About Paws and Boots for Good

Jane Boake

Jane Boake began her career as a teacher in London, Ontario, later teaching in Belgium, Germany and currently in Innisfil Ontario. A lifelong dog lover, she was drawn to training and studied under Dr. Bonnie Bergin, the pioneer of the service dog concept, at what is now the world’s first university of canine studies. Inspired, Jane founded COPE Service Dogs (Canine Opportunity, People Empowerment) training service dogs and witnessing the transformative impact of canine training on people’s confidence and abilities.

Recognizing a similar need in young people, she developed, Canines in the Classroom, a program where students facing barriers earn high school credits while learning to train service dogs. After reaching over 1300 students, Jane expanded her vision beyond schools and co-founded Paws and Boots for Good.

An inductee of the Order of Ontario, Jane is passionate about learning, sustainability, and making the most of every opportunity. She loves sports, music, and the outdoors and is the proud mother of two adventurous daughters.

Dana Sheahan

Dana spent 34 years in education as a teacher, vice principal, principal and superintendent and has a passion for dogs and youth. As a past Principal of West Credit High School, Dana Sheahan created and developed “Under One Woof,” an in-school dog daycare completely run by students facing academic and neurodiverse challenges, while being supported by their teachers. Pets from the community and staff populate this program. Students learn about small business skills, grooming, training, and other jobs with dogs while gaining Cooperative Education credits.

As the co-founder of Paws and Boots for Good, it is a perfect partnership of these two passions—youth and dogs—and something Dana is excited and passionate about getting off the ground. Dana enjoys sports, reading, paddleboarding with her Aussiedoodle, Caper, and spending time with her wonderful husband and three adult stepchildren. She has always had a dog in her life and knows the impact a dog can make for youth and people in the community.

She can’t wait to see Paws and Boots for Good provide youth with more opportunities for success.

Lenka Jordanov

Lenka has 25+ years of experience in IT program management and transformation, with a focus on delivery leadership, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement and user adoption. Lenka enjoys her Parry Island cottage, participating in Improv games, writing murder mystery parties and making her own greeting cards.

She has learned that everything in life depends on the quality of your relationships and your community.  And, where possible a pet paws companion. Without those ingredients, life lacks sparkle and joy.

She is very grateful and excited to be engaged in this journey with Paws and Boots for Good and contribute to the youth community while also drawing on the boundless bundles of kindness that are our furry friends.

Damion Kanye Belgue

Damion took part in Canines in the Classroom (CIC) for all 4 years of his high school career. During his senior years, he was a mentor to newer students in CIC and also worked at a local dog grooming establishment for his CO-OP placement. He has completed hundreds of community service hours for COPE – Canine Opportunity, People Empowerment. As a child, Damion had a form of brain cancer and since that time he has had hearing loss, motor skill issues and balance problems. He knows first-hand how valuable interacting with dogs in an educational setting can be. For example Buddy, the dog he trained, gave him the motivation to even come to school. At events Damion stood up on stage and made speeches - something he never would have had the courage to do, without Buddy. He believes that he can help people understand how learning to train dogs to help others can be beneficial to all young people, especially those with disabilities

Kelley Terry

Kelley Terry is a retired human resources professional with over 30 years experience in the education sector.

Kelley brings in-depth experience in leading labour relations and human resources management from her leadership roles at the Peel District School Board and the Halton District School Board. After retiring Kelley is using her human resources expertise to provide support in many organizations including the City of Brampton, the Ontario College of Teachers, the Waterloo Catholic District School Board and the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board.

Kelley has a BA from the University of Toronto, holds a certificate in Labour Relations and Human Resources Management from Queen’s University, is certified in Alternative Dispute Resolution and holds several additional certifications in Health and Safety and Workplace Investigations.

Tanner Blomme

Tanner began his career practicing mental health law and now practices personal injury.  Tanner has appeared before the Court of Appeal, Superior Court of Justice, and various administrative bodies including the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), Consent and Capacity Board (CCB) and Ontario Review Board (ORB).  In his spare time, Tanner enjoys playing hockey, golf, and spending time with his cats.

Krysta Peticca

With over 15 years of experience in strategic marketing and community building, Krysta brings a unique blend of corporate insight, nonprofit heart, and entrepreneurial spirit to her role at Paws and Boots for Good. A lifelong dog lover and committed community advocate, she is passionate about using her skills to connect people, create impact, and support our mission!

Krysta has extensive post-secondary education with a Diploma in Social Service Work, a BA in Sociology, a Post-Grad Diploma in Sport & Event Marketing and a Certificate in Wedding Planning. She loves to learn and is excited to bring her range of diverse education and experience to Paws and Boots for Good!