On October 1, I officially stepped into the role of director of HABIC, building on the vision and leadership of Dr. Helen Holmquist-Johnson, who guided HABIC with dedication since 2018 and positioned us for a bright future. Since Helen’s retirement in June, I’ve been working alongside HABIC staff Tricia Howley, Amelia Malone, and Kate Miller, and I’m deeply grateful for their support, expertise, and commitment. They have warmly welcomed me into this role, and together we are carrying HABIC’s mission forward.
This summer, we kept HABIC’s core operations at the forefront: Tricia led updates to volunteer and partner agreements to align with CSU’s Risk Management and Insurance standards; Amelia prepared a strong slate of fall programs and placements; and Kate analyzed training data to identify ways to expand access and strengthen both training and volunteer retention—keeping volunteers at the heart of our mission. The team welcomed a new part-time trainer, Sarah King. We also engaged in strategic planning and visioning—work we’ll continue this fall with input from volunteers, students, donors, and the advisory council.
Since joining Colorado State University’s School of Social Work last fall as the inaugural Sarama Bliss Endowed Chair in Human–Animal Interaction, I’ve been working to strengthen HABIC’s research leadership. My research lab, RISE HAI, launched a new Doctoral Fellowship in partnership with Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity, or CARE, which enabled us to welcome Jada Ford as a doctoral student in social work.
I am also leading new research projects with funding from HABRI and the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) at CSU. The HABRI-supported study focuses on the role of human–dog interactions in maternal and infant well-being, while the OVPR-funded project examines climate-resilience strategies for multispecies families. In addition, HABIC is part of a collective partnership supported by the Avenir Innovation Fund to address pet-inclusive affordable housing in Colorado. Together, these initiatives reflect HABIC’s growing momentum in research.
Looking ahead, we are committed to elevating HABIC’s research profile; diversifying, growing, and strengthening support for our volunteer base; and expanding training opportunities. These goals are ambitious, but essential. In today’s climate, where funding is increasingly competitive and communities face profound challenges, HABIC’s work is more meaningful than ever. Your commitment—as volunteers, partners, and donors—makes it possible for HABIC not only to continue, but to lead.
I look forward to connecting with you: our human and animal volunteers, partners, and donors. Reach out anytime—I’m always glad to share a conversation, whether it’s over coffee or something a little stronger. Thank you for all you give to HABIC. Together, we’re creating a future where the human–animal bond is recognized for its vital role in healing, connection, and resilience.
With deepest gratitude,
Shelby