Canine Therapy Corps is approaching an incredible milestone — an all-time high number of active therapy dog teams! This achievement marks a historic moment in our organization’s 34-year history and reflects the growing strength, dedication, and compassion of our volunteers and their amazing dogs.
Each therapy dog team—made up of a trained volunteer and their certified therapy dog—represents countless hours of preparation, teamwork, and heart. Together, these teams provide comfort, motivation, and unconditional love to people in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and social service agencies throughout the Chicago area.
Over the past two years, Canine Therapy Corps has seen tremendous growth in volunteer recruitment and training, allowing us to expand our reach and deepen our impact across more partner facilities. With nearly 100 active therapy dog teams, our programs are now able to touch more lives than ever before—helping clients build confidence, regain strength, and experience joy in the healing power of the human–animal bond. |
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FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR |
Dear Friends, As we wrap up another incredible year at Canine Therapy Corps, I can’t help but smile thinking about all the joy, comfort, and healing our teams have brought to people across Chicago.
From hospital visits to recovery programs, our therapy dogs and their volunteer handlers have touched countless lives — often with just a wag, a cuddle, or a quiet moment of connection. |
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This year, we certified a record number of new therapy dog teams and expanded to new program sites, reaching even more people who need the comfort and motivation only a dog can bring. It’s been inspiring to see how much impact our teams can make simply by showing up with open hearts (and paws!).
Of course, none of this would be possible without you — our incredible community of supporters. Your generosity keeps our programs running and our teams ready to serve. As we look ahead to the new year, I hope you’ll consider making a year-end gift to help us continue this life-changing work. Every donation, no matter the size, helps us bring more healing, hope, and happiness to those who need it most.
Thank you for being part of the Canine Therapy Corps family. Together, we’re proving that sometimes, the best kind of therapy really does come on four legs. With gratitude,
Sheila
Executive Director
Canine Therapy Corps |
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THE 12 DOGS OF CHRISTMAS
Cast Your Vote, Spread the Joy!
with special thanks to:
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| Ravi Bajaj
Barbara Brightman
Michael Conway
Deborah Crown
Ann Davidson
Eric Davidson
Adam Engle
Sheila Gidley, Executive Director (Ex-Officio)
Spencer Hadelman
Keith Keogh
Matt Kowalczyk
Danya Proud
Alice St. Clair
Alison Tallard
Nick Vom Brack, YPB Chair (Ex-Officio)
Will Wagner |
Amy Condellire
Program and Volunteer Manager
Sheila Gidley
Executive Director
Julie Van Duerm
Development Manager |
Program Leaders and Dog Trainers |
Kristyn Bretz
Corinne Carso
Jazz Cerkleski
Nicole Cook
Taylor Duffy
Haley Feller
Cynthia Fife-Townsel Margaret Fraser
Jasmine Haldane
Joan Harris
Jared Janssen
Court Johnson
Joan McDonald
Laurel Meng
Martin Ozmina
Maggie Rose
Joseph Satarelli
Debbie Shephard
Jessica Vlodek |
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Canine Therapy Corps is kicking off the holiday season with a festive—and furry—fundraiser: The 12 Dogs of Christmas! This is your chance to celebrate the incredible therapy dogs who bring comfort, motivation, and joy to people across Chicago and support the mission that makes it all possible. Here’s how it works:
For every $25 donation, you cast a vote for your favorite therapy dog. The pup with the most votes will win a special BarkBox packed with toys and treats—well-earned rewards for a year of heartwarming service!
But the giving doesn’t end there. Everyone who donates/votes will be entered into an exclusive drawing for an unforgettable getaway at the Silversmith Hotel. The prize package includes: Two-night stay in a Premium King Jr. Suite
$150 dining credit at Adamus Restaurant & Lounge
A bottle of Silversmith’s exclusive Maker’s Mark Bourbon blend It’s a perfect way to celebrate the season—supporting therapy dogs, spreading holiday cheer, and maybe even treating yourself to a luxurious Chicago escape. Vote today, make tails wag, and help keep our life-changing programs going strong! |
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BY THE NUMBERS
MEASURING CANINE THERAPY CORPS' IMPACT |
This year has been tremendously successful for Canine Therapy Corps. Volunteers have logged over 1,700 hours to 18,700 individuals - doubling our impact from a few years ago. Volunteers attended 140 outreach events throughout Chicago and we are now up to 18 program partners. We can’t wait to see what is to come and are thrilled to soon be celebrating an amazing milestone of 100 certified therapy dog teams! |
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| McCARTHY AWARD FOR
EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP
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Canine Therapy Corps is proud to recognize Program Leader Margaret Fraser with our McCarthy Award for Excellence in Leadership. Margaret first became involved with CTCorps in early 2022 as a professional dog trainer. She previously led group classes on Sunday mornings before starting as a Program Leader at Swedish Hospital in spring 2023.
Margaret is known for being friendly and welcoming to every person and dog she meets. Volunteer Alison Tallard says “Margaret is always so positive with the patients, dogs and volunteers. She cheers when the patients accomplish an activity and cheers almost as much when the dogs accomplish an activity. She makes everyone feel so good about their experience.” Volunteer Emily Merdinger adds “Margaret brings a positivity to program each week that makes a difference in the day of every volunteer, patient and dog attending. She’s the best cheerleader for both dogs and patients, and always knows just how to make sure everyone is having fun. Seeing Margaret at program is the highlight of Cleo’s week every time!”
Thank you for all that you do, Margaret, and congratulations! |
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This year, Canine Therapy Corps is proud to honor Alison Tallard & Toezy as our 2025 Steve and Polly Grubman Volunteer Team of the Year. Alison certified Toezy, a Great Pyrenees mix, in July 2023. Since then, they have volunteered at a large variety of organizations over the years including psychosocial programming with the University of Chicago, physical rehab programming at Swedish Hospital, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and Schwab Rehabilitation, and they’ve gone to many outreach events. They are one of Canine Therapy Corps’ most active volunteer teams and Alison is often the first to step in when another volunteer cancels and a sub is needed. Program Leader Corinne Carso says “Alison and Toezy are a uniquely valuable team. They’re always excited to volunteer and never hesitate to jump in at the last minute when we have a cancellation. Their creativity, flexibility, and positive energy make them such a joy to have on the team.” In addition to volunteering with Toezy, Alison serves on the Canine Therapy Corps Board of Directors and her insight as a volunteer is invaluable. Congratulations, Alison and Toezy!
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| Ann and Eric Davidson & Rocko |
Ann and Eric Davidson certified Rocko, a German Shepherd mix, in June 2015 while Ann was working at Canine Therapy Corps. Rocko, now 12 years old, has volunteered over 200 times in the past 10 years including programs at Lawrence Hall, Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School, Swedish Hospital, and countless outreach events. Program Leader Joe Saltarelli says “They have been a source of healing and joy to so many individuals over the years. Rocko has such a calm and friendly demeanor which is very welcoming and puts participants at ease, and Ann and Eric are both wonderful at connecting with participants in program while carrying a positive attitude.”
Ann and Eric also both serve on the Canine Therapy Corps Board of Directors and we are so grateful for their endless contributions over the years, and we are especially grateful that they share Rocko with others. Congratulations on 10 amazing years, Ann, Eric and Rocko. |
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| PROGRAM PARTNER HIGHLIGHTS |
2025 has been a year of growth for Canine Therapy Corps. In addition to a record number of therapy dog teams, we are pleased to present seven program partners added to our roster since the beginning of the year: |
- Ida Crown Jewish Academy
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JCFS Knapp School and Yeshiva
- Nettelhorst Fine and Performing Arts School
- Office of Emergency Management and Communications-City of Chicago
- Ronald McDonald House Charities
- RUSH Children's Hospital
- Schwab Rehabilitation
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2025 has been an incredible year for Canine Therapy Corps, marked by significant growth in the Chiquita Brightman Dog Training Department. The expansion includes new group classes, offering more diverse training options for clients, and an increase in our training team, now composed of 10 experienced dog trainers. Their collective expertise and compassion continues to enhance the quality of our program by helping more dogs and their owners build strong, happy and healthy relationships. |
| Read the inspiring essay titled "Happiness" written by Bill Schneider, our volunteer "spotlightee" shown here with his therapy dog Max. |
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Join us in congratulating our volunteers on their good news this year.
Lauren Falasco got married in August 2025
Gorden Wolfe tied the knot in October 2025 Sara Gotthelf & David Carlson got engaged Oct 2025 Jen Collins and Matt Dlugie welcomed their baby boy, AJ, in June 2025
Kennedy Cooney had baby boy Kieran in September 2025 Halie Dunlap had baby girl Rory in September 2025
Jasmine Haldane had baby boy August in November 2025
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Canine Therapy Corps empowers and motivates individuals to improve their physical and psychological health and well-being by harnessing the human-animal bond; provides goal-directed, interactive animal-assisted therapy services free of charge using volunteers and certified therapy dogs; and advances animal-assisted interventions through research and collaboration. |
| BECOME A
CORPORATE PARTNER |
Become a Canine Therapy Corps Corporate Partner and showcase your commitment to helping Chicagoans who have suffered physical or psychological trauma heal and reclaim their lives through the power of the human-animal bond. Canine Therapy Corps’ goal-directed programs have been shown to increase patient motivation to continue therapy and persevere during difficult or painful sessions and improve outcomes. The populations we serve include those battling substance use disorder, veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, adolescents with histories of trauma, abuse, and neglect, children on the autism spectrum, and people of all ages recovering from severe physical injury. Our overarching goal is to help each individual, whatever their needs, achieve the highest quality of life possible.
Join the Corps and work to achieve our mission by becoming a corporate partner today!
Mastiff Level Corporate Partner: |
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We’re thrilled to celebrate and officially welcome the newest therapy dogs and their handlers certified in 2025! Your dedication, compassion, and teamwork embody the heart of Canine Therapy Corps’ mission. Thank you for sharing your time, your hearts, and your incredible dogs to bring comfort, joy, and healing to those we serve. We’re so excited to have you join the pack! |
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This year, we say goodbye to some very special members of our Canine Therapy Corps family. These remarkable dogs touched countless lives with their gentle presence, unconditional love, and quiet strength. Their paws may no longer walk beside us, but their impact endures—in the comfort they gave, the joy they brought, and the hope they inspired. We honor their memory with gratitude and love. |
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| WITH GRATITUDE TO OUR DEPARTING DIRECTORS |
We want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to our outgoing Board Directors Mike Conway and Alice St. Clair. Their leadership, dedication, and vision have guided Canine Therapy Corps through remarkable years of growth and impact. |
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WITH THANKS TO OUR DONORS |
(October 2024-October 2025)
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Grants/Foundations Aileen S. Andrew Foundation Alben F. Bates and Clara G. Bates Foundation Audrey Love Charitable Foundation Castaways Foundation Daniel F. & Ada L. Rice Foundation FDC Foundation James K Ferguson Foundation Inc. Robert And Mayari Pritzker Family Foundation Russell Johnson Foundation
Thomas M. Brown Perpetual Charitable Trust The Wanda Muntwyler Foundation Partners in Healing/Corporate Academy of Management American Association for Cancer Research American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) ASI Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits Bonaventure House Cboe Global Markets Chicago Housing Authority Chicago Public Library Independence Branch Continental Nursing Home and Rehab Coursedog DePaul University Enova Expedia Francis W. Parker School Illinois Credit Union League Illinois Tool Works J.A. Watts Inc JPMorgan Chase Foundation Lavelle Law Leo Catholic High School Lovet Pet Healthcare Loyola University Chicago Maryville Crisis Nursery McMaster-Carr Supply Company
Meetings & Incentives Worldwide Microsoft NAMI Chicago Nettelhorst Elementary Northwestern University OFI Park View School Prospect Music Therapy Publicis Media
SAP SC Johnson School of the Art Institute of Chicago Sedgwick SPARK Sysmex America, Inc. The Aspen Group The Chicago Lighthouse The Harbour The University of Chicago School of Medicine Trilogy Total Quality Logistics UnitedHealth Group University of Chicago Booth School of Business University of Chicago Law School University of Chicago Physical Sciences Division West Loop Library Workiva |
| Individual Donors Michelle Acosta Lizzie Agra Jess Arundale Cabrina Attal Cortney Babiarz Joan Bahaveolos Nadine Bahaveolos Ravi Bajaj Ellen Baras Scott Allen Barber Lesly Barrera
Kimberly Bavcevic Cathy Bazzoni Michele Bell Jeaneen Benhart Rebecca Bennett Beau Benson Bridget Bergan Vikas Beri Noah Birk Gerald Bjurman Jim Black Stephan Blandin Apurva Boghale Barbara Borowicz Mariusz Borowicz Justyna Borowski Cindy Bosy Kayla Bowles Jeff and Kathy Boyce Tyna Brady Gina Brennan Barb and Jon Brightman Katherine Brough Elizabeth Brown Lauren Bryant Peter Bulandr
Justin Burd and Lauren Lewis William Burke Paula Burton Cassidy Buzin Suzanne Campbell Cathy Cannon Michael Caputo Margaret Cardona Berry Kirk Carls David Carlson Elizabeth Carlson Carlson Kevin Susan Carlson Margaret Casey Karia Chandni Ally Chrystal Sharon Chun Crini Cieski Michael Clodgo Amy and Anthony Condellire Mike and Nicole Conway M K Cooke Kennedy and Sean Cooney Christie Corwin Daniela Coss Joseph Cozzi Callie Cozzolino and Louie Greenebaum James Cozzolino Megan Cray Laurie Crown Yilin Dai Paula Damm Douglas Davidson Roberta and Randall Davidson Jennifer Decker Veronica Delgado Mary Dellorto Michael Deppe Michael Dickler Thomas B. Dignan Michael Dineen Patrick Donovan Anne Dooley
Polly and Bruse Douglass Judith and Carter Dutch Alva Dworkin Emily Dworkin Jeff Dworkin Michael Dworkin Margee Elias Adam Engle
Lauren Falasco Arani Farias Tom, Tara and Daniel Farris Nello Ferrara Dr. Rosario Ferreira and Miguel D'Almeida Angie Figueroa Meghanne Findlay Sarah Fisher
Julie and Ken Fixler Alison Fogarty Gianna Fowler Erin Friedlieb Alessandro Gadaldi Dorothy Gaicki Colleen Gallagher Rebecca Gantner Jesse Gardner Julianne Garrison Steven Garside Eileen Garvey Caitlin Gath Alice Geene Alice Geene Griffith Gehrke Rachel Gershman Debbie Gidley Sheila Gidley Jan Gleiter Jennifer Gloodt Barry Goldstein Jasmine Gomez Jennifer Goodart Jeanne Goodwin Carrie and Laurence Grant
Amy Green Angela Green Shannon Greenhouse Sheryl Griffin Jessica Grzegorski Amy Gwilliam Suzie Haberman Debra and Jordan Hadelman Spencer Hadelman Barbara Hall Brendan Hayes Randy Heite Hector Herrera Athena Hilentzaris Karen Hill Rachel Hill Cody Hilman Dean Hoffmann Katherine Holloway Lauren Hurtis Dave Inverso Jackie Jacobs Sarah Jaffe Alma James Gary January Meridith January Raye Januosek Ashlee Jensen Phillip Jones Carolyn Joseph Alexander Juarez Peter Kallas Karen Kane Tiffany Kane Mary Karlson Jamie Karoff Robert Kassnel Lauren Keith Kelly King Sabryna-Joi King-Bell Natalie Kish Anne Koval |
| Matt Kowalczyk and Sara Clancy Michael Kozik Jacobs Krolick Kalyn Kvapil Suzanne Laskowski Erin Lauesen Shannon Laughlin Nicole Lavelle Meryl Lavine Alana Lebovitz Rebecca Lebovitz Thomas Lennon Ross Leviton Su Liebert Ina Linville Amanda Kohl Cristana Mecate-Lopez Elizabeth Lor Nicole LoRusso Joseph Loughran Lisa Love Curtis Malasky Josh Mancino Cynthia Manika Sheri Maremont Scott Maren Susanna Marrs Beth Martinez Kelo Masisi Colleen and Richard Maxwell Carolyn Mazaika Debbi Mazor
Matt McCann Veronica McCoy Kylie McDonald Matthew McElligott Thomas McGill Brigid McGrath Theresa McLean Steven Meier
Sherri Melamut Ethel Mendius Jayne Mendius Jessica Mercado Marsha Merdinger Ewa Meza Rhonda Milkowski Norman Miller Kim Mirabelli
Kari Misulonas Debra Mittleman Courtney Modena Hunter Mulligan Nancy Murphy Vicki Muschkin Mutnik Nick Toni Myckowiak Chelsea Nagle Junco Newman Susan Novotny Vincent Oe Patricia Ortega Daniel Ortiz Alexandra Ortiz-Perez Christian Owen James Owen
Terrence and Carla Owen Mariela Pantoja Julia Para Pat Paya Harriett Payne Linda Perlin Roberta Peterson Victoria Pool Melissa Powell Danya Proud Angela Pruitt Erin Pryor Susan Ralph Mikayla Ranallo Mike Razim Maria Rendina Rachel Reyolds Louisa Richardson-Deppe Michelle Risinger Dori Rivera and Jimmy Chaidez Erin Roach Neftali Romero Barbara Romine and Tom Patterson Greg Roselli Debbie Ross Madison Ross-Ryan Amber Russo Barbara Ruth Garrett Salk Francine Saltarellli Joe and Bethany Saltarelli Pamela Saltarelli Claudia Saric Katie Scarnagle
Elayne Schempp Paul Schiff Gabrielle Schmidt Ted Schmidt Amy and John Schultz Erika Schwab Mary Semik Kenya Senecharles Eric Shainock Lynne Shane Lara Shannon Mithila Sharma Jim Sharp Michael Shea Connie Fako Shoemake Anna Shrift Kanika Shukul Marie Simon Ross Sims Katherine Smith Elizabeth and Wes Smith Teresa Sokolowski Michael Solie Amanda Sonneborn Laura Soucek Colby Stackhouse
Troy Stauffer Michael Steffen Jan Stempel Dorota Sterczek Jake Stoll Marissa Stone John Supera Alison Tallard Stephen Tarpey
Lynne Taylor Richard Taylor Elizabeth Thompson Michael Tobin Howard Tolsky Ricardo Trujillo Breean Tuch Julie and Dave Van Duerm Karen Van Meter Tuan Vo Mary Vogt Nick Vom Brack Maureen Wagers William Wagner and Erica Tuke Ann Waranoski Gail Warner Steve and Briana Weiner
Paul Wiecek Gordon Wolfe Maria Woltjen Jordan Wood Serena Worthington Jacklyn Writz Chentong Xu Lin Yan Kentaro Yokoyama
Barbara Young Morris Rebecca Zak Elizabeth Zalewski Todd Zellmann Lisa Zucker |
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| Copyright © 2025 Canine Therapy Corps, All rights reserved. |
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