Healing Hounds – About Us

Healing Hounds – About Us

The Healing Hounds Mission

To provide playful interaction between certified therapy dogs and first responders for the purpose of reducing job related stress by capturing the health and wellness benefits of the human-animal bond.

We partner with first responder agencies and counseling services to help reduce the stress, anxiety, fatigue, and emotional unrest that first responders experience as part of their job. Our specially-trained dogs are loving and affectionate and offer first responders an opportunity to connect in a healthy and safe way.

Meet the team

You’ll see us visiting fire houses, police stations, dispatch centers, First Responder community events, and counseling facilities!

Board of Directors

Nancy Brandt

Founder & Executive Director

Nancy Brandt is a former Criminal Investigator for the State of Colorado as well as a former civilian employee for the Denver Police Department and Denver County Court. Prior to that Nancy spent many years working as a Paralegal, and part-time as a legislative aide.

Portia Hensley

Vice President

Portia Hensley is currently a dog trainer at Freedom Service Dogs (FSD), in Englewood,
CO. Before moving to FSD, Portia worked with Noble Beast Dog Training in Denver, and
helped establish their Therapy Dog program.

Joshua Goodwin

At-Large Director

Josh is currently the co-founder and CEO of Operation True North Colorado, a mental health company explicitly designed for the military, first responders, and their families. 

Ali Mickelson

Secretary

Dave Snelling

at-Large Director

Advisory Board

ValErie Robson

Valerie Robson has been active in the field of Human Services and Aging for over 40 years. 
She holds an undergraduate degree from Colorado State University in Psychology and Cultural Anthropology and a Masters degree from the University of Kansas in Social Work Administration and Gerontology.

Amy Cure

Amy Cure is a Security Forces Tech Sergeant in the USAF and is stationed at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs. Amy is co-director of a first responders support program at Peterson SFB called Tough Talks, in which she has implemented the Healing Hounds Inc., team to assist with this program.

Jackie Cheong

Nick Metz

Frankie

Therapy K9

Rumble

Therapy K9

Tebow

Therapy K9

Dixie

crossed the rainbow bridge

buddy

Therapy K9

Ndora

Therapy K9

seamus

Therapy K9

Gunter

THERAPY K9

Kona

Therapy K9

Bella

Therapy K9

Murphy

Therapy K9

Porkchop

Therapy K9

Our Supporters

  • Bentley’s PETstuff
  • Boulder Police Department
  • Colorado NonProfit Association
  • Colorado Outdoor Dogs
  • Denver 911
  • Denver Fire Department
  • Denver Police Department
  • Denver Police Foundation
  • Denver Sheriff Department
  • Department of Public Safety –
    • City and County of Denver
  • Design Dog Studio
  • El Abuelo Family Restaurant
  • Elbert County Sheriff’s Office
  • Elizabeth Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Elizabeth Brewing Company
  • Everso Labs
  • Farmers Insurance
  • Franktown Firearms
  • Helping Heroes Colorado
  • Hudson Police Department
  • Iron Horse Armory
  • Murdoch’s Ranch and Home Supply
  • Park County Sheriff’s Office
  • Parker Counseling and Education Services
  • Rocky Mountain Families Behind the Lines
  • Ruff Responders K9 Academy
  • Rugged Retrievers
  • Six Degrees Studio
  • Starbucks
  • Steve Warneke Productions
  • Versatility Creative Group
  • Welcome Home Brewery
  • XLVII’s Bakery

Testimonials