventions International (AAII) accredited based program (founding board member of AAII) in the state of South Carolina. She has a BS in Biology from Rutgers University, a Med: Neuroscience and Trauma Response from Tabor College and is a graduate of the National Education of Assistance Dog programs and American Zoological Association’s (AZA) Management of Enrichment and Training programs. Jen was certified in Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association, EAGALA, as an equine specialist, and currently practices the principles of Natural Lifemanship, using the neuroscience of relationships with horses to help humans heal and learn. She has created and implemented animal assisted intervention programs for children in summer camps, afterschool programs, at-risk youth, soldiers and first responders with PTSD, and incarcerated individuals and has presented internationally on standards for these programs. Jen has also served on the ADI North American board of directors, leading and/or working on the international committees regarding education, training, diversity/equity/inclusion/accessibility, conference planning, and served as the ADI liaison to the International Guide Dog Special Interest Group for Welfare and Wellbeing for Working Dogs. As part of AAII, Jen has participated in the development of standards, education forums, competencies and accreditation processes. She is also the owner of Synapsis, which offers training and education on animal assisted services and trauma responsive care. Her dog Harley is a certified team member with Jen to serve in crisis response to natural and manmade disasters, as well as to serve in resiliency support to the military and first responders. She is also a member of the SC marine mammal stranding network.