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The Meaning Behind Our Logo
The Meaning Behind Our Logo
Every part of the Kindred Paws logo carries a piece of our story.
The sunflower and paw represent warmth, growth, and the meaningful relationships between people and animals that have shaped Kindred Paws. The Scottish thistle holds a more personal connection—honoring family heritage, strength, resilience, and the legacy of someone whose presence helped shape the person behind the practice. Together, the botanicals remind us that who we become is influenced by the relationships, roots, and connections we carry with us along the way.
Hi, I'm Melanie.
Hi, I'm Melanie.
I believe healing happens through genuine relationships.
Whether I'm working with a young child learning to express big emotions, a teenager navigating life's challenges, or an adult searching for hope during a difficult season, my goal is always the same—to create a place where you feel safe, accepted, and truly understood.
No one should have to earn compassion before they begin healing.
That belief is at the heart of my work.
I became interested in animal-assisted counseling while earning my bachelor's and master's degrees in social work at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. It was there that I discovered the incredible way animals can help people feel safe enough to connect, explore, and grow.
That dream became a reality with my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Gertie.
I have raised Gertie since she was eight weeks old, and our journey together became part of my professional training and certification in animal-assisted counseling through Texas State University. She isn't simply a therapy dog—she is my partner in helping clients experience acceptance, connection, and courage. Her name is short for Gertrude, meaning spear of strength, and every day she quietly lives up to that name by helping children, teens, and adults find the strength to take their next step forward.
My approach is rooted in person-centered, strengths-based, cognitive behavioral, and systems perspectives, but more than any particular technique, I believe meaningful change grows from feeling deeply known and genuinely cared for. Therapy isn't about becoming someone different—it's about discovering the strengths that have been there all along.
One of the greatest privileges of my work is walking alongside clients as they pursue the goals and dreams that matter most to them. It is an honor to witness healing, celebrate growth, and remind people that hope is often found one relationship at a time.
Ready to take the next step?
Ready to take the next step?
🐾 Meet Gertie
🐾 Meet Gertie
Canine Assistant | Professional Treat Enthusiast | Connection Builder
Gertie is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and an important part of the Kindred Paws team. Alongside her clinician, she participates in animal-assisted counseling and play therapy, helping create opportunities for connection, engagement, emotional regulation, and growth.
Depending on each client’s needs and comfort level, Gertie’s role may look a little different from session to session. She might join a therapeutic activity, practice patience and boundaries with a child, offer a calming presence during a difficult conversation, participate in play, or simply curl up nearby while a client talks. Sometimes, just having another warm presence in the room can make beginning feel a little easier.
Gertie is also given choice and boundaries in the therapy room. She has her own safe spaces, can take breaks, and is never required to interact. Learning to notice and respect her communication can create natural opportunities to explore consent, boundaries, empathy, relationships, and respect for the needs of others.
Outside of her important therapeutic responsibilities, Gertie enjoys treats, puzzles, naps, and reminding everyone that sometimes connection doesn’t require many words.
Her job isn’t to make hard feelings disappear. It’s to be one more safe presence while we work through them together.
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