Agility Angels Dedication
Agility Angels is dedicated to Cole Sensenstein and the late Don Holmes. Both of these beautiful individuals embody the very essence of what Agility Angels is all about. Courage, Perseverance, and the will to face adversity regardless of any fears! May their example live on in every “Flight” Agility Angels takes!
Agility Angels was founded by friends, Melissa Voetsch and Kim Holmes in the summer of 2008. As the mother of a son diagnosed with Autism, Melissa wanted to explore the use of dog agility to help encourage children with the disorder to engage with the world around them. Kim, a nationally ranked dog trainer, jumped at the chance and recruited other dog trainers to join in. By the end of the summer, more than 10 families had joined in the volunteer effort, which enjoyed immediate and overwhelming success in helping the students connect with each other, the dogs and the world!
Agility Angels has grown by word of mouth to over 50 participants. Training classes are held once a week by Holmes and a crew of wonderful volunteer coaches. All the coaches bring their trained agility dogs and are paired with children or teens based on their compatibility.
It is the mission of Agility Angels to serve children and teens with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome.
Agility Angels turns NO family away based on their ability to pay.
Success in Flight
“Agility Angels offers children and teens with Autism Spectrum Disorders the opportunity to develop many important skills in a safe and fun environment. Through support from the wonderful coaches and bonding with the dogs, participants build self-esteem, problem solving and social relationship skills that will help them to become more independent and productive as young adults.”
Sherry A. Moyer, MSW
Executive/Research Director
The University of Toledo Center for Excellence in Autism
“Agility Angels have dramatically changed the lives of many of my patients as well as their families. This is due to the extremely dedicated volunteer staff as well as the unconditional love the Agility dogs offer allowing significant social gains.”
Dr. Tim Valko M.D.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Agility Angels Board Members
| Kim Holmes, President Manager Reynolds Rd. Animal Hospital |
Melissa Voetsch, Vice President News Anchor WTOL-TV11 Mother of child with Autism |
Terry McLeary, Secretary Broker, Carrietowne Realtors Agility Angels Coach |
Mary Walters Director of M.O.D.E.L School for Autistic Learners Mother of 3 children with Autism |
Fred Dannhauser, Treasurer CFO, Arrow-Tru Line Agility Angels Coach |
| Beverly Nathan Artist Agility Angels Coach |
Dr. Thomas Young Veterinarian, Rtd. Agility Angels Coach |
Julie Treuhalft, Bookeeper Mother of Teen with Autism Agility Angels Coach |
Dr. Tim Valko M.D. Valko and Associates Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist |
Laurie Green Special Ed Teacher, Rtd. Agility Angels Coach |
| Martha Chapman Info./Volunteer Services Promedica, Rtd. Agility Angels Coach |
Sandy Michalski Radiology Admin., Mercy Health Partners Mother of child with Autism |
Patti Eckhart R.V.T., Reynolds Road Animal Hospital Agility Angels Coach |
Jodi Farschman, J.D. Mother of child with Autism |
