Michele Griffin, our Assistant Director and Adoption Coordinator, is exactly what we needed at HHAS. Anyone working with dogs would be lucky to have her on staff because this lady is truly amazing!
First, she is a CPDT-KA which means she is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed. Achieving this certification is no easy feat. It requires a minimum of 300 hours of experience in dog training and passing a rigorous national exam that demonstrates knowledge and proficiency in the current scientific evidence of canine behavior, development, training, and much, much more.
Recently, Michele also became a licensed Family Paws Educator! This means she has the knowledge to share with families with dogs who are expecting a baby or who have a toddler. Michele can give them advice and real-life strategies on how to prepare families with dogs for life with a baby and how to safely navigate the changes that will occur as the baby grows to a toddler.
Hallie Hill has many special needs dogs that are at the sanctuary because their previous owner did not understand their behaviors and needs. As our adoption counselor, Michele counsels adopters prior to, during, and after each adoption to increase the rate of success for the placement of the dog. She strives to reduce stress for both the family and the dog so everyone feels good about the new family dynamics. We are fortunate and so proud to have Michele as a part of the Hallie Hill team!