In 2014, Jess Adam was a newly licensed therapist who brought home a six-month-old puppy with a crooked ear and big feelings—hoping he could become her co-therapist in animal-assisted interventions. Instead, she quickly found herself overwhelmed by his unexpectedly intense, reactive behavior. Like so many reactive dog owners, she had no idea what she was getting into.

The years that followed were filled with the ups and downs of dog training—and more than a few tears on the sidewalk. While the trainers she worked with were skilled and kind, their focus was on her dog, Dio. No one was there to support her through the emotional toll of loving a dog with complex needs.

After seriously considering whether to call the rescue and return him, Jess began using the same evidence-based mental health tools she shared with her therapy clients to support herself as a guardian.

That shift changed everything—and became the foundation for Handlers & Humans.

Since 2021, Jess has offered 1:1 coaching and educational support for dog guardians and professionals. Her work focuses on the human side of the leash, blending clinical expertise with lived experience to help people and professionals in the dog world feel more grounded, supported, and emotionally resilient.

Earlier in her career, Jess pursued certification in animal-assisted interventions and facilitated equine therapy—experiences that shaped her deep respect for the human-animal bond and the emotional impact of working with animals. Not to mention, she grew up riding horses and loving dogs. She is currently advancing her work by pursuing a post-graduate certificate in Veterinary Social Work.

Jess is the author of continuing education programs recognized by professional dog training organizations, and has spoken at several dog training conferences and summits.

Her mission is to expand the conversation around mental health in the canine world—because in order to truly support dogs, we have to support their handlersand humans.