Meet our executive director

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Tracy Ryan joined First Responder Therapy Dogs in August 2021 with her dog Sparkie in an effort to spread therapy dog love to First Responders on the East Coast.  She also serves as our East Coast Director of Operations.  She is a High School Guidance Counselor, mom to 2 boys, wife of a firefighter, and small business owner.  Blaze joined the family last year and is working on his certification as well!  First Responder Therapy Dogs was the perfect fit for their family!

Meet Eduardo Schoen, who lives near Detroit, MI with his loving family. Alongside his role as a Finance Director for a non-profit agency, Eduardo serves as a firefighter and EMT, embodying a commitment to public service and safety. Through his experiences as a first responder, Eduardo has witnessed the challenges and stresses that his colleagues face daily. This firsthand understanding has instilled in him a passion for promoting mental health awareness within the community. 

Meet Emily Janowsky, who lives in Corte Madera, CA with her husband Steve and their yellow lab Rocket. She enjoys working as a dog therapy team at the local high school and with FRTD.  When she’s not volunteering with Rocket, Emily works with the Still Collective, a boutique staging and design firm in Marin. She is the mom of two college-aged sons and has been an active community volunteer for many years. She also has over twenty years of experience in financial services. 
 

Meet Tim Houweling, who is a Fire Captain in the San Francisco Bay Area. He resides in Carmel Valley, California with his wife and son.  Tim works with first responders processing PTSI through the use of alternative therapies at The S.I.R.E.N. Project. Tim is also a search and rescue dog handler with his dogs Carl and Rory. His retired dogs George and Charley enjoy time at home.  He is a professional dog trainer since 2005 and has worked for more than 15 years training service dogs.

Meet Lena Strickling and her therapy dog, Birdie! Lena and Birdie were the second team certified with First Responder Therapy Dogs. Lena has a background in nonprofit management and is currently getting her Master's in Social Work. She loves working for a greater purpose in causes she believes in, which drew her to FRTD. Lena hopes to be able to use her MSW to better support and serve the first responder community. When she is not studying, you can find Lena hiking, and snuggling with Birdie. 

Meet Andrea Lackovic, who is thrilled to join FRTD as a volunteer. Having family and friends who are first responders, and in a professional capacity, she has a variety of experience working with first responders. She is an avid promoter of peer support programs and eliminating the stigma of anything related to Mental Health. She stays busy as a licensed psychologist.  She loves Dobermans and has been rescuing, adopting and fostering senior and special needs Dobermans for over 30 years. 

Meet Crystal Swinimer and her therapy dog Riley from Ayer, MA. Crystal and Riley joined First Responder Therapy Dogs in April 2023. Crystal works in law enforcement and is married to a firefighter. When she’s not working Crystal and Riley enjoy volunteering, visiting family, running, and training. 

Meet Charlotte Winters, who is fortunate enough to be the proud recipient of her current yellow Lab Makana. Makana is a donation to FRTD from Guide Dogs of America in Southern California. Makana is their family pet as well as a wonderful addition to the First Responder Therapy Dog program. Charlotte is married with 2 sons and her  interests include rowing, a love of water sports, live music and of course dogs!