Paws to Connect: Navigating Anxiety Together – A Multidisciplinary Approach to Healing
Your Webinar Description:
Join Ann Waterbury, certified behavior professional, and Alannah Smith, licensed mental health counselor associate, along with Maria Gabe currently working towards certification in small animal massage for a workshop designed to help you navigate anxiety within yourself and within your dog.
Paws to Connect will help you learn to navigate anxiety, both within yourself and within your dog.
Anxiety is a natural response to different stressors, but it can become a problem when it starts to interfere with your quality of life. This is a challenge that many people, and many dogs, face. It can be misunderstood, and as a result, many of those experiencing it can miss out on support that they truly need and deserve. Our mission is to offer this support to people and dogs on the journey of navigating anxiety. Blending approaches from canine behavioral intervention and human mental health counseling, we are here to bridge the gap between the mutual experience of anxiety between dog and person.
Learning Objectives:
- Understanding anxiety and cultivating an awareness of your and your dog’s anxiety
- Strategies for managing your own anxiety
- Strengthening communication with your dog
- Enhancing your relationship with your dog through co-regulation
Your Presenters-
Ann Waterbury, BS, UW-AAB, CPDT-KA, ACBS, CNWI
Ann Waterbury brings a sophisticated, science-based approach to canine behavior, blending her background in behavior analysis with physical wellness. She holds a Bachelor of Science from East Carolina University and has pursued extensive post-graduate education in animal behavior, including certifications in Applied Animal Behavior from the University of Washington and Advanced Canine Behavioral Sciences from the Companion Animal Sciences Institute (CASI).
A dedicated student of the fundamental principles of behavior, Ann studied under her mentor, Dr. Susan G. Friedman, through the Living and Learning with Animals program and intensive coursework at the University of North Texas and Natural Encounters. In 2012, she earned her Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI) status. She uniquely integrates K9 Nose Work® into her behavioral protocols to help reactive and anxious dogs build confidence and find mental enrichment.
Beyond her clinical work, Ann is a respected educator and author. She has lectured for Chi University, providing instruction for veterinarians pursuing master’s degrees in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, and had served as an international speaker for dog-ibox, the NACSW, and the Karen Pryor Academy. In 2022, she contributed a chapter to the textbook Canines: The Original Biosensors, later presenting her findings at the Sci-Con conference at Florida International University. Most recently, Ann expanded her holistic toolkit by earning her certification in Small Animal Acupressure (CSAAP) from the Northwest School of Small Animal Massage.
Alannah Smith, LMHCA
Based in Gig Harbor, Washington, Alannah Smith is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate who specializes in supporting clients through life’s complex transitions. Her expertise spans a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, LGBTQ+ related hurdles, trauma, and grief.
Alannah operates from a humanistic framework, employing an integrative therapeutic approach that is highly tailored to the individual. She frequently incorporates mindfulness, compassion-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and solution-focused techniques into her practice. With a deep belief in the mind-body connection, she also utilizes somatic, nature-based, and animal-assisted therapies.
Alannah views her role as a facilitator, empowering clients to access their inherent wisdom and strength. By prioritizing authenticity and empathy, she meets every client exactly where they are, fostering an environment where positive change and personal growth can flourish.
Maria Machler
Maria Machler’s career in the canine industry is as diverse as it is heart-led. From owning a dog bakery and working in rescue to serving as a Client Service Representative at an emergency veterinary hospital, Maria has spent years observing the nuanced ways dogs communicate and connect with their humans.
Her personal journey into specialized canine care began when her dog, Ruby, required rehabilitation following an injury. This led Maria to discover K9 Nose Work® under Ann Waterbury’s mentorship. Inspired by the profound impact of physical and mental enrichment, Maria is currently studying to become a Certified Canine Massage Therapist, with a specific focus on rehabilitation and behavioral support.
As a guardian to her two PNW adventure buddies, Ruby and Wiley, Maria is deeply committed to enhancing the emotional and physical well-being of every dog she meets. At Sound Dog Connection, she focuses on reducing canine stress and providing meaningful outlets for energy and curiosity, ensuring every “sound dog” and their person feels supported and understood.
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