Meet The Team
Founder, President, and Chief Program Officer
Jennifer Cattet Ph.D. CPDT-KA
Jennifer has a Doctorate in Psychology with a specialization in Animal Behavior (Ethology). She completed her studies at the Faculty of Psychology in Geneva Switzerland where she was an assistant professor for 8 years. She has worked professionally as a dog trainer and behaviorist since 1988.
Jennifer started the first professional dog training school based on clicker training in France (Animalin). She is the author of “Selecting and Training Your Service Dog: How to Succeed in Public Access Work.”
Passionate about helping people in difficulty, she learned how to train service dogs while working as the Director of Training for ICAN, a local prison-based organization. She enjoyed coaching the inmate trainers and helping them develop skills to better their lives while helping people with disabilities. It was during those years that she learned about the impact of life-threatening conditions, such as diabetes and started developing training protocols for medical alert dogs. Her love for dogs led her in 2013 to continue working with service dogs while also making a difference for dogs in need. She since has set her focus on medical conditions and the use of scent for service dogs.
With her scientific background, she also contributes to ongoing scientific research in the field of medical detection and has co-authored the first peer-reviewed studies proving the existence of a scent, that dogs can be trained to detect, in patients with diabetes or epileptic seizures. Given her expertise in the field of service dog training and medical detection, as well as her fluency in both English and French, Jennifer also coaches service dog organizations and trainers internationally. Her coaching services can be found at https://assistancedog.center/.
Co-Founder
Jack Topham
Meet Jack Topham, the heart and mind behind the scenes at Medical Mutts. As the Co-Founder and Director of Finance and Administration, Jack wears many hats to ensure the seamless operation of our organization.
Being the first person you'll encounter when you call our office, Jack takes the time to attentively listen to your needs, providing detailed insights into our various programs to assist you in making the best decision. If Medical Mutts isn't the right fit, Jack is dedicated to directing you to the appropriate resources and offering comprehensive information about service dogs.
In addition to his role as the face of customer support, Jack manages the financial and administrative aspects of the organization. He ensures that Medical Mutts stays on the right path, maintaining a strong standing in the service dog community.
With a wealth of experience dating back to 2009 in service dog training, Jack is always at the forefront of new trends and innovations in the field.
Jack's office is a welcoming space, often shared with the mischievous office cat, Marvin. Despite the occasional chaos caused by Marvin's playful antics with important documents, Jack remains dedicated to providing exceptional service and support to everyone who walks through our doors.
Executive Director
Richard Shields
Richard Shields serves as Executive Director of Medical Mutts Service Dogs. With more than two decades of leadership experience in nonprofit management, marketing strategy, and business development, he brings a strong background in building partnerships, strengthening fundraising efforts, and guiding mission-driven organizations toward sustainable growth.
Throughout his career, Rich has led strategic initiatives across nonprofit and community-focused organizations, helping expand revenue, improve operational systems, and increase organizational visibility. At Medical Mutts, he focuses on strengthening financial sustainability, expanding donor and corporate partnerships, and supporting the continued growth of programs that transform rescue dogs into highly skilled service partners.
A lifelong dog lover, Rich is deeply committed to Medical Mutts’ mission of rescuing shelter dogs and training them to become life-changing service dogs for people with disabilities.
Director of Training and operations
Eva Rudisile CPDT-KA, CMAC-CT
Meet Eva Rudisile, the compassionate force behind the success of our clients and their service dogs at Medical Mutts. As a dedicated Service Dog Specialist, Eva channels her heart and energy into fostering meaningful partnerships between clients and their canine companions.
In her multifaceted role, Eva's responsibilities span from matching dogs with clients to overseeing comprehensive training programs. Her commitment to the success of these partnerships is evident in her coaching and support for clients, ensuring they receive the guidance needed for a successful service dog relationship.
Beyond being a certified dog trainer, Eva holds the distinction of being a board-certified Music Therapist. Specializing in Neurologic Music Therapy, NICU, and general pediatrics, Eva brings a unique blend of therapeutic expertise to our team. She facilitates healing through rhythms and clinical hypnosis, contributing to the holistic well-being of both clients and their service dogs.
Eva's commitment to continuous improvement is evident in her pursuit of knowledge. She holds certifications in Search and Rescue (SARTEC 2 & 3) and is CPR/First Aid certified for both humans and pets. Recognizing the importance of clear communication between humans and dogs, Eva is dedicated to perfecting her knowledge as a dog expert through ongoing education at the prestigious Academy for Dog Trainers.
Director of Client Services
Melissa Morris CPDT-KA, CMAC-CT
Meet Melissa Morris, the driving force behind the meticulous selection and screening of dogs entering our program at Medical Mutts. With a challenging mission at hand, Melissa is dedicated to ensuring that every dog selected is well-suited for the transformative journey as a service dog.
A seasoned professional in animal training, Melissa's journey has taken her under the mentorship of some of the world's most accomplished trainers. Under the guidance of the renowned Dr. Sophia Yin, she honed her skills in training, low-stress management, and teaching, working seamlessly with both cats and dogs.
Melissa brings a wealth of experience from her years spent in shelters and laboratories. As an expert in assessing the behaviors of cats and dogs, she excels in developing and implementing behavior modification protocols. Furthermore, Melissa takes the lead in teaching clients essential skills during our classes, fostering a harmonious bond between individuals and their service dogs.
Devoting her career to making a meaningful difference in the lives of animals and their human companions, Melissa's passion shines through in every aspect of her work. Her extensive background and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset to the Medical Mutts team.
Head Service Dog Trainer
Anne Spitz CPDT-KA
Anne, brings a wealth of expertise to her current role. With a robust background in animal welfare, shelter behavior, and behavior modification for at-risk dogs, Anne boasts over 8 years of experience as a Canine Behavior Specialist at IndyHumane.
Anne has a particular affinity for working with dogs that require extra attention, including the exuberant and energetic types as well as shy and fearful dogs. Her fear-free certification underscores her commitment to force-free, science-based training methods, reflecting her passion for ensuring the well-being and positive development of the dogs she works with.
From a young age, Anne has been enamored with animals of all kinds. Her early experiences include training one of her family dogs for obedience and agility competitions, laying the foundation for her lifelong connection with canine companions. Anne finds profound joy in the bond forged during training sessions, where dogs and trainers collaborate to learn new skills and behaviors.
Outside of her role, Anne dedicates quality time to her own two dogs, Sagan and Mazzy, and embraces the serenity of hiking and exploring the great outdoors. An avid learner, she is currently delving into subjects such as botany, mycology, and dendrology. Anne values moments spent with friends and family, rounding out her diverse and fulfilling interests beyond the training arena.
Medical Coordinator
Michelle Cattet
Michelle has been part of the Medical Mutts team for about a year and a half and oversees the medical care of all dogs in the program. She administers treatments, monitors health protocols, and helps ensure that every dog receives the care needed to thrive during training.
Michelle has always had a strong passion for animals, nature, and science. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Purdue University and a Master of Science in Wildlife Conservation and Management from Unity Environmental University. Her background includes 11 years working as a veterinary assistant, as well as experience as a microbiologist in the pharmaceutical industry, a biologist assistant and field technician for the Department of Natural Resources in Indiana and Michigan, and a wildlife biologist working with endangered species in New Mexico.
She is especially passionate about Medical Mutts’ mission of rescuing dogs and training them to become service dogs that help change people’s lives.
Outside of work, Michelle enjoys cycling, hiking, and wildlife photography. She shares her home with several animals, including Sedona (“Donut”), a clever and cuddly pitbull mix from IACS; Brew, a corgi stray from New Mexico known for his low-to-the-ground zoomies; Mithrandir, a vocal cat who enjoys singing at 3 a.m.; and Oswin, a resilient rescue cat found alongside a baby raccoon before being brought to safety.
Service Dog Trainer
Jordan Jones CPDT-KA
Meet Jordan, a dedicated member of our service dog training team with a passion for animal welfare that spans back to 2019. Jordan believes in the power of education and coaching to enhance the well-being of both dogs and their human companions, advocating for better care and management practices within the community.
With a rich background in animal welfare, Jordan served as a medical coordinator for a local shelter, utilizing their skills to ensure the health and welfare of shelter animals. Their experience as a veterinary assistant further adds to their comprehensive understanding of the needs of our furry friends.
In addition to their role as a service dog trainer, Jordan plays a vital role in medical procedures when necessary, showcasing their versatility and commitment to the holistic care of the animals they work with. Drawing from their expertise in assessing behaviors in shelter animals, Jordan excels in teaching valuable skills that make these animals more manageable, ultimately increasing their chances of finding loving homes through adoption.
Jordan's multifaceted approach to animal care, blending training, medical assistance, and behavioral assessments, reflects a deep commitment to the well-being of dogs and a dedication to creating positive outcomes for both pets and their human companions.
Service Dog Trainer
Nira Grynheim
Nira has been working with service dogs since she was 17 and quickly fell in love with the powerful partnership they create between dogs and the people they support. One of the most meaningful parts of the work for her is witnessing the moment a dog realizes the skills they’ve been learning have a real purpose—and seeing how that partnership can open new possibilities and independence for a client.
Nira studied Animal Sciences at Purdue University, focusing on Behavior and Well-being, with minors in Critical Disability Studies and Psychology. Her academic background reflects her belief that service dog training is about far more than training dogs—it’s about understanding people, relationships, and supporting individuals with compassion and respect.
She joined Medical Mutts Service Dogs because she believes strongly in second chances for both dogs and people. The organization’s mission of rescuing dogs from shelters and training them as service dogs deeply resonated with her, and she quickly fell in love with the heart and integrity of the team.
Outside of Medical Mutts, Nira runs her own dog training business, NBN Behaviors, where she focuses on accessible and affordable training that strengthens the bond between dogs and their families while helping keep dogs out of shelters. She is also the creator of “Beyond the Label,” a mental health journal series designed to empower individuals to embrace neurodiversity and advocate for their well-being.
In her free time, Nira enjoys rock climbing, caring for plants, traveling, and exploring new hobbies. Above all, she is passionate about building community and creating spaces where people and animals feel seen, safe, and supported.
Service Dog Trainer & Volunteer Coordinator
Rebecca-Eli Long, PhD
Rebecca-Eli Long joined Medical Mutts Service Dogs in July 2025 as a Service Dog Trainer and Volunteer Coordinator. In this role, they train service dogs, coach clients as they build partnerships with their dogs, and coordinate the organization’s volunteer program.
Rebecca-Eli brings a strong background in disability advocacy and education. They previously taught Introduction to Disability Studies at Purdue University and are Fear Free Shelter Program certified as well as Safe Zone certified, reflecting their commitment to creating supportive and inclusive environments for both people and animals. They continue to expand their training knowledge through courses with Fenzi Dog Sports Academy.
Their interest in service dog training began through working with their own service dog and discovering how rewarding it is to teach dogs skills that truly impact someone’s daily life. At Medical Mutts, their favorite part of the work is finding creative ways to help dogs help people and supporting new teams as they develop strong, lasting partnerships.
Rebecca-Eli is also an active dog sports competitor and currently competes in the Elite Division of canine nose work. They share their life with Tizzy, a cattle dog–poodle mix.
Outside of work and training, Rebecca-Eli is a prolific knitter and enjoys continuing to learn new skills—both for themselves and for the dogs they work with.
Office Ambassador and Entertainment Specialist
Marvin
Meet Marvin, the charismatic feline extraordinaire who holds a special place at Medical Mutts. Marvin, originally from Indianapolis Animal Care and Control, found his forever home during the winter of 2020 and has since become an indispensable member of our team.
In the office, Marvin wears multiple hats, or should we say, collars! As the official greeter, he extends a warm welcome to anyone entering our doors. Additionally, Marvin takes on the crucial role of being the "cat tester" for all our service dogs in training, ensuring they are well-socialized and comfortable around our feline friends.
Marvin's responsibilities extend beyond the professional realm; he's also the chief provider of entertainment for the staff. With his playful antics and mischievous behavior, he keeps the office atmosphere lively and filled with laughter.
Despite being a cat, Marvin firmly believes he is the true owner of the facility, and he ensures the staff caters to his every need. His charming but sometimes cheeky habits, such as rearranging Jack's corkboard and orchestrating paper escapades from the printer, are a constant source of amusement for the team.
Marvin's presence adds a unique and heartwarming touch to our workspace, reminding us of the joy and companionship animals bring to our lives.