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
