Comfort Dog Meet & Greet
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SESSION INFO

Monday, March 2, 2026
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
Session Type: Special Activity
Take a moment during the Institute to unwind and meet K-9 teams who provide comfort, connection, and support to victims, communities, and justice professionals. APPA is hosting a relaxed, drop-in Comfort Dog Meet & Greet in the second-floor Pre-Function area of the host hotel. Mandy & Asher A Comfort K-9 team from the Georgia Office of Victim Services. Asher is a trained comfort/therapy dog who supports victims of violent crime, state employees, and communities across Georgia. Shannon & Bodhi From the Douglasville Police Department. Bodhi is both a service dog for his handler and a therapy/peer support partner, especially for children and individuals in crisis. Kelly Lewis with Rowan and Cassy Kelly is a Certified Animal-Assisted Interventions Specialist with the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice’s Rescue 2 Restore program. She partners with her dogs, Rowan and Cassy, to deliver ethical, trauma-informed animal-assisted interventions within secure juvenile justice facilities. Their work supports youth and staff by promoting emotional regulation, positive behavior, and meaningful moments of connection. Additional teams may join us, in coordination with the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice. This is a drop-in, come-and-go space to say hello, learn about the work these teams do, and take a brief pause in the middle of a busy week. Please remember: Always ask the handler before approaching or petting any dog, especially those who are also working service animals.

SESSION PRESENTERS
Shannon Dean
Sergeant, Douglasville Police Department and Municipal Court


Shannon Dean is a Sergeant with the Douglasville Police Department, where she has proudly served for 30 years. Law enforcement has always been her calling, and throughout her career, she has worked in many areas of the department, currently serving as Community Outreach Supervisor, Senior Instructor, Mentor, and February 2026 Peer Counselor. Shannon has earned recognition from her city, department, and service organizations, but the greatest reward has been hearing firsthand how she has positively impacted lives and continued to fuel her purpose. She is an open book who wants others to thrive in their lives and choices. Beyond her career, Shannon treasures her family, including her husband, John, her two sons, Erik and Patrick, and her growing crew of grandchildren. She is also a proud dog mom to Bear and Bodhi (Bauden), her Mastiffs. Shannon got Bodhi to train as her service dog and found the organization ‘Tails of Hope’. While training, Bodhi quickly revealed his own calling as a peer support and crisis response partner, especially with children and individuals in need. Together, Shannon and Bodhi volunteer and continue a shared mission of compassion, connection, and service.

Mandy Kimner
Victim Services Canine Handler, GA Board of Pardons and Paroles


Mandy Kimner serves as a Victim Specialist and K-9 Handler with the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles, Office of Victim Services. A proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran (1997-2001), Mandy achieved the rank of Sergeant and was recognized for her exceptional leadership and commitment to service. Following her military career, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Clayton State University and began her career with the agency in 2007. Throughout her tenure, she has held various roles, including Parole Officer, Specialized Parole Officer, Hearing Examiner, POST Certified Instructor, and Glock Armorer. Since transitioning to the Office of Victim Services, Mandy has become a credentialed victim advocate and has obtained certifications in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), Crisis Response, Victim Offender Dialogue (VOD), and Peer Counseling. Her dedication to supporting those affected by trauma enables her to provide compassionate and effective care to individuals navigating challenging circumstances. In July 2024, Mandy was paired with Asher, a Labradoodle trained through Tails of Hope in Haralson, Georgia. Together, they have completed several hundred hours of specialized training and now serve as an essential part of the agency’s Critical Incident Stress Management Team and Peer Support program. Asher offers comfort and emotional support to crime victims and survivors, first responders, community members, and agency staff impacted by daily stressors or traumatic events. Mandy and Asher’s partnership highlights the profound impact that compassionate care and connection can have on those coping with crisis and trauma.