About PALS

Nancy and her husband, John, reside in Forestville, California, where they nurture a bustling household alongside their son, pet dogs, and several service and facility dogs-in-training. Through PALS, Nancy seamlessly intertwines her fervor for assistance dogs, children, social interaction, therapy, reading, comfort, and comfort, crisis, peer support roles. Since 1992, she has been dedicated to training an array of dogs, including pets, service animals, facility companions and those specialized in social, therapy, reading, comfort, and comfort, crisis, peer support team. Over her three-decade involvement with service dog organizations, she has honed her expertise in various training domains. Her skill set encompasses service and facility dog instruction, dog team development, in-home behavioral consultations, and teaching obedience and agility classes for puppies through adult dogs. Her experience extends to serving as an on-set trainer for film, commercial and print productions. Prior to establishing PALS, Nancy served as a puppy raiser instructor for Canine Companions, as well as a social therapy dog instructor and K-9 support manager at Bergin University of Canine Studies. At PALS, she leads a team committed to breeding, training and placing dog teams within the local community. Nancy's dedication to continuous learning is evident through her participation in workshops, seminars and conferences, focusing on evolving methods in autism and dog training. Beyond her professional pursuits, she cherishes quality time with her seven grandchildren and relishes strolls along the beach accompanied by her husband and faithful canine companions.

A Midwest native who has called California home for over 20 years, Heidi brings three decades of educational expertise to her role as school director at the Anova Center of Education. Trained as a school psychologist, she spent 15 years in public school districts before transitioning into her current position. Heidi joined PALS’ board as secretary in 2022. Passionate about the well-being of both students and animals, Heidi has integrated facility dogs into her life since the beginning of her career. Larry, a facility dog from Bergin University, joined her family in 2015, followed by Jack, a facility dog from PALS, in 2018. Alongside her husband, Heidi shares her home with four dogs and two cats. In 2021, Heidi combined her love for dogs and photography, launching Heidi Adler Photography. Specializing in pet photography, she volunteers her time with PALS as well as with other rescue organizations, capturing heartwarming moments that help animals find loving homes through her lens. Committed to her community, Heidi is dedicated to making a positive impact through her various endeavors.

Alexandra has lived in Santa Rosa since 2005, when she settled here from the Bay Area to raise her two children, now young adults. Dogs have been in her life since she was in high school. Now that she has more time, she can focus her energy on this passion. Alexandra and her daughter raised Velvet, a golden/lab mix, to be a Bergin University service dog. They were fortunate to adopt her when she was released from the training program in 2018. Alexandra and Velvet now make up an active PALS social, therapy, reading, comfort, and comfort, crisis, peer support team. Velvet has also helped the family raise PALS puppy Linus. Alexandra obtained a master’s in social welfare and master’s in public health from UC Berkeley. She has worked as a bilingual (Spanish) social worker, researcher/grant writer and non-profit administrator since 1990. Most recently, she worked for 12 years at TLC Child and Family Services in Sebastopol in the foster care and adoption program. She joined PALS’ board as CFO/treasurer in 2022. Most days, Alexandra and her dogs take long walks on their favorite creek and regional park trails. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, baking, various creative activities and traveling.

Michelle settled in Santa Rosa in 1997 after earning her master’s in communicative sciences and disorders from California State University, Fresno. Since 2001, she has dedicated herself as a speech and language pathologist at The Swain Center. In 2010, Michelle's passion led her to integrate therapy dogs into her work. She collaborated with PALS, contributing to the training and placement of our inaugural service dog, Anderson. She also welcomed two PALS dogs, Austin and Nadia, into her life in 2011, both of whom served as facility dogs at The Swain Center until their retirement in 2023. Presently, Michelle is accompanied by Spanky, another PALS facility dog, and Willow, her golden retriever, at The Swain Center. Both Spanky and Willow have successfully completed their social, therapy and reading dog team training, with Spanky completing his certification as a comfort, crisis, peer support team. Since 2015, Michelle has served on PALS’ board, assuming the role of comfort, crisis and support team leader since 2021, while also actively engaging in fundraising campaigns for the organization. During her leisure time, Michelle cherishes moments with her young adult son and beloved pups. Whether she's training her dogs, curating content for PALS' social media or indulging in her hobbies of reading, canning or hiking, Michelle remains deeply committed to her passions and the welfare of her community.

A dedicated PALS board member since 2022, Pam has been instrumental in driving the organization's mission forward. With over two decades of volunteer experience, she has made significant contributions to various programs. Pam's journey began with volunteering for the Mounted Assistance Unit (MAU), patrolling state and regional parks. She then joined therapy programs at Sutter Hospital and the Sonoma County Humane Society, demonstrating her dedication to improving the well-being of others. Pam's involvement extends to volunteering at Compassion Without Borders, a rescue dog organization, and serving on the board of directors for the David E. Smith Family Foundation. Her passion for helping others shines through her work with support dogs Rudy and Apache, both of whom she has trained extensively to provide comfort in various settings. Rudy and Apache have been dispatched to very emotional callouts to various sites as both comfort dogs and comfort, crisis, peer support team. These invaluable interactions truly make a positive impact in their community. With her expertise and commitment, Pam continues to contribute to PALS' mission of providing loving and emotional support through her amazing dogs.

A dedicated member of PALS’ board, Nathan hails from Santa Rosa, where he was born and raised. His educational journey began at Santa Rosa Junior College, where he started college coursework as a high school student and graduated with an associate’s degree in business. Continuing his studies at Sonoma State University, Nathan earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration, with concentrations in accounting and financial management, in 2020. Since April 2021, Nathan has served as a committed PALS board member, finding great fulfillment in contributing to the organization's mission. He looks forward to continuing his journey with PALS and making a positive impact within the community.

Mary Kay, a long-time resident of picturesque Sonoma County, has woven her life's tapestry with dedication and compassion. With 38 years of marriage and a daughter following in her footsteps as an aspiring elementary school teacher, Mary Kay has seen her commitment to nurturing extend beyond her family. Armed with a master’s in special education, she dedicated 36 years to shaping young minds in Santa Rosa. Now retired, Mary Kay finds joy in various pursuits, from frolicking with her beloved black lab Garth, to exploring new destinations and honing her culinary skills. Yet, her heart remains tethered to the community she served for decades. In 2015, Mary Kay was captivated by the transformative power of therapy dogs within the school environment, leading her to partner with PALS. Her journey with PALS began with nurturing Garth from a six-month-old puppy into a facility dog working in her classroom. His presence instantly warmed the hearts of students and staff alike. Together, they continue to uplift spirits as reading companions and providers of comfort therapy when needed. Their bond with PALS deepened in 2019 when Mary Kay assumed a role on PALS’ board, becoming a proud ambassador for its impactful mission. Their partnership symbolizes the unwavering commitment to fostering positivity and support within their community.

One of our original board members, Karen retired from Hewlett-Packard/Agilent Technologies after 25 years of dedicated service. She embarked on her journey with HP in the accounting department, subsequently transitioning into roles within the special handling department, order processing and marketing. Her extensive experience, expertise and impeccable organizational skills in the realm of computing make her a valuable asset to PALS. In 2005, Karen began her volunteer work alongside her beloved pomeranian, Bandit, upon completing the Assistance Dog Institute’s social therapy dog class. She and Bandit played a pivotal role on our board when PALS was founded in 2009. Karen currently extends her support to PALS’ volunteers, aiding them in organizing events, fundraisers and social therapy classes. Following Bandit's retirement, Star gracefully stepped into her paws, continuing the tradition of visiting care homes and participating in local library reading programs. Residing in Santa Rosa with husband Rich and toy pomeranian Star, Karen has been an integral part of Sonoma County since 1968. Beyond her altruistic endeavors, Karen indulges in various hobbies, including photography, travel, crafts, crocheting and beadwork. However, her greatest joy comes from spending time with her daughter, five grandchildren and faithful companion, Star.

Carla, accompanied by her beloved Newfoundland partner Siri, forms a certified social, therapy, reading, comfort and comfort, crisis, peer support team. She was dedicated to volunteering with the Assistance Dog Institute from 2004 through 2009, and she and Siri have been very active with PALS since its inception in 2009. In 2022, Carla expanded her commitment by joining PALS’ board, driven by her passion for making a positive impact within the community.