Our Trainers Our trainers go through an intensive course at The Bergin University of Canine Studies - Assistance Dog Institute. There they learn to train service dogs, hearing dogs, guide dogs and social/therapy dogs. This program shows them how to select and identify puppies abilities based on their personality as well as how to cultivate the puppies talents while they grow to help them succeed. And finally to match the puppy with their new person to ensure a long and happy relationship.

Cynthia Abels

Cynthia is our Executive Director. In May, 2001, she became a Trainer through The Assistance Dog Institute. There she learned to train service dogs, hearing dogs, guide dogs and social/therapy dogs. She is certified to teach the High Schooled Assistance Dog Program

Meg Flynn

Meg serves as the Office Manager and Trainer. She graduated from The Assistance Dog Institute in July, 2006 and has been a puppy raiser for Power Paws for 5 years and is certified to teach the High Schooled Assistance Dog Program. We are proud to have Meg working for us!

Shoshanna Abels 

Power Paws Assistance Dogs was founded by Miss Shoshanna Abels. Miss Abels was raised in a family where community service was highly valued. Shoshanna's family became volunteer puppy raisers for several assistance dog organizations and Shoshanna found her passion in this program. When she graduated from high school in 1999, Shoshanna studied with Dr. Bergin and graduated as The Assistance Dog Institute's youngest student. Shoshanna returned to Scottsdale, Arizona and founded Power Paws Assistance Dogs, Inc.