Amy Johnson is the Director of Teacher's Pet: Dogs and Kids Learning Together. She is also the Director of the Center for Human Animal Interventions at Oakland University and the online Animal Assisted Therapy Certificate program which she developed and has directed since 2007. She is co-facilitator of the Human Animal Interventions in Counseling Interest Network through the American Counseling Association, a board member and chair of the competencies committee for the American Psychological Association, Human Animal Interactions Division 17 as well as on the dog welfare committee for Animal Assisted Interventions International. She has published journal articles and book chapters related to human animal interventions. She is a licensed professional counselor as well as a nationally certified dog trainer.

My mom always said that if there was ever a cry for help, it hit my ears first. If there’s an underdog (pun intended), I’m pulling for it. I’ve worked at the Macomb County Juvenile Justice Center since 2007, and everyday I learn something new. When I was asked to be part of the Teacher’s Pet program, I jumped at it. It’s amazing to see the bond that is formed, but I’m not at all surprised. Most of the dogs we get from the shelter are strays or have been abused. When the kids learn that nobody cared that their dog--their family member--was on the streets, cold and hungry, or missing an ear because it was used as bait, they can unfortunately relate. But when they see the dogs learn to trust humans again, and love unconditionally, it gets me EVERY time. In the end, all of the participants, human and canine, become survivors, not victims. I am so lucky towork with these wonderful ladies, and am so grateful to Amy for bringing this amazing program to the JJC. To truly believe in what you do, and to be a part of the magic is awesome. My husband and I are also grateful because they introduced us to our two “kids”, Teacher’s Pet graduates, Minxy and Hamlet.

All it took was one rescue pittie named Milo, to forever change my life. Animals and rescue has continuously been a part of my life since 2013. I have a background in Criminal Justice and Communications from Saginaw Valley State University. I always had a passion for inmate rehabilitation with animals and I had an internship through Leader Dogs for the Blind with their Puppy Prison Program. I taught inmates how to train service dogs. It was an amazing experience to help not only the dogs, but those inmates as well. I have volunteered at a few different shelters and am currently a volunteer at the Humane Society of Macomb where I have come even further in positive reinforcement dog training. Currently, I am a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams and that allows me the flexibility to work with animals and help them find forever homes. Every time I close on a home, I sponsor an animal in need. I currently have 4 rescue animals, two dogs named Marley and Nash and two cats, named Enzo and Brice!

I always ended up with the dog that no one else wanted to take because of behavior problems. My first foster failure, Homer, and his significant behavioral challenges is what led me to get certified through Animal Behavior College and the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. I was thrilled to start working with the kids at Teacher's Pet because I can relate to making bad choices and overcoming them. The bond that is created between the kids and dogs and the progress they make together is something that can not be put into words. Dogs have made such an impact on my life, it is truly an honor to make even the slightest impact on the kids' and dogs' lives. Each session I learn more from the kids than I think I can ever teach them! I am so lucky to be a part of the Teacher's Pet family. I love that we collaborate with other groups, rescues and shelters. There is always something new to learn and if we all work together great things can happen!

When I first started the Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) certification program at Oakland University, I had no idea what a positive impact it would have on my life. I was interested in taking my dog to nursing homes and thought it would be a good idea to learn more about the human-animal bond. While working through the modules of the course, I learned about Teacher’s Pet so I went to observe a class first hand. It was an extraordinary experience. It was so impressive to watch all the kids train their dogs with such care and compassion. Every interaction was a positive one. The shelter dogs were getting a lot of kind words, attention and treats from the kids. It was clear that both the dogs and the kids enjoyed being together and were learning many things from each other. Since becoming part of the Teacher’s Pet program, I have received my AAT certification and have become a certified dog trainer. I have also completed a shelter dog practicum and enjoy keeping up on the latest information in this field. I am so happy to have found a place where I can share my love of all animals in a classroom setting. I feel very lucky to be here!

In my day-to-day life, I have a business finance career but my heart has always been with animals. Despite being allergic to all things furry, it has never stopped me from having them around or seeking out their affection. I’ve often described myself as having “all heart, no brain” due to my track record of acting first and working out the details last.. especially when it comes to things old, stinky or toothless. In 2011 I adopted my first official rescue dog, Drexl. His journey of courage and resiliency quickly ignited a passion in me to become involved in helping other survivors like him. I started fostering and volunteering in the animal rescue community soon after, and continue to learn as I go. I am proud to join this team of incredible humans and eager to expand into other areas of animal/human welfare with the Teacher’s Pet Family.

I come to the table not as a behaviorist, trainer or counselor but as a program manager experienced in development and implementation of large scale initiatives. I was introduced to Teacher’s Pet and their affiliations through Amy Johnson (some years ago) where I ended up fostering 5 puppies out of a litter of 12. I didn’t have a clue as to what I had gotten into or how to even take care of them but I rolled up my sleeves and my pant legs and made it work. After that, I kept in connection with the program and did what I could when they needed help. What became apparent to me was the positive impact this program has on the community and the passion of everyone involved. A little about what I do: I am the Program Coordinator for the Center for Human Animal Interventions at Oakland University. I have been with the university since 2013 as part of the initial development team for the Center's implementation. I earned my Master's Degree in Public Administration and a BA in Philosophy. This unique combination of policy and justice was the cornerstone of much of what I did academically where I focused primarily on the importance of education for vulnerable populations currently incarcerated. I am delighted to be a part of this program and I look forward to the opportunities ahead.

A history teacher for 24 years. Most recently at Clarkston High School. Working with Teachers Pet since almost the beginning, when we were still housed at the old facility on Brown Road.

I bring student-focused lesson planning to Teacher Pet; creating and delivering engaging and meaningful learning lessons for our students. I use my many years in the classroom to help guide classroom time, manage student interactions, and act as a resource for other facilitators.

My favorite TP memory is when a former student of ours stopped me at Sams Club (where she worked) because she recognized me from a previous session. She told me how much TP changed her life and thanked me for what we do for kids.