Sharon Vincuilla, OTD, OTR/L, CPDT-KA
Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge-Assessed
Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) Consultant
Doggone Safe 'Be A Tree' Program Presenter
Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge-Assessed
Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) Consultant
Doggone Safe 'Be A Tree' Program Presenter
As a doctor of occupational therapy, I have in-depth knowledge and understanding of the neurophysiological, motivational, and environmental factors impacting behavior, which provides me with the necessary tools to effectively guide humans and their dogs in participating in meaningful activities that lead to an optimal state of health. My professional career with dogs began as a Puppy Raiser for Guiding Eyes for the Blind. I volunteered with the organization while I studied Exercise Science, Psychology, and Health at Ithaca College. Through this experience I developed my puppy-raising skills to help dog owners to realize the potential of every dog to develop patience, learn confidence in social situations, and develop the ability to make sound decisions. Upon graduating, I worked at a grooming salon in Delmar, NY, helping clients to learn how to properly care for their dog’s hygiene.
In 2005, I relocated to Los Angeles and for 6 years I managed a training and boarding facility, called K9s Only. In addition to providing Private Lessons and Group Classes, I also oversaw the In Kennel Training program and developed an internship for individuals to develop knowledge and skills to establish careers as dog trainers. Through my experiences at this facility I became a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and had the opportunity to support hundreds of dogs and their humans in optimizing their relationships and improving their overall wellbeing.
From 2008 to 2012, I was the director of a program called Lend A Paw. This program supported dog-handler teams to prepare for testing/registration in animal-assisted activities. I connected these dog-handler teams with various sites around Los Angeles, including the LA Mission, Edelman and Antelope Valley Children's Courts, the Jewish Home for the Aging. Visits with these dog-handler teams provided those in need with access to dog-related activities and supportive social interactions that improved mood, decreased stress, and provided a distraction from difficult circumstances. As a registered handler with Therapy Dogs International, Inc., I also provided animal-assisted activities with my own dogs for ten years, and this work opened my eyes to the therapeutic effects of the human-animal bond while also leading me to my next profession...occupational therapy.
I completed my Master's and Doctoral degrees in Occupational Therapy, at the University of Southern California. During my doctoral residency, I developed a line of occupational therapy services for a community-based peer support organization known as Painted Brain.
At this point in my career, I am combining my expertise in human-animal interactions with my new expertise in occupational therapy to explore the intersection between pet ownership and overall health by providing dog training services, private practice occupational therapy services, and consulting services to support those who wish to develop animal-assisted interventions.
To learn more about my occupational therapy work in community-based mental health, read my blog.
In 2005, I relocated to Los Angeles and for 6 years I managed a training and boarding facility, called K9s Only. In addition to providing Private Lessons and Group Classes, I also oversaw the In Kennel Training program and developed an internship for individuals to develop knowledge and skills to establish careers as dog trainers. Through my experiences at this facility I became a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and had the opportunity to support hundreds of dogs and their humans in optimizing their relationships and improving their overall wellbeing.
From 2008 to 2012, I was the director of a program called Lend A Paw. This program supported dog-handler teams to prepare for testing/registration in animal-assisted activities. I connected these dog-handler teams with various sites around Los Angeles, including the LA Mission, Edelman and Antelope Valley Children's Courts, the Jewish Home for the Aging. Visits with these dog-handler teams provided those in need with access to dog-related activities and supportive social interactions that improved mood, decreased stress, and provided a distraction from difficult circumstances. As a registered handler with Therapy Dogs International, Inc., I also provided animal-assisted activities with my own dogs for ten years, and this work opened my eyes to the therapeutic effects of the human-animal bond while also leading me to my next profession...occupational therapy.
I completed my Master's and Doctoral degrees in Occupational Therapy, at the University of Southern California. During my doctoral residency, I developed a line of occupational therapy services for a community-based peer support organization known as Painted Brain.
At this point in my career, I am combining my expertise in human-animal interactions with my new expertise in occupational therapy to explore the intersection between pet ownership and overall health by providing dog training services, private practice occupational therapy services, and consulting services to support those who wish to develop animal-assisted interventions.
To learn more about my occupational therapy work in community-based mental health, read my blog.