Becky Jankowski
Founder and Program Coordinator
Educational Background / Occupation:
- BSN from Northern Illinois University
- MS in Medical-Surgical Nursing from the University of Illinois in Chicago
- 20 years experience as registered nurse in several major medical centers
- Quality Management Coordinator for Nursing Service at Hines VA Hospital for 14 years
- Since 1998, President of the PAWSitive Therapy Troupe animal-assisted therapy program.
Dog-related experience / credentials:
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) since 2001
- Graduate of the San Francisco Academy for Dog Trainers in Behavioral Counseling, 2003
- Graduate of the Robert Bailey Operant Conditioning Workshop, 2004
- Graduate, Professional Animal Training, Shedd Aquarium, 2015
- Graduate, Contempory Animal Traininfg and Management, Natural Encounters, Inc., 2018
- American Kennel Club and World Cynosport Rally judge since 2002
- Pet Partners Instructor and Team Evaluator since 1999
- Director of Canine Training, HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response, Midwest Region 2018-2020
- Hold more than 180 performance titles on 8 dogs, including championships in obedience, rally, canine scentwork and agility. Competition areas include agility, flyball, competition obedience, Rally, and NACSW Nosework
- Designed course content and taught classes in agility, obedience, Rally, and therapy dog / crisis response dog training since 2001
- Non-Affiliated Member of the American Veterunary Medical Association's Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee at annual AVMA conventions 2013-2022
Involvement in Animal-Assisted Therapy:
Becky began visiting with her first Sheltie in 1988. She was asked to take over as coordinator of the Pets for Vets program at Hines VA when she retired from nursing at Hines in 1998, Becky has always believed strongly in the healing power of animals.
Read about Our Foundation Dog Rosie
