1. Describe the difference between an emotional support animal (ESA) and a service animal (SA)
2. Describe the role conflicts that are created when a treating Psychologist writes an ESA certification letter for a current patient.
3. Identify what should be considered when making an ESA determination.

Speakers: 

Dr. Emily Rademan, PsyD

Emily Rademan, Psy.D., is a Licensed Psychologist and is the owner of Peak Mind Consulting, a small group practice in Colorado Springs. Her clinicalspecialties include military trauma, military family life, geriatrics, and functional neurological disorders. She integrates EMDR, cognitive modalities, clinical hypnosis, and humanistic/existential approaches to address the multifaceted aspects of mental health and well-being. She also provides psychoeducation classes to professional organizations and veteran groups. Dr. Rademan serves as a member of the Advisory Council member for Operation TBI Freedom (OTF) in Colorado Springs which is a program of Craig Hospital that provides support for Veterans and active duty military personnel with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). She is also a consultant on PTSD and service members for Freedom Service Dogs. Her community involvement includes volunteering with Hospice. In her free time, Dr. Rademan likes to spend time with her dogs and to explore the mountains through hikes and off-roading.

Amanda Vallo, MA

Amanda Vallo joined Freedom Service Dogs in March 2019. She holds a master's degree in counseling psychology from Ohio State University. As a recent FSD team graduate and licensed professional counselor, she brings a depth of understanding and experience to her work. Amanda, an aspiring athlete with dreams to play sports at the highest competitive level, sustained a career-ending and life-altering spinal cord injury at age sixteen. It is through the struggles and success of rebuilding a post-injury life that ultimately led to what she now calls the "A Team" (Amanda and her service dog Ava). Through teamwork and bonding with Ava, Amanda developed a renewed focus and vision for life. Now as the first source of contact and resources for FSD clients, Amanda and Ava (the "A Team") work with other people who have experienced loss of mobility and independence due to trauma or injury.