Board of Directors
Therapy Dogs United's Mission
Our mission is to motivate, inspire and enrich milestone moments for individuals with health conditions or impairments through the use of interactive animal-assisted therapy, humane education and the unconditional love of a therapy dog. At Therapy Dogs United, we have a proven track record of success. Every volunteer representing our organization is personally committed to ensuring your visit is pleasant, relaxing and memorable.
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 works tirelessly to help our team of certified therapy dog volunteers promote our mission, integrity, programs and events within the local community.
Board of Directors & Staff
- Patricia Christianson - Executive Director & Founder
Patricia holds a bachelor's degree in Speech and Communication Studies with a minor in Journalism from Edinboro University. She is a devoted mother to two daughters and "Gigi" to her 4-year-old grandson. She lives in Erie, Pennsylvania with her husband John, her cockapoo Casper and her amazing Shih Tzu rescue Fritzy, who she often refers to as her "heartbeat at her feet."
Founding Therapy Dogs United:
Therapy Dogs United was born out of Pat's love for "all things dog" and the early realization of the importance a dog (or any animal!) can have in your life. She founded Therapy Dogs United in Erie, Pennsylvania in 2008, at a time when animal-assisted charities were not as popular as they are today. At TDU's inaugural test date, her first evaluator tested six potential therapy dogs - and certified just four in that start up team. At that time, TDU had just one location in our region that welcomed us in! Today, our certified therapy dogs are proud to impact the quality of life for countless children, adults and seniors throughout the United States and Canada.
As a lifetime animal lover and dog owner, Pat knows firsthand the joy and companionship that a furry friend provides. Her story is not just about personal passion - it's about a mission to enrich lives through the wagging tails and gentle nudges only a therapy dog can provide.
As Founder and Executive Director of Therapy Dogs United, Pat exemplifies exceptional leadership qualities and unwavering dedication to the organization, consistently approaching her role with passion and a forward-thinking mindset. Her visionary outlook not only inspires those around her but also fosters a culture of enthusiasm and positivity that resonates throughout this charity. Pat is committed to enhancing the impact Team TDU has on every community we serve, always striving for excellence in delivering accessible therapy dog services. Under her guidance, the future of Therapy Dogs United is poised for tremendous growth and impact as the mission remains at the forefront of providing meaningful support to those in need, reinforcing the invaluable role that therapy dogs play in improving lives.
- Kelly Philson - Development Director & Hospital Liaison
Kelly holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology from The Pennsylvania State University. Her and her husband, Bridger, live in Edinboro, Pa with their 4-year-old son, certified therapy dog Jordy and cat Sally.
Kelly brings a wealth of experience to her role as the hospital liaison for Therapy Dogs United, having dedicated a decade of her career to mental health social work in both inpatient and emergency center settings. Throughout her extensive work, she observed firsthand the profound impact that the presence of therapy dogs can have on individuals facing loneliness, anxiety, or depression, particularly in the challenging environment of a hospital. Recognizing the transformative power of these animals to uplift spirits, instill purpose, and enhance emotional well-being, Kelly is passionate about ensuring that hospitalized individuals have the opportunity to benefit from therapy dog visits. Her commitment to this cause reflects a deep understanding of the emotional needs of patients and reinforces Therapy Dogs United’s mission to create healing environments through compassionate support.
After experiencing the heart-wrenching loss of her second son during the second trimester, a therapy dog visited her and her husband in the hospital, offering them comfort and solace during an unimaginably difficult time. This profound encounter gave Kelly a new perspective on the transformative power of therapy dogs and also ignited a deep desire within her as Development Director to foster the mission and work to ensure that Therapy Dogs United maintains the funding needed to continue to provide visits free of charge to those in need.
- Linda Holes - Treasurer, Board of Directors
Linda graduated from Gannon University and has worked as a Medical Dosimetrist in the Radiation Therapy Department at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center-Erie for 36 years. She lives in Eire, Pa with her husband, Jeff, and a houseful of dogs and cats! Linda is a passionate artist who channels her love for painting into creating stunning sunsets and heartwarming portraits - she has even created beautiful pet portraits of therapy dogs!
Throughout her 16+ years with TDU, Linda has been the volunteer handler of three of her own therapy dogs, each enriching her understanding of the profound bond between humans and animals. As a dedicated volunteer handler, Linda made numerous impactful visits and was a member of our Erie County Courthouse team where she volunteered helping children in dependency court and Hillman Cancer Center team where she worked with patients undergoing treatment. For her exceptional service, she earned the title of TDU Volunteer of the Year in 2015.
Linda, a founding Board member since the inception of Therapy Dogs United in 2008, has witnessed firsthand the profound impact our organization has had on countless individuals and communities throughout the years. Her unwavering commitment to our mission reflects her deep understanding of the transformative power of therapy dog services. As we look to the future, Linda is eager and dedicated to fostering growth and evolution within our organization, ensuring that we reach our full potential in enhancing emotional and physical well-being for those we serve.
- Melanee Vogt - Board of Directors
Melanee holds a Master's degree in education and is a teacher at Erie First Christian Academy. She lives in Erie Pa with her husband, Mike. Together they have four children and are grandparents to one grandson with another on the way!
Melanee's deep affection for animals is evident in the diverse array of pets she lovingly cares for, including, but not limited to, the cats, chickens, and horses that live on her property. Among her cherished companions are her two dogs, Murphy and Beamer, who bring joy and companionship to her life. Moreover, Melanee's passion for animals has been passed down to her children, who have also embraced this love, resulting in a delightful array of "grand-pups" that further enrich her home.
As a teacher, Melanee has been incorporating therapy dogs into her classroom for several years, a practice that has significantly contributed to the improvement of her students' reading scores, and our organizations reading programs. In 2017 - along with Therapy Dogs United, Indiana University, and a former TDU volunteer Ed Levinson, Melanee spearheaded a groundbreaking national reading study titled "Effects of Reading with Adult Tutor/Therapy Dog Teams on Elementary Students’ Reading Achievement and Attitudes." Published in the Animals and Society Institute magazine, this study revealed compelling findings over a five-week period: children exhibited a significant increase in reading proficiency, achieving an impressive average of 38 words per minute when reading to therapy dogs, compared to just 27 words per minute when reading independently or to a human tutor. Melanee's contribution to TDU exemplifies the profound benefits of integrating therapy dogs into educational settings, aligning seamlessly with Therapy Dogs United's mission to support both emotional and cognitive development in students.
Melanee's decision to join the board of directors stems from her profound recognition of the impact that therapy dogs have on individuals' lives. She has found a deep connection with the organization and joined the board of directors so that she can further support the mission in a bigger way!
- Cherise Jones, LSW - Board of Directors
Cherise holds a Master's Degree in Social Work from Edinboro University and is a Former US Army Sergeant, OND 2010-2011. Cherise is a license social worker who has worked in both inpatient and outpatient mental health services and as a therapist at the VA. Cherise currently lives in Erie, Pa with her husband Ash, stepsons and dog Tempest.
Cherise's journey into the world of TDU began in a heartwarming way when she first met a therapy dog right after returning from deployment; an experience she calls immeasurably impactful. During a profound and stressful time in her life, she often recalls how the presence of that furry friend was like a breath of fresh air, reminding her to "paws" for a moment of joy.
As a dedicated social worker and therapist, Cherise has had therapy dogs by her side throughout her career. As a healthcare provider, Cherise has found that the support and companionship offered by therapy dogs yields significant evidence-based results for her patients. These incredible canines not only provide emotional comfort but also contribute to improved clinical outcomes, enhancing overall patient well-being. This became even more evident during her time as a frontline worker throughout the pandemic where therapy dog visits brought warmth and healing to not only her patients, but to her and her colleagues as well.
As a member of the board, Cherise is committed to upholding TDU's mission and fostering the impact therapy dog visits have on enriching the lives of the clients we serve clinically, as well as the profound impact they have on workplace wellness.
- Dr. Rochelle Von Hof - Board of Directors
- Cris Okulanis - Board of Directors (Florida)
Cris's professional journey began in the realm of real estate law, where she dedicated 16 years to her career. However, a pivotal moment arose when her husband was tragically shot in the line of duty, resulting in his paralysis. This life-altering event propelled Cris into a fulfilling 14-year career in home healthcare, where she has made a significant impact. In addition to her healthcare expertise, Cris is an esteemed AKC evaluator and a certified evaluator for Therapy Dogs United, proudly working through Stellar K9 Services in Cape Coral, Florida where she maintains the highest standards of professionalism. Cris's personal journey with Therapy Dogs United began in 2010 with her first certified therapy dog, leading to a series of enriching experiences with multiple certified dogs since then. Currently, Cris and her husband reside in Cape Coral, Florida, while also maintaining a home in Rostraver, Pennsylvania.
Cris's passion for dogs has been a constant throughout her life. This passion led her and her husband to acquire four dogs that they travel with and compete with within the American Kennel Club (AKC) in various activities, including dock diving, search and rescue, and therapy work.
Cris states that she is honored to serve on the Therapy Dogs United board because it fills her with great pride and respect to know that the organization has such remarkable volunteers, both two-legged and four-legged, who make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and our communities. "I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the organization that has been instrumental in supporting my family during challenging times with our therapy dogs. "The fulfillment I derive from this work is immeasurable."
- Georgette Sanita - Board of Directors (Massachusetts)
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, or visit our FAQ page.
Reminder: we only visit public facilities, not private residences.
