Dogwood Therapy

In May 2018 I attended 'The Art & Science of Animal Assisted Intervention' workshop at Dogwood, as an OT working in the area of animal assisted therapy in Australia, the information and experience I gained at this workshop was invaluable to my current practice. Based on what Melissa taught us about animal behaviour and well being, OT treatment planning and participant screening I have come home with the tools to enhance every aspect of our service provision at Assistance Dogs Australia. After the workshop I attended two weeks of summer camp at Dogwood with participants aged 6-16 of all abilities. The opportunity to see the role of the dogs in a group therapeutic environment was an amazing privilege. The trust and respect the participants clearly had for Melissa was reflected in their respect for and understanding of the dogs. I do not have the words to express the value of this amazing experience!

Dogwood is really cutting-edge OT – they understand the connection of the social, emotional and physical. We felt safe, comfortable, and understood … and the therapist showed nothing but patience and enthusiasm at every visit. The adorable dogs – who all have their own personalities, interests and energy levels - ended up being the best tool for my son to learn about space, kindness and respect, as well as motivate during motor skills exercises. I cannot recommend this place enough!

I just attended a workshop and a summer camp that Melissa Winkle put on at Dogwood Therapy. As an OT practitioner who wants to work with my dog in animal assisted therapy she provided a wealth of information and hands on learning during the 6 days I spent there with my dog Winston. During the workshop portion, I enjoyed her informative & interactive teaching style as well as the intimate group 8 people setting. She presented the core info but incorporated the needs of the group of attendees as well. Being able to participate in the summer camp that she put on was an extra special treat. Most of the attendees had already been trained to work with the dogs and they were eager to help anyone who needed it. Since Winston was a newbie the campers seemed to enjoy the challenge of teaching him new tricks. I was impressed with Melissa's ability to create a safe and fun place for the animals and the campers to enjoy each other and how organized she was. Melissa personally took the time to work on one with me and was very generous with her vast experience/knowledge of handling, dog behavior and incorporating all of that into therapy. I'm so glad I went!

Melissa has devoted countless hours of time, energy, and love to create a fun and supportive place where individuals can learn and grow, whether they are an OT client improving their skills to participate in daily life, or as a student learning about OT, animal assisted therapy, and assistance dogs. Melissa and her canine co-therapists have made such a difference in so many lives. There is no other place like Dogwood!

Melissa is an exceptional occupational therapistOT, who provides person and dog-centered therapy; she empowers people to participate in meaningful daily activities, in very creative, fun, and innovative ways. From Doga, to summer camp, to accessibility training... her canine assisted OT approach harnesses the inherent nurturing and enlivening qualities of our furry companions. Melissa is very experienced, educated, humble, sincere, and effective!!! The best.

As a teenager, i have been going to Dogwood after school programs for over 6 years and I have loved every minute of it. From these years I have learned a lot about people, dogs and people with disabilities. Becasue of Melissa and Dogwood I have decided to become an Animal Assisted Occupational Therapist. And throughout all of it I have always had good times and fun. Dogwood therapy services has quite literally changed my life.

Dogwood is an amazing place. Melissa sees clients of all ages and abilities. Therapy is so fun and interactive most don't even think of it as therapy. Such a welcoming, happy place and the many dogs are just a bonus!

My son has ADHD and ODD. We tried quite a few things to help him. Dogwood has been one of the things that has helped my son the most even in quranteen video visits. Before the Covid outbreak my son had only met the therapist once. Since my son has really been able to grow a relationship with his therapist and really showed improvement in his symptoms. Especiaply the ODD. It really helped him to learn how to better regulate his body and his emotions. It also helped to teach me as a parent how to better address his emotions. Seeing the progress my son has made in virtual visits, I can not wait to see how things go when we can do the on site visits. Thank you Dogwood for the help and support.

Dogwood Therapy is just an amazing program... Although I have going for only 3 years. The experiences and friends made are unlike anything else added up to compare. As a student trainer, the possibilities are endless! I was never happy about moving to Albuquerque, but, knowing that this program is here, makes life SO much different. It makes a person's life open up to new thoughts and possibilities. Melissa, you have been such a huge part of me being here in NM. Life for me wouldn't be the same without you! You have touched many lives, where you have, a never-ending spark has been left and is still growing in the heart and eyes of me and everyone with the ever-growing spark of light and love that comes from your heart. You have a passion to make a change, that change is coming true and it wouldn't have if you never had the love and kindness for not only people, but for the dogs in your home, or the dogs we train. The never-ending spark is still glowing in everyone you know and it will continue to because of you. You are doing something wonderful Melissa!

Contacted Dogwood Therapy Services for my two-year-old daughter. The female that answered the phone very rude and misses know it all felt she knew more than what my daughter's pediatrician would know she also managed to point out she's the only one in the city that does this type of therapy. I'm glad to see if she got good reviews but I don't think it was the employees that got good reviews I think it was the dogs thank God for that. And I'll guarantee you what I can get a service dog for my daughter no matter what this beyotch on the phone told me even if I have to go out of state.