Hi! I’m Sarah.
I’m a scholar-practitioner-advocate in the field of human-animal interaction, with a focus on service dog partherhips for people with disabilities. Since 2010, I’ve worked across many areas of the service dog industry—including training, client services, program development, executive leadership, and research.
My expertise spans service dog interventions in a variety of contexts, including service dog partnerships for both mental and physical disabilities, and training models based in communities, prisons, and college campuses.
Currently, I’m a research scientist with the Organization for Human-Animal Interaction Research and Education (OHAIRE) at the University of Arizona. I was honored to be named the American Psychological Association’s 2024 Distinguished Graduate Student in Professional Psychology.
I’m also an Assistance Dogs International-certified service dog instructor, volunteer trainer, and co-founder for the Canine Companions service dog raising programs at the University of Arizona and the Federal Correctional Institution in Tucson, Arizona (FCI Tucson).
This work is deeply meaningful to me, and I’m always excited to connect with others who share my passion. Let’s talk.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Research Scientist → OHAIRE Lab | 2025-Present
Doctoral Research Associate → OHAIRE Lab | 2021-2025
National Director, Training & Client Services → Canine Companions | 2016–2021
Service Dog Instructor → Canine Companions | 2010-2016
Research Assistant → Cornell University | 2006-2012
