Team

Laura O’Kane founded Paws and Affection in August 2013. Laura is the Executive Director of the organization and spends her time raising funds to care for and train the P&A team of dogs, managing day to day operations, and overseeing the training department. She plans events, works with volunteers, interviews applicants, and helps with the training of dog/recipient teams. Laura has a hands-on approach to leading the team and enjoys building relationships with staff, fosters, volunteers, recipients, donors, and the community. She believes in a team atmosphere and open communication to create an environment of happiness and success. Prior to starting Paws and Affection, Laura spent time in the classroom assisting in the training of in-home pets in basic obedience and manners. Laura has a B.S. from Virginia Tech and in September 2011, she completed the Teach the Teacher Course at Canine Assistants in Atlanta, GA under the direction of Jennifer Arnold. Laura and her husband Chad live outside of Philadelphia with their 2 children and P&A Ambassador, Rosie.

Jess plays a vital role in keeping Paws and Affection connected, growing, and thriving. She leads strategic marketing efforts and strengthens the community of supporters and donors by managing social media, creating print and digital materials, and keeping the website fresh and engaging. On the fundraising side, she helps plan and execute events, trains and coordinates volunteers, and researches and manages grant opportunities, all while ensuring every donor is thanked and every gift is carefully recorded. Deeply involved in the day-to-day of our program, she collaborates closely with leadership on dog training and placement, supports volunteers and fosters, and steps in as a trusted decision-maker when needed. Jess graduated from La Salle University in 2018 with a B.A. in Psychology.

Gwen is responsible for overseeing the health and wellbeing of the P&A dog team. In coordination with fosters and trainers, she keeps the dogs in top shape by doing physical therapy; maintaining a healthy diet of kibble and supplements; and scheduling appointments with the vet and groomer. She also helps prepare the puppies at P&A for their service dog life by socializing them in the community and introducing them to the Bond Based Approach. Although she graduated from Bryn Mawr College with a degree in Philosophy, Gwen has always had a passion for animal care and wellbeing. She has volunteered at shelters, fostered cats and dogs, and in June of 2020 she adopted her own rescue pup named Hopscotch, who joins her at work often.

Judith works with applicants at every stage of our placement process. She reviews applications, interviews applicants, and participates in the matching process. In addition, Judith works with our current team of dogs-in-training to get them ready for placement. Judith joined the P&A staff in September 2022 after a year of volunteering. Prior to joining P&A, she spent 10 years volunteering with horses and riders at therapeutic equine facilities. It was through this work that she became passionate about the unique bond between 4-leggeds and 2-leggeds and the remarkable ways animals support and partner with their humans. Judith is excited to be working with the P&A dogs to make a positive impact in young peoples' lives and is honored to be part of such a worthwhile organization. Judith lives in Penn Valley with her husband Lou and has two kids who recently graduated college. Her late dog Andy taught her everything about the dog-human bond.

Louise works with our recipients once they are matched with a dog, first helping them build a bond and then facilitating their training and learning progress. She identifies the needs of the recipient and then works with the dog and child to make magic happen. Following placement, she is the liaison between the family and the organization ensuring they are supported. In addition, Louise works with our current team of dogs-in-training to get them ready for placement. Louise started out as a volunteer but joined the P&A staff in October 2022. She is a licensed occupational therapist who has spent her career working with children of all ages. Through her work, she has witnessed the positive effect that an animal can have on children in the hospital, outpatient, and school settings. As a lover of all animals, especially dogs, she is thrilled to be working with the P&A team. Louise lives in Narberth with her cat, Charlie, and has twins who recently graduated college.

Cory works primarily with our puppies, training and guiding them through the earliest stages of their development. She also leads our Dog Scholar Program, which gives community members the opportunity to have their own pet puppies trained alongside our service dogs. Cory started her career in hospitality and tourism management, where she worked in event and wedding planning. She began her journey at P&A as a volunteer in 2024 before stepping into her role as Puppy Manager, and she has loved every moment since. A lifelong dog lover, Cory lives in Bryn Mawr with her husband, Patrick, their two teenagers, and their Vizsla, Winnie.