Julie Shaw is a licensed social worker with a master’s degree in social work and a Veterinary Social Work Certificate. She has worked in social services for many years and volunteers as a therapy dog handler, combining her professional expertise with her love of animals to bring comfort and joy to others.

Julie’s passion for mental health and the human-animal bond led her to Paws for Patrick, where she continues to help improve the mental health of young people through the comfort and connection of therapy dogs. She lives in Northbrook with her husband, Mike, their three children—Adam, Sarah, and Rebecca—and her two therapy dogs, Lucy and Benji.