Michaela Jaeger

Presenter

Researcher

Animal Assisted Therapist

  • I believe in using human-to-human and human-to-animal relationships to provide support on this journey through life.

My story

Since I can remember, I have had a particular passion and proclivity for working with animals. For eighteen years of my life, I wanted to be an animal trainer “when I grew up.” I attended camps every summer and engaged in internships where I learned in-depth knowledge about animal training, behavior, and husbandry. After undergoing my own unique experiences with life’s trials and tribulations, I witnessed first-hand how powerful it can be to have supportive guidance from others. Through this time of my life, I found other passions: healing and personal growth. My passion for helping others heal and grow the way people helped me on my journey was fueled. I wanted to find a way to combine these passions. So, I worked for a decade to become a counselor with a specialty in animal assisted therapy and found my co-therapist, Maslow.

A bit about me

I called Waco, TX home from 1999 - 2023, at which point my husband and I found our new home: Greensboro, NC. In grade school, I was involved in orchestra, and my love of music continued into college where I pursued band, choir, and musical theater as hobbies. I also enjoy hiking, swimming, spending time with family and friends, being around animals, connecting to nature and people, movies, and traveling. After I began working with Maslow in 2019, I earned the honor of being known around Waco as “the lady with the dog,” “the girl who has Maslow,” and “Maslow’s mom.” My husband and I are proud parents to Maslow and our two cats, and we hope to add some less hairy children to our home too!

Learn About Maslow Too!

background

 

  • Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Tarleton State University, 2021

    Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Tarleton State University, 2018

  • Within my master’s program, I worked in private practice, educational, not-for-profit, and agency settings where I helped clients navigate a range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, sexuality, spirituality/religion, and more.

    Once I graduated and received my associate license, I continued my work in private practice and educational settings as well as pursued experience in a treatment center for at-risk youth. In these settings, I gained additional experience in working with substance use disorders, psychotic disorders, conduct disorders, PTSD, crisis intervention, and others.

  • I experience and approach counseling with vulnerability, compassion, curiosity, and dedication. My intention as a counselor is to help my clients find peace and wellness in their lives, and I am ready for this to look differently for each unique person. My demeanor is calm and collaborative, and I strive to help others feel supported, welcomed, and safe with anything and everything they bring to the table.

    As for specific approaches to counseling, I heir on the humanistic, person-centered, emotionally-focused, needs-based side that views people as humans with unique intricacies and pasts that need to be acknowledged and respected. I believe the past greatly informs the present, and I guide my clients through presenting concerns with considering the entire individual: mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, developmental, and anything else that makes them a person.

  • I attended various camps and internships at major zoos and aquariums over the course of 5 summers in which I gained intensive knowledge on animal husbandry and training.

    I have worked at doggy daycare centers and pet-sitting agencies where I was required to take animal behavior, training, and first-aid courses.

    I began volunteering with Baylor Scott and White’s PUP Therapy program (an animal assisted therapy program) in 2014 with my first therapy dog, Halyn.

    My associate, bachelor, and master-level courses included further curriculum on behavioral-based techniques used in training and shaping desired behavioral responses.

    I have pursued courses and continuing education on Animal Assisted Therapy through the University of North Texas and the Texas Counseling Association Convention.

Halyn, the first dog I trained and worked with as a therapy animal. He and I visited hospitals and nursing homes to help bring comfort and warmth to those at the facilities.