CHANGING THE LIVES OF FAMILIES, ONE DOG AT A TIME
Hello, my name is Tiffany and I'm the president/founder of Wilderwood. This organization was born out of dreams, sweat and tears, and I'm proud to be a part of it. We opened our doors in Maryville, TN on August 1, 2005. I am a psychiatric nurse by trade and have been involved in psych care and nursing for all of my adult life. I have seen a lot of treatment modalities in that time. I have given a lot of medication. I deal daily with brain trauma, autism, emotional illness, dementia, and Alzheimer's. Out of these experiences arose an awareness that there was something missing and something that simply MUST work better.
I have also been involved with dogs since childhood. I have trained dogs in obedience, animal assisted therapy and service dog work. Wilderwood is an outgrowth of those life experiences.
In all my experience I have never seen anything, and I can safely say ANYTHING, that has been more therapeutic than the animal/human interaction. What happens to a person's soul, and then their perception, in the presence of a beloved animal is far reaching. That relationship impacts a person's life more than a therapist, medicine, treatment programs or all of them combined. In that reality, Wilderwood finds its passion. Our dogs help individuals gain independence (emotional and physical). Our dogs provide unconditional love and support. They assist in all facets of life; behavioral, emotional and physical. We are excited to be a part of something so wonderful.
Wilderwood supports three critical outreach areas.
- Wilderwood employees individuals with neurological disabilities to assist in the training of our service dogs.
- Our training teams work with A.S.K. (Autism Site Knoxville) and Heritage High School's special education program. These programs teach the students leadership, communication and pride in a job well done.
- Asbury Place Nursing Home: Our visiting theraputic teams bring joy and benefits of canine therapy to our most fragile senior citizens.
We are happy to be here, happy you came to visit our site. Expect of great things from us in the future. Continue to follow us at Facebook, and please refer us to those in need!
Employment: Wilderwood Service Dogs employ adults over 21 with neurological disorders as assistant trainers. Inquire about postions at wilderwood@charter.net.
Wilderwood Board of Directors
For information about Wilderwood Service Dog's Board of Directors, please contact us via email at: wilderwood@charter.net
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