of the Year

he had about getting back on his feet. Becca sensed an
individual's need, went to the person and was available to meet
the need. I was fortunate enough to be on the other end of the
leash.
Because Linda and her dogs are active with AAT
certification, they are also allowed the privilege to be
involved with the Canine Crisis Response groups. Linda
describes her community service activities as they relate
to the Crisis Response Group:
• Through this group, I am involved in the Washington
County Sheriff Department Chaplain program. We
coordinate with the Chaplain's program to provide weekly
AAT visits for inmates at the jail. These visits provide a time
for the inmates to connect with the dogs and with us.
Having the dogs present helps people become more relaxed
and they are able to be someone other than an inmate.
They may talk about their frustrations, their favorite dog,
family, or what they want to do in the future. The Sheriff's
department has also utilized this Crisis Response group
when there have been suicides in the jail or in the
community.
• Through the Cascade Crisis Response Group we worked
with Providence Healthcare at Camp Erin. This is a summer
camp for young people who have experienced the loss of a
loved one. As a Crisis Response group we are available for
campers and staff. During one experience, I was working
with a camper who did not feel comfortable sharing her
feelings with the group. I noticed she spent time playing
and talking with my dog Laci. Laci loved fetching sticks,
wading in the water with the girl, and playing on the creek
bank. I realized that all the while, the girl was telling Laci
about her loss and about her feelings. I felt very contented
that Laci and I were there and that Laci was able to provide
something for this girl that no human had been able to do
during the trip.
Linda donated two of her Labradoodle puppies, Hope
and Heidi, to be trained by the Autism Service Dogs of
America to become service dogs for autistic children:
After donating Hope and Heidi, I had the privilege of
volunteering time to participate in their training. Hope and
Heidi have recently been placed in families with Autistic
children. Heidi lives on the college campus at Irvine, California
with her boy and his family. Hope is living in Dallas, Texas
with her boy named Gray. Hope's family has established a
website called "Hope for Gray" to help raise awareness about
Service Dogs for autistic children and raise funds for families
wanting to obtain a Service Dog for their autistic child.
Through her work with the autism training, Linda found a
new skill which she then transferred to training other
service dogs.
I know a couple, Paulie and Chuck. Chuck as early Alzheimer's
disease and his physician thought a Service Dog could be
beneficial. They adopted an adult Cocker Spaniel named Dakota
from a shelter. However, they did not know much about the
dog's background and asked if I could help them work with the
I have been working with Linda for the past 2 years. Recently we have worked closely together on the Nurses Improving
Care for Healthsystem Elders (NICHE) leadership training program. During this program I had the privilege experiencing
Linda’s compassion for the elderly community. During the NICHE application process, Linda stated “it is also important to
be aware of factors that influence the patient and their health such as family dynamics, support systems, previous living
situations and possible changes that may require changes in living situations - either temporarily or permanently.” This
statement demonstrates Linda’s ability to care holistically for her patients both inside and outside the hospital. Linda takes
this view with her when she works within the community. It is individuals like Linda who make such an everlasting impact
on those she becomes in contact with. Her contributions to the community have impacted many lives, and it is time for
Linda to receive the recognition she deserves. Sarah Strom, Professional Practice Leader