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Meet the team


Heather Pyne (CEO & trainer)


My name is Heather Pyne and I am the founder, co-director and trainer for Pawsitive Squad. I founded Pawsitive Squad in 2018 as I was aware of the significant gap in services for young people with complex or  moderate to profound care and support needs either due to multiple conditions or where the classification of the condition is not known (eg syndromes without a name).  As a dog trainer, disabled person and parent of two disabled children, I wanted to use my education and personal experience to enable young people with complex needs to reach their potential with the support of their dog & canine centred service and so Pawsitive Squad was born.


My qualifications include:

  • Post graduate Microcredential (15 credits at RQF level 7) in Online Teaching: accessibility and inclusive learning from the Open University.
  • BSc (honours) Open Degree with a 2.1 - relevant modules studied included approaches to mental health, issues in research with children and young people, counselling: exploring fear and sadness.
  • DipHE in Equine Psychology and Sports Science  (diploma of higher education)
  • Level 5 Dog Behaviour Practitioner Diploma
  • Level 3 Child coaching diploma
  • TQUK Level 2 Certificate in awareness of mental health problems (RQF)
  • Emergency First aid at work
  • IPSEA Level 3 Advanced SEND Law Course completed

For more information on Heather including CPD training, please click here


Roe Medgysey - Assistant assessor & Gold Mentor


My name is Roe, and I am a volunteer for Pawsitive Squad. I joined Pawsitive Squad in 2020 to train River, my standard poodle, to be my assistance dog and help me with going out more and becoming more confident with her by my side. She helps me with my autism and anxiety by doing certain assistive tasks for me; I put lots of hard work into training her with the help of pawsitive squad and had her fully trained within a year.

I’ve always loved animals and really enjoyed training River and gaining knowledge through learning new techniques. I love training and working with dogs and wanted to help out people going through the same training I have.  When I told Heather I had a Level 3 qualification in animal management at college and work experience with animals & people with additional needs, she kindly let me volunteer to help.

As part of my role, I help with the face-to-face workshops and assessments, demonstrating, assessing, and offering general support. I still struggle in social situations and talking sometimes, but I have become more confident since joining Pawsitive Squad. Most of the time I will have a personal assistant with me to support me and have River to help me out too.



Sophia - Bronze Award Mentor


Sophia is one of our amazing virtual support volunteers who provides tailored support to clients on the assistance dog program. 

"I love all things arts, craft and cultural. My favourites are knitting, photography, F1 racing and dance performances. My family is very important to me and so is my wonderful dog. I have a velvety black Cockapoo, who is lots of fun and loves meeting people. He’s my best friend! I have a passion for fairness and accessibility for everyone. That is why I have chosen to share my skills and experience with the worthy Pawsitive Squad. I am looking forward to communicating and supporting young people to reach their targets and aspirations."



Amy - Silver Award Mentor


"Hey all, I'm Amy and I'm an actor. I love singing, dancing and of course acting, as well as roller skating, cycling, yoga and more recently hula hooping. I'm a bit of a big kid really and love to play, which is probably why I chose acting. I was blessed with way too much energy so have started trying to put it to good use. Helping others! I myself have struggled with my mental health over the years and this year I moved in with a dog who was transformative for my recovery. Holly. She is a little black fluffy poodle with the same curly hairdo as me. My soul sister. Looking after her brought so much into my life. Taking her for long relaxing walks, laughing at her determination when chasing squirrels, playing ball with her and just snuggling up with her and petting that gorgeous fur. She has brought me unimaginable joy and more purpose into my life. I truly know that dogs can improve our lives. So when I found Pawsitive squad, I knew I had to be a part of it, to help others experience the benefits of having a furry friend help them. I am excited to make partnerships with others and go on a journey together, exploring how our dogs can support us in the best way possible. I'm so grateful for the opportunity and can't wait to get to know you all.”


Amy provides additional, tailored 1-2-1 support to clients who would like/ need a little extra support to reach their full potential in our assistance dog program.




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All rights Reserved.

Pawsitive Squad is a registered community interest company (non profit organisation) number 1145 1119 (England and Wales)

enquiries@pawsitivesquad.co.uk




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