Meet The Intern Team
Miranda Spence, MSW, AKC Evaluator
Founder/Director of Take A Paws CA, LLC
Internship Supervisor
mspence@takeapawsca.com
About Miranda
Take A Paws CA, LLC, founded by dedicated social worker Miranda Spence, is driven by a passion for the profound human-animal bond and its impact on mental health. Miranda's early life growing up in Los Angeles nurtured her love for animals and eventually led to her career in training dogs. She ethically bred and trained golden retrievers and German Shepherds, with many of her puppies becoming service animals, therapy animals, and search and rescue dogs.
Miranda's impact extends beyond her previous work with animals, Her academic journey encompassed an associates in both psychology and social and behavioral studies from Moorpark College, a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from California State University, Chico, and a Masters Degree in Social Work. During her masters degree candidacy, Miranda earned the CALSWEC Public Behavioral Health Fellowship, focusing explicity in mental health work, resulting in her job as a clinician at the inpatient psychiatric facility she works at. Miranda published her Master's thesis on the subject of equine-assisted psychotherapy curriculum for professionals, as the main focus of her culminating project for her Masters of Social Work degree.
Miranda furthered her commitment to fostering the convergence of animal science and mental health by spearheading the development of the Helping Hands Internship. This innovative program serves as a guide for students with a shared interest in these disciplines, illuminating the viable path to a career in this emerging field. Through the Helping Hands Internship, Miranda aspires to equip students with the knowledge and insights they need to recognize the profound benefits that can be harnessed from the unique intersection of animal science and mental health.
While these Helping Hands contribute significantly to our mission, it's important to underscore that our primary objective is to nurture their education. This is achieved through structured training sessions, supervision, and hands-on experiential events, all designed to empower and educate these students effectively. By providing them with the tools and insights necessary to excel in this burgeoning field, we hope to enrich their understanding and further their potential contributions to the well-being of both animals and humans.
To learn more about Miranda's background, visit "Creation of TAP"
To learn more about future plans and how to support the cause, visit "The Future of TAP"
Christopher Gomez
Digital Technology and Social Media Management Intern
cgomez@takeapawsca.com
Jenny Youker
Lead AAI Volunteer Coordinator & Community Partnership Intern
jyouker@takeapawsca.com
About Chris
My name is Chris Gomez and my background is in information Technology as well as project management. I have an AAS in Network Design and Network Administration as well as 9 other certificates related to Information Technology from Spokane Community College. I also have obtained my Bachelor's degree in Applied Technology with a minor in communications from Eastern Washington University. In addition to my education I also have experience with project management as the Vice President of Finance for Eastern Washington University Interfraternal council, as well as holding executive positions within my Fraternity Delta Chi for the past year. I am passionate about technology and its ability to reach all across the globe spreading positive initiatives such as Take A Paws, which help our community connect. My main focus within this organization is on the technological aspect of the operation, its security, and its social media. I am excited to use my knowledge in technology for such a rewarding organization.
About Jenny
My name is Jenny Youker; I’m an animal lover and Reiki practitioner. I was born in Mexico City, Mexico, and grew up in Tucson, Arizona. I have experience with events and fundraising for several non-profits in Las Vegas, Nevada. Originally, my plan was focused on only being an event planner, but throughout the years, I have continued to want to do more. Aside from being a Reiki Practitioner, I volunteer at Chico Cat Coalition and Peace of Mind Dog Rescue. Volunteering for both wonderful rescues has made me realize how passionate I am about working with and for animals. I am passionate about holistic healing and believe that the bond that humans and animals have is important, enriching, and powerful. My personal mission is to help people and animals alike find peace, healing, and balance in their lives
Allison Wagner
Client Relations and Ecotherapy Group Facilitation Intern
awagner@takeapawsca.com
Jenamin Felix
Therapy Animal Behavior and Training Intern
jfelix@takeapawsca.com
Amy Esquivel
Therapeutic Animal Education Specialist Intern
aesquivel@takeapawsca.com
About Allison
Hello, My name is Allison and I am a 4th year Psychology student at Chico State University. I have been involved in multiple psychology labs on campus as well as the counseling training center. I have experience with the Associated student's student government and other AS programs, Summer Orientation, and The Office of International Engagement. I am passionate about the human-to-animal connection and I am confident in its ability to help people all across the globe
About Jenamin
HI, I'm Jenamin Felix, a therapy animal care and training intern and I'm a sophomore at Chico State University studying animal science. I'm also a part of the pre-vet club and I volunteer at the Chico Animal Shelter. I previously worked at a pet camp in San Fransisco as a pet care assistant. My passions are animal care and helping others whenever I can. In my free time, I like to take my dog out for a hike in Upper Bidwell Park and snuggle with him. My ultimate goal is to graduate college and to be a veterinarian, owning my own clinic someday.
About Amy
Hello, I’m Amy. I am a first generation college student and a fourth year student at Chico State majoring in Animal Science - Pre Vet. I’ve always had a love for animals since I was a child and I always knew I wanted to be able to help both animals and people. My goal is to become a veterinarian and then open up my own low income clinic to make animal and pet care accessible to many and eventually all pet owners.
I believe that animals have a way of understanding and connecting with us when other people may not. Being able to help even just one person connect and release what they are feeling at the moment through the animal-human interaction is what I look forward to, with the opportunity of being a Take A Paws Helping Hand Intern.
Videography and Online Content Creation Intern
Photography and Digital Editing Intern
Currently Recruiting
email mspence@takeapawsca.com if interested
Currently Recruiting
email mspence@takeapawsca.com if interested