Meet the Team

Jackie Clark

Co-Founder

Jackie brings over 25 years of experience in the assistance dog industry, with a unique dual specialization in breeding and training. Her training expertise focuses on puppy development and behavior modification, supported by an understanding of neuroscience and cognitive science.

Jackie has a proven track record in building high-performing, cohesive teams, and excels at translating complex concepts into clear, practical strategies. Whether mentoring, coaching, leading puppy classes, or presenting at conferences and webinars, Jackie is passionate about knowledge-sharing and professional development.

Jackie’s leadership roles include serving three terms on the International Breeding Cooperative (IBC) Steering Committee, chairing the ADI Breeding Standards Subcommittee (where she led the development of the first ADI breeding standards), and contributing to several working groups including the IBC Genotype Workgroup and the IWDR Puppy Raiser Survey team.

A graduate of the Karen Pryor Academy Professional Dog Trainer Programme and an Absolute Dogs Pro Dog Trainer, Jackie also served as a beta tester for the IWDR database. A self-proclaimed geek with a lifelong love for learning, she thrives on helping organizations unlock their hidden potential—especially through the specialized (and sometimes overlooked) work that leads to lasting impact.

Dr. Katelyn Mills

Co-Founder

Katelyn is a dedicated animal welfare scientist and nonprofit leader with over a decade of experience in research, policy development, and program leadership. With a BSc (Applied Animal Biology) and PhD (Animal Welfare) from the University of British Columbia, Katelyn combines academic rigor with real-world impact—leading innovative projects that bridge science and the realities of the nonprofit landscape.

Katelyn served as Director of Programs in the assistance dog industry where she oversaw areas of operations including breeding, medical, puppy raising, advanced training and client care. She is proud to partner with organizations to deliver evidence-based solutions in areas such as program evaluation, stakeholder engagement, and animal welfare policy.

Katelyn is committed to education, advocacy, and collaborative change for the improvement of animal welfare, client well-being and communities in which we live. She has served on several committees, including Assistance Dog International's Canine Health and Welfare Standards Committee and the University of Saskatchewan’s Pawsitive Connection Lab Research Advisory Committee.