Dogwood Therapy Services, Inc.

Unfortunately I believe there is a lot of misinformation believed here around autism specifically. If anyone defends autism speak, an organization that only recently dropped from their advertising extremely harmful wording and is known to be more of a take money to "help" people and really no one knows where all the money goes amongst other things. I didn't work with Melissa really at all as I am person with extremely high needs and apparently that's not ok or anything that can be accommodated. Maybe I completely misunderstood when she explained what ot combined with service dog training was. But my disability advocate is unsure how to help me understand as what they understand as ot isn't really what it seemed like was happening. But if I misunderstood that doesn't excuse the treatment I received in a time when I needed help the most and have only been shown by another provider that it is absolutely not ok to have a disability. I think it's appallingly that I was warned about how having a service dog would "out" me as I don't present as having a disability, when my life is absolutely nothing and I'm so non functional that what is the other option? I don't leave my house? OK and what about the abusive relationship I'm trying to leave? Then what do I do. Oh I hear from you things that very negatively affect me and cause me to go catatonic and put me in actual danger because I listened to your advice, did what you said then additionally you tell me I do not deserve to have my dog for doing EXACTLY what you said to do. You have no idea the damage that was accelerated and added to my life by attempting to work with Melissa. In a time when I've needed the most help and support in life all I have learned is, my existence as a person with a disability is absolutely wrong. I have no trust in any providers anymore based off continued treatment like I received here. I also find it actually disgusting to berate me and treat me in ways that actually have put me in such a bad place I still am deteriorating because you compounded the idea that I do not deserve help in any way. Then make sure to inform me that it's only happened like once before that it didn't work out with a client. How was I supposed to interpret that? Because it comes off at first glance as I am a problem and we'll you can help everyone else so, sucks to suck doesn't it. Not sure how else to take that as you dig in deeper when I've tried to express the dire situation I am in. Maybe we weren't a good fit, maybe that was true. But the treatment I received was not in line with what a person who would have high needs and be seeking a service of this type should receive. Everyone is different absolutely. So again maybe it really wasn't a good fit. But I'm still going to call out the wrongs here. The treatment I received has negatively impacted my life in a long lasting way I may not recover from. Thank you.

In May 2018 I attended 'The Art & Science of Animal Assisted Intervention' workshop at Dogwood, as an OT working in the area of animal assisted therapy in Australia, the information and experience I gained at this workshop was invaluable to my current practice. Based on what Melissa taught us about animal behaviour and well being, OT treatment planning and participant screening I have come home with the tools to enhance every aspect of our service provision at Assistance Dogs Australia. After the workshop I attended two weeks of summer camp at Dogwood with participants aged 6-16 of all abilities. The opportunity to see the role of the dogs in a group therapeutic environment was an amazing privilege. The trust and respect the participants clearly had for Melissa was reflected in their respect for and understanding of the dogs. I do not have the words to express the value of this amazing experience!

Dogwood is really cutting-edge OT – they understand the connection of the social, emotional and physical. We felt safe, comfortable, and understood … and the therapist showed nothing but patience and enthusiasm at every visit. The adorable dogs – who all have their own personalities, interests and energy levels - ended up being the best tool for my son to learn about space, kindness and respect, as well as motivate during motor skills exercises. I cannot recommend this place enough!

I just attended a workshop and a summer camp that Melissa Winkle put on at Dogwood Therapy. As an OT practitioner who wants to work with my dog in animal assisted therapy she provided a wealth of information and hands on learning during the 6 days I spent there with my dog Winston. During the workshop portion, I enjoyed her informative & interactive teaching style as well as the intimate group (8 people) setting. She presented the core info but incorporated the needs of the group of attendees as well. Being able to participate in the summer camp that she put on was an extra special treat. Most of the attendees had already been trained to work with the dogs and they were eager to help anyone who needed it. Since Winston was a newbie the campers seemed to enjoy the challenge of teaching him new tricks. I was impressed with Melissa's ability to create a safe and fun place for the animals and the campers to enjoy each other and how organized she was. Melissa personally took the time to work on one with me and was very generous with her vast experience/knowledge of handling, dog behavior and incorporating all of that into therapy. I'm so glad I went!

Melissa has devoted countless hours of time, energy, and love to create a fun and supportive place where individuals can learn and grow, whether they are an OT client improving their skills to participate in daily life, or as a student learning about OT, animal assisted therapy, and assistance dogs. Melissa and her canine co-therapists have made such a difference in so many lives. There is no other place like Dogwood!

Melissa is an exceptional occupational therapist(OT), who provides person (and dog)-centered therapy; she empowers people to participate in meaningful daily activities, in very creative, fun, and innovative ways. From Doga, to summer camp, to accessibility training... her canine assisted OT approach harnesses the inherent nurturing and enlivening qualities of our furry companions. Melissa is very experienced, educated, humble, sincere, and effective!!! The best.

As a teenager, i have been going to Dogwood after school programs for over 6 years and I have loved every minute of it. From these years I have learned a lot about people, dogs and people with disabilities. Becasue of Melissa and Dogwood I have decided to become an Animal Assisted Occupational Therapist. And throughout all of it I have always had good times and fun. Dogwood therapy services has quite literally changed my life.

Dogwood is an amazing place. Melissa sees clients of all ages and abilities. Therapy is so fun and interactive most don't even think of it as therapy. Such a welcoming, happy place and the many dogs are just a bonus!