Alfred is a friendly and intuitive mini Goldendoodle with a natural ability to bring comfort, connection, and joy wherever he goes. Known for his gentle nature and playful charm, Alfred quickly builds trust and helps create a positive, welcoming space for children and families.
He enjoys participating in literacy activities, showing off his tricks, and offering calm companionship to support confidence and engagement. Whether he’s encouraging a child during a reading activity or simply being present, Alfred plays an important role in making learning feel safe, fun, and meaningful.
Alfred has earned his AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC), AKC Community Canine (CGCA), AKC Novice Trick Dog (TKN), AKC Intermediate Trick Dog (TKI) titles, demonstrating his advanced training, reliable temperament, and readiness to support meaningful and animal-assisted theraputic and community programs.
Mariann is a compassionate professional with a strong background in behavioral health and over 15 years of experience supporting neurodivergent children of all ages. She is dedicated to helping individuals build confidence, develop meaningful skills, and thrive across home, school, and community settings.
She holds a Master’s degree in Education and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), bringing an evidence-based and individualized approach to her work. Mariann is also a Certified Animal-Assisted Intervention Specialist (C-AASI), which reflects her specialized training in ethically and effectively incorporating animals into therapeutic and educational environments. This certification ensures that interactions are purposeful, structured, and supportive for both the individuals served and the animal involved.
Through Alfred & Friends, Mariann combines her clinical expertise with the power of the human-animal bond to create engaging, supportive experiences that promote learning, connection, and emotional well-being.
Together, Alfred and Mariann work as a team, creating a balanced and intentional approach that blends evidence-based practices with genuine connection. While Mariann provides clinical structure and individualized support, Alfred brings warmth, motivation, and a natural ability to engage—helping to create meaningful experiences that are both effective and enjoyable.