About UsMy name is Katherine Martin and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed to practice family and child therapy. I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 1997 from Purdue University. I went on to pursue my Master's in Social Work through Indiana University, receiving my degree in 2000. I obtained my license as a Clincal Social Worker (LCSW) in 2004 allowing me to practice therapeutic counseling.
I have worked in the social work and counseling industry in various different capacities but mostly specializing in children and family. I have a diverse background with many issues that plague us and our families and can help to find strengths in every situation. My work experience and ambition is a true reflection of my deep and genuine interest in people and what makes each of us achieve a happy balance. I also have a deep appreciation and much compassion for our canine friends and through my vast years in the rescue world, I have come to realize and truly believe the incredible gift that animals bring to humans, especially dogs. It is amazing how we can bond with another species so rapidly and receive such love and comfort from our fur friends. I feel very blessed to be able to combine both of my loves and to bring that level of sincere guidance and help to others. Drake, my trusted canine assistant, is one of the kindest and sweetest dogs I have ever known. He is gentle and accepting. He is joyful and consoling. He is everything that is needed to instantly create a warm, inviting, and comfortable environment for those who are nervous, stressed or insecure. He has such an undeniable span of attention toward human emotions and absolutely loves everyone. When we walk into a public area, Drake searches people out wagging his tail and wants to say hi to everyone around. Drake has the unique ability to connect with everyone. I knew the moment that I met him that he would be perfect for this role in his life and in the lives of others. DRAKE'S STORY Drake came to me as a rescued pup. He was a throw away puppy (at 8 months old) that, apparently, no one wanted. Thankful for him and for me (and hopefully many others) we connected and the rest is history! So here is his story: Drake was thrown from a vehicle while the vehicle was still in motion at a fairly fast pace. For whatever reasons, they did not bother to stop, slow down to release him nor did they bother to surrender him to a shelter. He was literally just thrown from a truck. Fortunately, there was a good samaritain who stopped and picked him up and who witnessed the whole incident. She was so concerned with Drake and making sure he was ok and safe, that she was unable to get a description or plate number to the ones who did this to him. He was taken to a vet clinic and given pain meds but that is all they could do for him as he needed extensive medical help. Thats when I was contacted to help this poor boy. I obliged and it has been a life changing event for both of us. His back left leg was severely injured as a result of being thrown from the vehicle and it was causing him a great amount of pain. We went through major surgery and months and months of rehabilitation to make his leg right. It started to became evident that his leg was not going to heal correctly due to the amount of nerve damage and pain that Drake suffered. Drake's leg was amputated. We were very sad for him, but It doesn't seem to bother him one bit. He adjusted quite well and is just a happy boy. He seems completely fine without it. There are definitely some things us humans can learn and benefit from Drake and our canine friends in general. A love for life! |