Meet the Team
Our Board
Chair
Patricia Flaherty-Fischette, PhD, LCSW
(she/her)
SoulPaws is an example of translational research – translating innovative research on AAI and ED and putting it into practice. The affect regulation and attachment benefits of AAI for individuals with ED showcases the power of this intervention for this population. I am committed to procuring more research and practical experiences to support healing from ED.
Vice President
Chantel Wilson, LMFT
(she/her)
I am a part of SoulPaws because I have had the privilege to experience in my own life as well as witness in others the power of human-animal connection. I believe that all people should experience unconditional love and acceptance. I believe that animals give this to us without thought, and I am so grateful to be a part of an organization that can provide these opportunities for people who are struggling with an eating disorder/disordered eating and those who have not felt able to be fully expressed.
Vice President
Carly Ellman, MSW, LCSW
(she/her)
Bio Coming Soon!
Secretary
Jason Wood
(he/him)
SoulPaws means hope and healing to me because animals are truly a gift! My own dogs played a role in the development of self-compassion while providing me hope on the darkest days of my eating disorder.
Treasurer
Devon Gentile
(she/her)
SoulPaws brings the human-animal connection and its form of healing to the forefront, actively supporting individuals in recovery and those struggling with mental health issues. I am dedicated to raising further awareness and increasing the availability of resources.
Director
Nicole Finch
(she/her)
Bio Coming Soon!
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Director
Aims Babich
(they/them)
I am a Board Member on SoulPaws because I have witnessed and experienced the healing power that animals can bring to an individual's recovery and growth from mental health struggles, trauma, and through challengings times.
Director
OJ Bushell
(they/them)
I joined SoulPaws because I am passionate about the impact that animals can have on healing from eating disorders, trauma, and other serious mental illnesses.
Our Advisors
Advisor
Nisha Contractor
(she/her)
I am honored to support the SoulPaws mission because I am both a mental wellbeing advocate and animal lover. The understanding eyes and unconditional cuddles of an animal can speak to our core selves, and that is of course what SoulPaws aims to do - to remind people that at their cores they are worthy and they are loved.
Advisor
Emily Conlon, LMFT
(she/her)
Bio coming soon!
Advisor
Nia Patterson
(they/them)
Bio coming soon!
Advisor
Jessica Hickman
(she/her)
Bio coming soon!
Advisor
Jayne Mattingly
(she/her)
Bio coming soon!
Advisor
Dr. Bruce Perry
(he/him)
“It is gratifying to see the great work of SoulPaws. Their work exemplifies the wisdom of integrating core concepts of the neurobiology underlying regulation, resilience and healing into a practical, effective intervention approach. I know the whole Neurosequential Network community looks forward to working with the SoulPaws team.”
Advisor
Katya Lidsky
(she/her)
I am a part of SoulPaws because my own soul was saved by paws. I believe that sometimes the immensely soothing love an animal offers is essential in the healing process, and when it comes to eating disorders and mental health challenges, my hope is that not a single person who needs this love goes without it.
Our Staff
Founder & CEO
Shannon Kopp
(she/her)
The human-animal connection saves lives every day, and I’m infinitely grateful that mine has been one of them. I founded SoulPaws to make the life-saving benefits of animal-assisted interventions and clinician-led support accessible to anyone battling eating disorders and other serious mental health challenges.