APT Animals and People Together Org. (c)(3)

About Us:
When an occupational therapist, a speech pathologist, a real estate broker, a FAOTA occupational therapist, a poet/artist, and a CPA gathered to create a non-profit, they brought their other gifts as well, titles of the heart: animal-assisted therapist, horse lover, animal activist, therapeutic farm owner/animal rehabilitator, wildlife rescuer, and animal lover.

Board of Directors:
Lois Hickman, Occupational Therapist Love of animals and love of the outdoors has been part of Lois’ life since childhood. From Michigan to Colorado to Japan, Nicaragua, South Africa and Scotland, she has shared her thoughts of the importance of connecting with the natural world. Her private practice on her small farm is near Lyons, Colorado. She also had experience with therapeutic horseback riding at CTRC (Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center) and at Heart and Soul Ranch. All these experiences have given her the opportunity to help provide places where animals and gardening can enrich the lives of children and adult clients.
Kathy Nunemaker, Speech Therapist Kathy has worked in a one room schoolhouse, a clinic, a hospital, and a farm, from rural Kansas to Japan to Boulder, Colorado. She knows that helping her clients connect with animals and the natural environment will help them find their strength, their empathy, and their independence. She knows that communication is more than speech and that the animal-person connection is a wonderful way to make real communication happen. Her relationships with her own animal friends have enriched her therapy. Her experience with therapeutic riding program at CTRC (Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center) and Heart and Soul Ranch near Longmont, Colorado have been exciting ventures, bringing horses and people together.
Janet Ingvaldsen, Real Estate Agent, Animal Advocate Janet has enjoyed living in the mountains west of Boulder, Colorado with her dog Abigail, who came from the Denver Dumb Friends League. She and Abigail now live in the magical Pacific NW near Seattle. Janet is grateful to be so close to the ocean where she is hoping for the opportunity to see otters, whales and other local wildlife. She is looking forward to finding an organization to do volunteer work for Marine Wildlife. Janet is still able to keep an active connection with APT while she expands her passion for working for the welfare of animals in both Colorado and Washington. A portion of every real estate sale Janet makes is donated to non-profit organizations.
Meghan Dillmore Meghan is the newest member of our board, and we are thrilled that she consented to join us. We knew that she would be a valuable partner in our work after seeing her skill as a volunteer in therapeutic riding classes, and knowing that she is a dedicated animal caregiver at the Boulder Humane Society. Welcome, Meghan! She and her husband live in the foothills west of Boulder, and she loves her dog, cats, and all the wild animals that share her world.
Advisory Board:
Diane Bergstrom, Adventure Coordinator, Poet / Writer Diane Bergstrom is a published poet/writer with a penchant for animals and the wilderness. She has experience coordinating or leading outdoor adventures, primarily for adults facing physical, emotional or financial challenges. Her past activities have included: rafting, skiing, hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, camping, nature walks, ski biking and horseback riding. She has also coordinated adaptive yoga and pilates classes. Her passion for animals found an outlet in volunteer work for the Rocky Mountain National Park and the Colorado Division of Wildlife. She has been a trail master, worked on the elk patrol, banded geese, monitored bluebirds, and captured/transported sick and inured animals to licensed rehabilitators. Her car has been a wildlife taxi, transporting a variety of species from bats to eagles to mountain lions. Diane has a personal interest is helping people with challenges experience nature, interact with animals, and thereby reduce their nature deficit. She is also an artist who finds great inspiration in the wilderness and believes in the restorative power of nature.
Melissa Johnson, Writer, Photographer, Lawyer, Philanthropist Melissa Johnson is a writer, photographer, artist, lawyer, humanitarian, and animal lover, living in the mountains of Boulder County, Colorado. Early in her career, she learned that the best way to get out of herself (and the chaos of the business world) was to give back to others. Today, inspired by her love of our four-legged and winged friends, nature and all of humanity, she uses her passion for problem solving, helping others, creativity and business to make a difference in the lives of animals and people, volunteering and serving on boards for various philanthropic organizations. To learn more about Melissa, please visit her website at www.MelissaEJohnson.com.
Dick Buckingham, CPA Dick is our accountant who keeps us for being terribly confused and keeps on track. His has one primary cat and several other feline assistants helping him during tax season. He is an accomplished musician and square dancer. He is married to his college sweetheart who shares his love of music, square dancing and animals.
Cook Rodgers, MS Cook is a Master Waldorf teacher and Animal Assistive Therapist who shares her backyard, pond, and tipi with children, adults and animals. Her practice, called Wild Flower Therapies is an innovative example of how to bring a nature based program into an urban setting. Ringo her llama, is sweet, kind, and loves treats and children. He has made a difference in many children's lives.