Many recognize that service dogs can greatly help people with mobility or vision disabilities. But did you know that a service dog can benefit individuals with Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders, too? Learn all about service dogs from a professional service dog trainer and hear firsthand testimony from Victoria and Indi, a mother-daughter team whose lives have changed for the better thanks to Otto, a smart and adorable four-legged partner who is trained to mitigate the symptoms of Indi’s Tourette Syndrome. Discover how a service dog could benefit you or someone you know!
Jennifer Kolar
Jennifer is a founding board member and President of Atlas Assistance Dogs, a nonprofit organization dedicated to working with people with disabilities to train their dogs as service dogs. In her seven-year tenure at Atlas, she has played a pivotal role developing programs that cater to individuals with disabilities and their canine companions while also spearheading the creation of professional training offerings for service dog trainers.
Prior to her involvement with Atlas, Jennifer co-founded and nurtured a for-profit business specializing in owner-based service dog training. She also contributed to the establishment and management of a non-profit training program where she oversaw puppy raisers, dog-trainer education, kennel operations, and advanced task training for numerous service-dogs-in-training simultaneously.
Jennifer holds several certifications, including as a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP), Atlas Certified Trainer (Atlas CT), Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), Certified AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, Certified Diabetes Alert Dog Trainer, Certified Behavior Adjustment Training Instructor (CBATI), and Certified Peer Supporter. Furthermore, she earned a BS in Applied Mathematics in Engineering and an MS in Astrophysical, Planetary, and Atmospheric Sciences from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Jennifer has shared her expertise at numerous conferences and events, including ClickerExpo, the Association of Migraine Disorders, Washington Epilepsy Foundation, Abilities Expo, Association of Pet Dog Trainers, Fenzi Academy, and Pet Professional Guild.
A resident of Seattle, Washington, Jennifer shares her home with her service dog, Theodore, and a revolving cast of visiting dogs, much to the chagrin of her partner and their two cats.
Victoria Kucel
Victoria is a dedicated mother of two teenagers and a seasoned High School science educator with a unique perspective on Tourette’s. Her journey with Tourette’s began when her eldest was diagnosed at the tender age of 3. Now, her vibrant 16-year-old sophomore in High School, Indi, has not only displayed remarkable resilience but has also become a profound source of inspiration for Victoria.
Having traversed the globe with her husband for the past 24 years, Victoria brings a wealth of cultural experiences to her role. After living on five continents, Washington has become their cherished base, providing stability amid their diverse adventures.
In 2021, Victoria faced the realization that the Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) was insufficient to manage Indi’s Tourette’s. This prompted her and her husband to embark on a thorough investigation, leading to the introduction of Otto, a mini Bernedoodle, into their lives. Otto has not only become a beloved companion but a vital part of their journey in navigating Tourette’s with resilience and compassion.
Victoria’s story is one of dedication, adaptability, and the transformative power of embracing new possibilities and a solid support team in the face of challenges.
Indi Kucel
Indi, a high school sophomore at 16, has faced the challenges of living with Tourette’s since the age of one, receiving an official diagnosis at three. Alongside Tourette’s, Indi has been diagnosed with ADHD, OCD, FND, and general anxiety disorder. Despite these challenges, Indi excels academically, taking pride in her school performance.
Beyond academics, Indi is a multifaceted individual—a poet, a singer, and an athlete. Having coped with Tourette’s throughout her life, Indi developed various strategies to manage tics. However, as the tics became more intense with age, traditional methods like CBIT proved insufficient. Seeking alternative solutions led Indi to the introduction of Otto, a miniature Bernedoodle that Indi worked to train as her service dog.
Otto has become an invaluable companion, empowering Indi to explore their potential and transform challenges into determination and grit. With this newfound support, Indi has achieved remarkable feats and remains determined as they navigate their journey to University and beyond.
