Meet The Team

Jennifer has a Doctorate in Psychology with a specialization in Animal Behavior (Ethology). She completed her studies at the Faculty of Psychology in Geneva Switzerland where she was an assistant professor for 8 years. She has worked professionally as a dog trainer and behaviorist since 1988.

​Jennifer started the first professional dog training school based on clicker training in France (Animalin). She is the author of “Selecting and Training Your Service Dog: How to Succeed in Public Access Work.”

Passionate about helping people in difficulty, she learned how to train service dogs while working as the Director of Training for ICAN, a local prison-based organization. She enjoyed coaching the inmate trainers and helping them develop skills to better their lives while helping people with disabilities. It was during those years that she learned about the impact of life-threatening conditions, such as diabetes and started developing training protocols for medical alert dogs. Her love for dogs led her in 2013 to continue working with service dogs while also making a difference for dogs in need. She since has set her focus on medical conditions and the use of scent for service dogs. 

With her scientific background, she also contributes to ongoing scientific research in the field of medical detection and has co-authored the first peer-reviewed studies proving the existence of a scent, that dogs can be trained to detect, in patients with diabetes or epileptic seizures. Given her expertise in the field of service dog training and medical detection, as well as her fluency in both English and French, Jennifer also coaches service dog organizations and trainers internationally. Her coaching services can be found at https://assistancedog.center/.

Meet Jack Topham, the heart and mind behind the scenes at Medical Mutts. As the Co-Founder and Director of Finance and Administration, Jack wears many hats to ensure the seamless operation of our organization.

Being the first person you'll encounter when you call our office, Jack takes the time to attentively listen to your needs, providing detailed insights into our various programs to assist you in making the best decision. If Medical Mutts isn't the right fit, Jack is dedicated to directing you to the appropriate resources and offering comprehensive information about service dogs.

In addition to his role as the face of customer support, Jack manages the financial and administrative aspects of the organization. He ensures that Medical Mutts stays on the right path, maintaining a strong standing in the service dog community.

With a wealth of experience dating back to 2009 in service dog training, Jack is always at the forefront of new trends and innovations in the field. 

Jack's office is a welcoming space, often shared with the mischievous office cat, Marvin. Despite the occasional chaos caused by Marvin's playful antics with important documents, Jack remains dedicated to providing exceptional service and support to everyone who walks through our doors.

Abby Harlan is a native Hoosier and bilingual career non-profit professional.  She fell in love with cause-driven work after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2002. She spent nearly four years working for international agencies in Costa Rica and Guatemala before settling in Miami, Florida for over a decade. There she grew into executive leadership with the YMCA of South Florida and later led national program development and fundraising initiatives for Best Buddies International, an organization that advocates for and empowers people with disabilities. She returned to Indianapolis in 2018, assuming the role off Executive Director at Pack Away Hunger, a non-profit whose mission is to end hunger through nutritious food, education, and service. She was also lucky enough to be a part of developing and launching the International District Community Center in Indy's near Northwest side. Program and staff development, fundraising, and board management are all things she enjoys in her career.

Abby is an active member of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis and board chair of the Safety and Education Committee at Eagle Creek Sailing Club (ECSC). As a lifelong sailor, she developed the DEI initiative at ECSC and strongly advocates for more equity in sailing among women and minorities. She loves dogs and fosters for Indianapolis Animal Care Services and the Humane Society of Boone County.  

She lives in Zionsville with her tennis ball obsessed dog, Suzie Q, and partner, Rick Graef, who is a sailor, dog-lover, and classical musician with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

Meet Eva Rudisile, the compassionate force behind the success of our clients and their service dogs at Medical Mutts. As a dedicated Service Dog Specialist, Eva channels her heart and energy into fostering meaningful partnerships between clients and their canine companions.

In her multifaceted role, Eva's responsibilities span from matching dogs with clients to overseeing comprehensive training programs. Her commitment to the success of these partnerships is evident in her coaching and support for clients, ensuring they receive the guidance needed for a successful service dog relationship.

Beyond being a certified dog trainer, Eva holds the distinction of being a board-certified Music Therapist. Specializing in Neurologic Music Therapy, NICU, and general pediatrics, Eva brings a unique blend of therapeutic expertise to our team. She facilitates healing through rhythms and clinical hypnosis, contributing to the holistic well-being of both clients and their service dogs.

Eva's commitment to continuous improvement is evident in her pursuit of knowledge. She holds certifications in Search and Rescue (SARTEC 2 & 3) and is CPR/First Aid certified for both humans and pets. Recognizing the importance of clear communication between humans and dogs, Eva is dedicated to perfecting her knowledge as a dog expert through ongoing education at the prestigious Academy for Dog Trainers.

Meet Melissa Morris, the driving force behind the meticulous selection and screening of dogs entering our program at Medical Mutts. With a challenging mission at hand, Melissa is dedicated to ensuring that every dog selected is well-suited for the transformative journey as a service dog.

A seasoned professional in animal training, Melissa's journey has taken her under the mentorship of some of the world's most accomplished trainers. Under the guidance of the renowned Dr. Sophia Yin, she honed her skills in training, low-stress management, and teaching, working seamlessly with both cats and dogs.

Melissa brings a wealth of experience from her years spent in shelters and laboratories. As an expert in assessing the behaviors of cats and dogs, she excels in developing and implementing behavior modification protocols. Furthermore, Melissa takes the lead in teaching clients essential skills during our classes, fostering a harmonious bond between individuals and their service dogs.

Devoting her career to making a meaningful difference in the lives of animals and their human companions, Melissa's passion shines through in every aspect of her work. Her extensive background and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset to the Medical Mutts team.

Brittney has dedicated over 7 years to animal welfare, gaining extensive experience across various sectors including dog daycare, veterinary clinics, animal control, and shelters. Her passion for animals is evident in her commitment to helping shy animals overcome their obstacles and working with those that have behavior issues, including cats. She finds great fulfillment in the process of matching animals with their perfect forever homes, ensuring each pet finds the right family.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Brittney immerses herself in her love for animals. She spends all her free time training her three German Shepherds and one Belgian Malinois, continuously striving to improve their skills and bond. Alongside her canine companions, she cares for her three cats, creating a harmonious environment where all her pets thrive. Brittney's dedication to animal welfare extends beyond her work, shaping her lifestyle and enriching the lives of the animals she loves.

Chris Dale brings a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted passion for animal welfare to Medical Mutts as our volunteer coordinator. With 16 years of dedicated service at Hamilton Humane, Chris's journey began with humble beginnings, from dog walking to managing cat cages and organizing special events. Over time, Chris's role expanded to encompass volunteer coordination and involvement in the medical department, reflecting a commitment to every aspect of animal care.

Driven by a desire to explore new horizons and seek fresh challenges, Chris made the pivotal decision to join Medical Mutts. Drawn by our mission to transform shelter dogs into invaluable medical service companions, Chris found inspiration in our innovative approach to canine training and rescue.

Outside of Medical Mutts, Chris brings over two decades of experience from the National Bank of Indianapolis, where dedication and reliability have been integral traits throughout a distinguished career.

Residing just minutes away from our facility with his husband, Michael, and their beloved rescue Pit Bull, Nico, Chris finds solace and joy in his art studio during rare moments of leisure. However, his true sanctuary lies in the companionship of Nico, with whom he often explores the great outdoors on leisurely walks.

Introducing Jenna Jones, a dedicated canine enthusiast with an unwavering passion for animals, particularly dogs. Jenna's journey with Medical Mutts began with a heartfelt mission to provide rescued dogs with a fresh start in life.

Starting as a compassionate caregiver for our canine companions, Jenna quickly realized her innate ability to connect with dogs and took on the challenge of training service dogs. Now, as a valued member of the team, Jenna holds the position of Canine Trainer, a role she pursued with a determination to make a lasting impact.

Jenna's career at Medical Mutts is a testament to her commitment to both dogs and people. She aspires to advance her career in the realm of dog training while simultaneously contributing to the well-being and empowerment of individuals through service dogs.

In her pursuit of excellence, Jenna is dedicated to continuous learning. She strives to deepen her understanding of dogs—their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors—to ensure the success of every dog in our program. Jenna's genuine passion for her work and her desire to make a meaningful difference shine through in every interaction with our furry friends.

Anne, brings a wealth of expertise to her current role. With a robust background in animal welfare, shelter behavior, and behavior modification for at-risk dogs, Anne boasts over 8 years of experience as a Canine Behavior Specialist at IndyHumane.

Anne has a particular affinity for working with dogs that require extra attention, including the exuberant and energetic types as well as shy and fearful dogs. Her fear-free certification underscores her commitment to force-free, science-based training methods, reflecting her passion for ensuring the well-being and positive development of the dogs she works with.

From a young age, Anne has been enamored with animals of all kinds. Her early experiences include training one of her family dogs for obedience and agility competitions, laying the foundation for her lifelong connection with canine companions. Anne finds profound joy in the bond forged during training sessions, where dogs and trainers collaborate to learn new skills and behaviors.

Outside of her role, Anne dedicates quality time to her own two dogs, Sagan and Mazzy, and embraces the serenity of hiking and exploring the great outdoors. An avid learner, she is currently delving into subjects such as botany, mycology, and dendrology. Anne values moments spent with friends and family, rounding out her diverse and fulfilling interests beyond the training arena.

Meet Jordan, a dedicated member of our service dog training team with a passion for animal welfare that spans back to 2019. Jordan believes in the power of education and coaching to enhance the well-being of both dogs and their human companions, advocating for better care and management practices within the community.

With a rich background in animal welfare, Jordan served as a medical coordinator for a local shelter, utilizing their skills to ensure the health and welfare of shelter animals. Their experience as a veterinary assistant further adds to their comprehensive understanding of the needs of our furry friends.

In addition to their role as a service dog trainer, Jordan plays a vital role in medical procedures when necessary, showcasing their versatility and commitment to the holistic care of the animals they work with. Drawing from their expertise in assessing behaviors in shelter animals, Jordan excels in teaching valuable skills that make these animals more manageable, ultimately increasing their chances of finding loving homes through adoption.

Jordan's multifaceted approach to animal care, blending training, medical assistance, and behavioral assessments, reflects a deep commitment to the well-being of dogs and a dedication to creating positive outcomes for both pets and their human companions.

Shelby embarked on her animal care journey at the age of 17, beginning her studies in veterinary medicine at Harrison College. Her career path led her to work as a kennel attendant at HSHC, where she later transitioned into the role of a medical coordinator. Shelby's passion for veterinary medicine is evident in her dedication to applying her knowledge and skills at Medical Mutts.

Beyond her professional life, Shelby finds joy in spending quality time with her family, her rescue dog Uzi, and her four rescue kitties. She embraces the outdoors through hikes and immersing herself in nature. An artist at heart, Shelby specializes in drawing portraits and enthusiastically explores various art mediums to express her creativity. Her diverse interests and commitment to animal welfare shape her personal and professional pursuits, making a positive impact in both realms.

Steven served as an active-duty Army Military Police Staff Sergeant for eight years, including two years on Protective Service Detail for the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Chief of the National Guard Bureau. After exiting the service, he found new purpose in the world of dog training, starting with his own German Shepherd in 2021. Inspired by the parallels between training soldiers and dogs, Steven became passionate about the science behind training methods and their positive impact.

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He completed an eight-month internship under Jake Skillet at VonBernd K9 Training Center and furthered his knowledge through books like Purely Positive Training by Sheila Booth and Dog Sports Skills by Denise Fenzi & Deborah Jones, Ph.D. With hands-on experience in explosive detection and working with service dogs, Steven eventually transitioned back into the dog training field full-time, feeling more fulfilled by this work.

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Steven has been training dogs for three years and even started his own private training business after successfully rehabilitating a neglected dog named Prince. In addition to his work with dogs, he has expanded his passion for animal care to include reptiles, with a hognose snake named Jerry, and hopes to broaden this interest to birds in the future.

Meet Marvin, the charismatic feline extraordinaire who holds a special place at Medical Mutts. Marvin, originally from Indianapolis Animal Care and Control, found his forever home during the winter of 2020 and has since become an indispensable member of our team.

In the office, Marvin wears multiple hats, or should we say, collars! As the official greeter, he extends a warm welcome to anyone entering our doors. Additionally, Marvin takes on the crucial role of being the "cat tester" for all our service dogs in training, ensuring they are well-socialized and comfortable around our feline friends.

Marvin's responsibilities extend beyond the professional realm; he's also the chief provider of entertainment for the staff. With his playful antics and mischievous behavior, he keeps the office atmosphere lively and filled with laughter.

Despite being a cat, Marvin firmly believes he is the true owner of the facility, and he ensures the staff caters to his every need. His charming but sometimes cheeky habits, such as rearranging Jack's corkboard and orchestrating paper escapades from the printer, are a constant source of amusement for the team.

Marvin's presence adds a unique and heartwarming touch to our workspace, reminding us of the joy and companionship animals bring to our lives.