Team

Post-doctoral Fellow

Shahar obtained her Ph.D. in Health Education and Behavior from the University of Florida, where she continued as a postdoctoral associate for one year. Her master’s degree is in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology (UF) and her bachelor’s degree is in Physical Education. So far, her research focused on the effect of natural environments on substance use-related decision making within the Behavioral Economic framework, real-world medical use of ketamine for psychiatric and pain conditions, and combining pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches for PTSD such as medical ketamine and trauma-informed yoga. Shahar is excited to continue developing her research skills at C-P.A.W.W. and combine different approaches to advance the holistic healing and well-being of veterans. Shahar is a mother of two sons, who always say her favorite kid is Pizza - her feral fluffy orange cat.

Email: salmog@fau.edu

Senior Research Assistant

Jacquelyn (Jackie) obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Florida Atlantic University with a minor in Sociology in hopes it would help her learn more about society's impact on different groups in the population. She plans to apply this knowledge to her future career in nursing to provide the best care possible to patients with all different backgrounds. Her father served in the United States Air Force and retired after 33 years. Her family recently rescued a black lab mix named Tucker. He, and other dogs her family has had in the past, has been a great source of comfort for her father and the rest of her family. Growing up in a military family, she sees how much of an impact pets can have on getting members of the military and their families through hard times. This, along with an interest in establishing more non-pharmacological measures that can help a wide variety of people, was why she was interested in becoming part of the C-P.A.W.W. team. Jackie believes that there should be more resources available to help veterans and is very excited to be part of a team working toward this.

Email: jbaldwin2018@health.fau.edu

Community Liaison Coordinator

Dr. Boyrer received her Doctorate in Education – Executive Leadership for Educational Equity at the University of Colorado-Denver and was the first graduate of the Master of Science in Nursing - Veteran and Military Health program at the University of Colorado-Anschutz medical campus. Allison has also earned her Master of Arts degree in Physical Education from the University of South Florida-Tampa and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Syracuse University. Dr. Boyrer is the Nurse Manager of the Post-Baccalaureate RN Residency Program at the Rocky Mountain Regional (VISN 19) Veterans Affairs Medical Center and is currently on a detail with the Office of Academic Affiliations National Office based in Washington D.C.. Prior to this, Allison and her husband lived in Florida for 17 years, where they owned a holistic healthcare clinic on the west coast. Allison’s devotion and dedication to animals is profound, and she acts as a community ambassador for Canines Providing Assistance to Wounded Warriors (C-P.A.W.W.). Allison is married with two children and loves to spend time with her family and dogs.

Ph.D. Intern

Retired U.S. Army Major Lisa "BB" Browne-Banic, prior adjunct professor of Public Relations at Palm Beach Atlantic University and Florida Atlantic University, is a Ph.D. student in the Adult & Community Educational Leadership (ACE) program at FAU's College of Education, and their Graduate Research Assistant for Marketing. She earned her master's degree in ACE at FAU and her bachelor's degree from Gonzaga University, Spokane, Wash. in public relations and broadcast journalism. Lisa BB recently published in the new American Veteran Organization of Women (AVOW) magazine "Learning to Improve the Military Mindset" through lifelong learning. She and her daughter are animal lovers and want to help Veterans thrive outside the military with the help of pets and animal therapy. Lisa BB encouraged the relationship between FAU's College of Nursing and FAU's College of Education to optimize the research of both colleges in improving and promoting theses types of efforts for Veterans. When not teaching or researching, Lisa BB enjoys spending time with her daughter and supporting her dreams to become a veterinarian. They share their home with three cats: Madame Jasmine (the mom) and her kittens, Pelota and Mittens. They also love to spend time with family all over the U.S.A. or pet sitting all over their neighborhood. Lisa is thrilled about this opportunity to join the C-P.A.W.W. Team as a Ph.D. intern, and bring an adult & community educational perspective from FAU’s College of Education.​

Military Veteran Consultant

David Hibler, who served as a U.S. Army Combat Medic in Iraq, is now continuing to help people through his Ph.D. research at the Ohio State University. David is currently studying complex social systems after completing his M.S. in Public Health in 2020. David’s heart for helping others is why he became a Combat Medic, and now is why he strives to improve public health knowledge and policy, especially regarding his brothers and sisters in the Veteran community. As a Veteran, he understands the healthcare challenges that the Veteran community faces. He currently works to improve conditions for Veterans through advocacy, engagement, and human-animal interactions. David has always had a unique connection with animals, especially dogs, and this is one reason why he became involved with C-P.A.W.W. Over the last several years, David has shown through his experience, education, and continued collaboration on C-P.A.W.W. projects that he is an invaluable asset on the C-P.A.W.W. team as a Military Veteran Research Consultant. ​

Research Assistant

Carolyn is currently a junior at Florida Atlantic University majoring in nursing with a minor in health administration. After earning her degree, she hopes to become a pediatric nurse and eventually return to graduate school. She belongs to a military family in which her father and grandfather both dedicated over 26 years, each, in the Army. Her older sister and uncle are still serving on active duty in the Armed Forces. Carolyn’s family serves as her inspiration for hard work and determination. In her lifetime she has had three dogs, all rescued, and all beloved pets. Her chihuahua, Sunny, is an integral part of their family. Carolyn’s dad, a retired green beret and disabled veteran, personally knows the psychological benefits of bonding with a dog. Carolyn is very excited to begin working with the team. C-P.A.W.W. and its mission greatly connects to her love for pets, her family’s history, and her personal goals of helping advance nursing research.

Email: chodne2022@health.fau.edu

Research Assistant

Alexa Martinez is currently a junior at Florida Atlantic University, pursuing a degree in psychology and earning a certificate in Applied Mental Health Services. With a strong passion for mental health advocacy, her academic and professional interests center around trauma, resilience, and recovery—especially within underserved and vulnerable populations. As a Research Assistant for Canines Providing Assistance to Wounded Warriors, Alexa is deeply engaged in exploring how animal-assisted interventions can be used to support emotional healing and enhance the quality of life for veterans and military personnel. She is particularly drawn to the human-animal bond as a unique therapeutic tool in trauma-informed care—a connection she personally appreciates through her own Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Mila.

Email: amartinez2023@fau.edu

Associate Investigator

Laurie Martinez is an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Florida Atlantic University's Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing. She earned her doctorate in Nursing from Florida Atlantic University, along with a master's degree in Business Administration and a master's degree in Nursing Health Systems Management from Johns Hopkins University. She also holds a bachelor's degree in Nursing from the University of Saint Joseph.

As a board-certified holistic nurse and nurse coach, Laurie advocates for a comprehensive view of health, emphasizing how thoughts, behaviors, and social factors influence overall well-being and wellness. She has a particular interest in adolescents and young adults, stemming from her own experiences with her daughter, who struggled with chronic physical health issues that led to anxiety.

In her quest to bring joy to her daughter's daily life, Laurie rescued a Doberman. This decision was transformative as she witnessed a reduction in her daughter's anxiety from the dog's calming presence. Although her Doberman has since passed away, her family continues to embrace their love for animals. They are currently blessed with an exuberant Cane Corso and two rescue pups who spread an endless supply of excitement, cheerfulness, and positive energy throughout the household.

Email: lauriemartin2017@health.fau.edu

Associate Investigator

Beth Pratt is an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). She earned a doctorate degree in Nursing and master’s degree in Nursing Education from FAU, a master’s degree in Forensic Science from Florida International University, a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Johns Hopkins University, a bachelor’s degree in Biology from St. Olaf College, and a second major in Spanish from St. Catherine University.

Beth is passionate about holistic mental health care for military veterans and families. She has joined the C-P.A.W.W. team to conduct research on the human-animal bond within military families who are affected by PTSD.

While growing up on a farm in Minnesota, Beth always had a special dog by her side. Years later, Beth had the privilege to count on her dog, Danny, as the main support when her spouse was deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Beth and her family have been blessed with one dog, Macy, and two cats, Kit and Frankie.

Associate Investigator

Dr. Narciso Quidley-Rodriguez joined the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing in the Fall of 2020. Dr. Quidley-Rodriguez specializes in psychiatric-mental health nursing. He earned his BSN and Ph.D. from the University of Miami. Son of a Vietnam veteran, Dr. Narciso Quidley-Rodriguez is proud of his father’s service to the country. However, at the same time, Dr. Quidley-Rodriguez learned firsthand the potential for negative health outcomes related to military service. More importantly though, he witnessed his father’s transformation from one where his father self-medicated to manage his PTSD symptoms to one where his father enjoys life to the fullest, participating in a veteran’s bowling league and the annual Waves of Valor surfing class. This was made possible, in part, thanks to the care provided at the VA.

Another important factor to his father’s healing is the constant presence of dogs and birds in the household. This love of pets was passed on to Dr. Quidley-Rodriguez. Dr. Quidley-Rodriguez is the proud pet father of two adorable French Bulldogs, Pork Rind and Rudy. Dr. Quidley-Rodriguez is honored to be a part of the C-P.A.W.W. team to positively impact the lives of veterans, families, and dogs.

Email: nquidleyrodrigue@health.fau.edu

Ph.D. Student Mentee/Research Assistant

Alejandra is currently a Ph.D. student in the Neuroscience Graduate Program at Florida Atlantic University, with plans to graduate in 2027. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience with a minor in Psychology from Nova Southeastern University. A proud daughter, sister, and partner to military veterans, Alejandra deeply appreciates the challenges faced by those who have served. Her passion for animals and her family’s military service inspires her dedication to researching the therapeutic connections between humans and animals. She is excited to join the C-P.A.W.W. team and contribute to impactful research supporting veterans’ well-being. Alejandra is also a proud dog mom to her Beagle, Whiskey.

Email: aquintero2014@fau.edu

Associate Investigator

Dr. Christine Spadola, assistant professor at the University of Texas at Arlington, earned a doctorate in Social Welfare and a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, both from Florida International University (FIU), and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami. Christine completed a postdoctoral research fellowship in the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. She is passionate about promoting population health and well-being through feasible and accessible interventions, and has conducted several community-based sleep research projects including adapting yoga and behavioral sleep interventions for use in low income communities. As a dog lover and proud sister of an Iraqi war veteran, Christine enjoys conducting meaningful research with C-P.A.W.W. Christine is also a passionate advocate of pet adoption; she and her husband are the proud parents of two rescue beagles, “Tex” and “Penelope.” When not teaching or researching, Christine enjoys spending time with her husband, dogs, and young son.

Associate Investigator

Ayse Torres, assistant professor of Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling at Florida Atlantic University (FAU), earned a Ph.D. in Counselor Education from FAU. She has over 10 years of clinical experience working in various counseling and leadership roles in public rehabilitation and mental health counseling settings helping with individuals with a wide range of physical and mental disabilities. She is a licensed mental health counselor and certified rehabilitation counselor. She published in several top academic journals in the areas of integration of veterans with disabilities into communities, evidence-based practices in rehabilitation counselors, and employment skills of people with disabilities.

Being passionate about animals and research Ayse is delighted to be a part of C.P.A.W.W. Ayse and her husband adopted Mona, a blond short hair Chihuahua, from a Rescue Shelter, 10 years ago. Mona is a quiet, shy, very loving sweet 15 year old lady. She is also very patient with their 2-year-old toddler.

Military Veteran Consultant

Once, an Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV) crew chief, serving his country in the U.S. Marine Corps, Lyndon Villone now pursues his passion for service through professional dog training. After earning degrees from both Animal Behavior College and Bergin University of Canine Studies in 2015, Lyndon’s desire to serve others and his unique ability to connect with dogs continued to play a prominent role in his life. The pain experience after losing six of his Marines to suicide post-deployment fueled his drive to create “Heel the Heroes". To learn more about Heal the Heroes see the link on the C-P.A.W.W. Partner page. It was through the help of his very own Assistance Dog, Ice, who was trained to brace for his Vertigo spells and apply deep-pressure touch to mitigate PTSD symptoms, that Lyndon recognized the depth of his passion for human-animal bond. Lyndon’s experience, dedication, and collaboration on past C-P.A.W.W. projects and as Veteran Action League Unit Leader makes him the perfect fit as our Military Veteran Consultant. ​