Mission & Board of Directors

Therapy Dogs United's Mission

Our mission is to inspire emotional and physical healing through the use of interactive animal-assisted therapy and human education by fostering the unconditional love of a dog to provide solace through difficult moments and enrichment during milestone moments.

At Therapy Dogs United, we have a proven track record of success.  Every volunteer representing Therapy Dogs United is personally committed to ensure your visit is pleasant, relaxing and memorable.  Visits by our team of certified therapy dogs is available to any member agency that can benefit from our services.  Please call our office at (814) 456-DOGS to schedule your visit.  To learn more, visit our FAQ page.   

We invite interested volunteers with or without a dog to fill out our Volunteer Application ~ we hope to speak to you soon!

Reminder: we only visit public facilities, not private residences.

Our organization is proactive - and we show it by working hard to make a difference in every life we touch.  While that is our organization's mission - our Board of Directors work tirelessly to help our team of certified therapy dog volunteers promote our mission, integrity, programs and events within the local community.    We thank our dedicated Board of Directors:

  • Patricia Christianson - Executive Director & Founder/Board of Directors, Board President
  • Kelly Philson - Associate Director/Director of Development; Board of Directors Vice President/Volunteer Handler (Jordy)
  • Linda Daughtery - Treasurer, Board of Directors/Volunteer Handler (Stewie)
  • Melanee Vogt - Board of Directors
  • Cherise Gibbs, LSW - Board of Directors
  • Michelle Forgione, MS, NCC - Secretary, Board of Directors

Contact Us

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