Marilyn Edwards is recognized by many as the woman with Roo, the French Bulldog in the stroller, or with Mister, her portly bulldog companion. Her pet therapy journey began in April 2004 when she joined Pet Partners (formerly Delta Society) with Babs, a rescued boxer mix. After retiring from Procter & Gamble in 2008, Marilyn became a Pet Partner Evaluator and Instructor, Master Gardener, and joined Southwest Ohio Critical Incident Stress Management with her dog Maggie, supporting emergency workers.

In 2012, Marilyn established Trumbull Memorial Hospital’s pet therapy program while volunteering throughout Youngstown. During her 20 years of service, she has shared her therapy dogs in retirement homes, hospitals, schools, and businesses, creating meaningful connections and providing comfort to countless individuals in need.

Louise Nathanson is a wife, mother of three daughters, grandmother of four, and devoted dog mom to two golden retrievers. An Anderson Township resident since 1987, she remains a Kentuckian at heart. In 2021, Louise joined Pet Partners as a volunteer without a therapy animal while waiting for her sixth golden retriever to mature. She now visits with Nugget at Turpin High School.

During this time, she has assisted with evaluations and workshops, gaining valuable knowledge about both Pet Partners operations and animal training techniques. With over 30 years of accounting and tax experience, Louise recognizes the importance of pet therapy beyond traditional settings like medical facilities and schools, extending to corporate environments. She takes pride in helping reduce workplace stress as employees return to in-person positions.

Trish Smith, known as Rosie’s Mom, has been a PPGC member since 2022. She and Rosie visit Bethesda North Hospital and Hospice of Cincinnati weekly, while also participating in varied requests at schools, special education classes, corporations, and first responder events.

Retired after 44 years in the insurance industry, Trish previously worked as a Program Director with Liberty Mutual and volunteered with the Parkinson’s Foundation, Arthritis Foundation, and Indiana Donor Network.

Originally from Indiana, she moved to Montgomery in 2021 with her husband Dan and their dog Knute. They have 6 adult children and 9 grandchildren. Trish values being part of this caring group, seeing firsthand the impact their teams make and the respect they receive in the community.

If you ask my dog, Moose, I’m a full-time chauffeur, treat dispenser, and professional belly-scratcher who disappears behind a glowing screen all day to give attention to people who aren’t him. But when I’m not managing his very busy therapy schedule (complete with window-down car rides and post-visit puppuccinos), I work as a Life Cycle Assessment Expert (aka Scientist) at Procter and Gamble, where I use data and technology to solve big problems and protect our planet. I believe that metrics matter—even the ones that measure tail wags per minute.

I’ve been part of this incredible therapy dog community for over two years, logging more than 135 visits with Moose, who proudly holds AKC titles like TKI & THDA —and probably thinks “AKC” stands for “All Kibble, Constantly.” We also hold our AACR certification. Together, we’ve completed over 11 training classes together from basic obedience to scent work. Whether we’re comforting a sick child or showing off our best “wave” in a hospital hallway, I bring the same enthusiasm to service as I do to my work: data-backed, mission-driven, and heart-first.

At home, I’m happily married to Ben, who tolerates my growing collection of doggie enrichment objects, agility tunnels, and spreadsheets labeled “Treat ROI.” I’m running for trustee to help grow this organization in reach and impact—with a focus on tech-driven outreach, volunteer support systems, and measuring the magic we create. If elected, I promise to give this role the same energy I give Moose at walk time: full-speed, ears-up, and 100% paws in.

Terry has been a member of Pet Partners of Greater Cincinnati since 2022 after following Pet Partners for years.  Her initial visits were with her cat Colby.  She now visits with her dog, Dahlia.  Terry has recently become licensed as a Pet Partners Instructor.

Heather Hauser has been with Pet Partners of Greater Cincinnati since 2018, making pet therapy her mission. She had registered four guinea pigs (Rapunzel, Belle, Olaf, and Jasmine) and currently works with George, her giant rabbit, offering a unique non-dog perspective to the organization. As Vice President, she serves as mentor coordinator and visit coordinator.

Heather is a licensed evaluator and visits St. Elizabeth locations, Family Nurturing Center, nursing homes, and handles numerous special requests. Heather works as an early intervention specialist for the state of Kentucky and  lives in Edgewood, KY with her husband Brad, daughters Rose and Anna, plus their menagerie of guinea pigs, rabbits, and dogs. Her daughter Rose has recently become a junior handler and visits with her dwarf bunny, Alice.