Mission
To facilitate the benefits of canine relationships with humans through the development of service dogs and therapeutic support services.
Meet Susan
Susan Grimes Fortner, MSSW, LCSW
Support Group Facilitator
Susan is a Licensed Clinical Social Work and a classically trained homeopath. She aims to create a safe and supportive space where individuals feel empowered to make positive changes in their lives. She enjoys working with adolescents and adults and specializes in depression, anxiety, grief, and abuse. Her practice is focused on supporting healthier self image, relationships, and life satisfaction. Her clients often struggle with overthinking and negative self talk and many are in transition periods of life. Susan is trained in EMDR and she is able to incorporate homeopathy, nutritional healing, and Bach Flower Essences into her work upon request so that her clients have many options to assist in their healing journey.
Meet the Board
Christie Faccinto, President
I am the co-owner of Thunderhawk Canine LLC. I trained my first Service Dog somewhere around 2002, and have been supporting that aspect of the industry since. Having seen the amazing difference a well trained dog can make in the life of someone with disabilities, it has become a passion. Having also witnessed the disappointment people feel when their prospect doesn’t work out, or witnessing the absolute damage and danger that an unsuitable dog can bring, solidified that commitment. In early 2024, I approached Samantha with an idea – the Service Dog world needs readily available “green dog” like the law enforcement industry. Green dogs are health tested, raised with great foundations, and ready to start task specific training for real work. So we decided to be that change. The PAL program was born, making “green” service dog prospects available to the community.
Samantha Cruser, VP of Puppy Fostering
My name is Samantha Cruser. I am a veterinary technician and a dog groomer with a love of raising balanced puppies. I have trained my own service dogs and just love giving back to the service dog community. My own service dog helps me live a full and normal life every day. My only wish is to give that freedom to someone else in need!
Carmen Trojcak, VP of Continuing Support
My name is Carmen Trojcak. I am a professional dog trainer and have worked for ThunderHawk Canine since 2017. Helping build better relationships with owners and their dogs has been the best part of my training journey. Every owner has important needs for their pets no matter big or small. Service dog work is extremely important and I am thrilled to participate in this life changing event.
Emily Eastham, Secratary
My name is Emily Eastham. I am a professional dog trainer that has worked for Thunderhawk Canine for nearly 6 years helping to improve the communication between dogs and owners. I’ve been privileged to experience and witness the many ways dogs bring enrichment to the people around them. This effect is magnified when you get into the life changing ways that service dogs can aid their handlers. I’m passionate about helping to make having a service dog a more accessible option for those in need.
Janette Phillips, Treasurer
My name is Janette Phillips. I’m a CPA and jumped into the service dog world for my son who has a rare syndrome. While indispensable to our family, our prospect puppy had a genetic issue making her incompatible for full-time work. I’m passionate about this mission knowing how life changing these dogs can be, and hoping we can prevent issues my family has faced by providing an extra layer of protection, so families in hardship welcome in a new family member with the best chance of success.
Our Commitment
Our mission at Lend A Paw is to facilitate the benefits of canine relationships with humans, enhancing lives through the development of service dogs and providing essential emotional support services for those coping with pet loss.
Team
Meet Our Experts
Our dedicated team consists of passionate individuals committed to making a difference in the lives of both people and dogs. Together, we empower our community by training service dogs and providing support during times of loss.
Emma Johnson
Liam Martinez
Aisha Patel