Dr. Emily Thompson brings over 15 years of experience in criminal justice reform and animal-assisted therapy to the New Leash on Life USA board. Holding a Ph.D. in Criminology from the University of Pennsylvania, she has dedicated her career to developing rehabilitation programs that integrate therapy animals to support inmate rehabilitation. Dr. Thompson’s research has demonstrated the positive impact of human-animal bonds on reducing recidivism rates and improving mental health among incarcerated individuals. Her commitment to transformative justice aligns seamlessly with New Leash on Life USA’s mission to leverage the powerful bond between humans and dogs to restore hope, healing, and well-being.
In addition to her academic and program development work, Dr. Thompson has actively collaborated with community organizations to promote the adoption of rescue animals. She has organized numerous workshops and seminars aimed at educating the public on the benefits of animal-assisted interventions and the importance of providing second chances to both humans and animals. As a board member, Dr. Thompson aims to enhance New Leash on Life USA’s evidence-based approaches, ensuring that their programs continue to effectively serve both at-risk dogs and justice-involved individuals.