Paws to Freedom Trainer
The current trainer at Paws to Freedom is Mara Windstar. Partnered with a Golden Retriever, Freely Mara has lived first hand what it’s like to owner train, what it’s like to have invisible disabilities and what it’s like to have mobility challenges and using mobility aids.
It was when Mara was training Freely that her interest in the field of canine behavior was kindled.
Mara's studies and experience have been in the field of special education, Adaptations for persons using non-verbal communications, DEAF culture studies, American Sign Language Interpretation, development of recreational program activities for people with disabilities. She has been active with teachers and organizations locally in creating individualized educational tools for children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities, as well as modifications of activities for persons with mobility challenges.
Mara is passionate about the work of training dogs and equally driven by the uniqueness of every individual. Even though it can be very challenging at times, she is just as excited to understand the motivation of and learn to connect with people and rise to the challenge of working together to finding solutions, because of her strong belief that "How is the solution, because Can't is not an option".
Being a part of building healthy, safe and enjoyable assistance dog teams is her goal. Mutual respect for both beings is the priority, and the goal is to enhance the lives of all!
Mara has met the requirements and has successfully demonstrated knowledge of dog behavior. She has experience with the application of training techniques assessed in the following areas: Learning Theory, Instructional Skills, husbandry, ethology and equipment. As a member of Int’l Association of Assistance Dog Partners (www.iaadp.org), and one of the founding members of the Service Animal Consulting division of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, Inc. (http://www.iaabc.org) Mara is active in the field as a resource for people seeking to learn more about Service dogs.
