Today we’d like to introduce you to Tonia Haakonstad.
Hi Tonia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have dedicated my life to reaching the most vulnerable and underserved youth in our community. I lead with compassion, empathy, and an unwavering belief that every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported. My story is not just about founding an organization—it’s about inspiring hope and new beginnings for countless young lives.
Growing up, I saw firsthand how mental health issues can affect families and entire communities. Through my work in youth services, I met so many children who carried invisible burdens, and I wished I could do more to help them heal.
One day, I brought my own therapy dog, Sam, to a youth center where I volunteered. I watched as Sam gently approached a withdrawn boy who hadn’t spoken to anyone for days. With just a wag of his tail and a comforting nuzzle, Sam managed to draw out a smile—a small moment, but one that felt monumental. It was then that I truly understood the healing power of the human-animal bond.
That single, heartfelt connection inspired me to create Paws & Pals. I wanted to provide a safe space for children and teens to build trust, express themselves, and find hope through evidence-based animal-assisted therapy. Every day, I’m driven by the stories of resilience I witness in the youth and families we serve. My goal is to ensure that, no matter what hardships they face, they know they are never alone.
Founding Paws & Pals has been the greatest privilege of my life. It’s my mission to bring prevention, recovery, and healing to at-risk and underserved youth in our community—and to remind them that hope is always within reach.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Throughout my life, I have faced my share of obstacles and challenges—both personally and professionally. Growing up, I witnessed the effects of mental health struggles within my own family. These experiences left a lasting impression on me, fueling my desire to help others but also making me keenly aware of how isolating and overwhelming these challenges can feel.
When I set out to create Paws & Pals, I encountered doubts and skepticism from those who didn’t initially understand the value of animal-assisted therapy. Building a nonprofit from the ground up meant navigating countless hurdles—finding funding, gaining community trust, and forging relationships with schools and partners who would give us a chance.
There were times when resources were scarce, and it was difficult to see a clear path forward.
Personally, I have also faced moments of self-doubt and exhaustion, wondering if I was truly making a difference. Balancing my commitment to Paws & Pals with caring for my own family has not always been easy. However, these obstacles only deepened my resolve, teaching me resilience, patience, and the importance of leaning on others for support.
Each challenge has shaped who I am, reminding me why I started this journey in the first place—and inspiring me to keep moving forward, for the kids and families who are counting on us.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work centers on creating safe, healing spaces where at-risk and underserved youth can grow, recover, and thrive. As the founder of Paws & Pals, I oversee our evidence-based animal-assisted therapy programs, working closely with our team, volunteers, and therapy animals to deliver meaningful support to children and teens facing mental health challenges.
Each day, I am involved in developing new programs, training staff, and building relationships with schools, families, and community partners. I listen to the stories of the young people we serve, advocate for their needs, and strive to ensure our services are accessible to those who need them most. I also spend time engaging donors and supporters, sharing our mission and the impact we are making together.
At the heart of my work is the belief that prevention and early intervention can transform lives. I am committed to fostering social-emotional wellness, resilience, and hope—helping every child know they are valued and not alone. This work is both my passion and my purpose, and I am grateful every day for the opportunity to make a difference.
Creating K.I.N.D. DOG TREATS was a natural extension of my mission with Paws & Pals to support the wellbeing of both people and animals. I started K.I.N.D. DOG TREATS because I wanted to provide healthy, wholesome treats for our therapy dogs—ensuring they receive the same care and kindness they so freely give to the children and families we serve.
As I saw how much our dogs enjoyed them, I realized there was an opportunity to do something even bigger. By sharing these treats with the community, I could raise funds to sustain and grow our therapy programs for at-risk youth. Every batch is made with high-quality ingredients and care, and every bag supports our mission of healing and hope. K.I.N.D. DOG TREATS is my way of spreading kindness and making a difference for both our therapy dogs and the children who rely on them.
Animal-assisted therapy offers a unique set of benefits, especially for children and teens facing mental health challenges. The presence of a therapy animal creates a safe, calming environment that encourages trust and openness. For many young people, interacting with animals can reduce feelings of anxiety, loneliness, or stress, and help them express emotions that might be difficult to share with adults.
Therapy animals also provide unconditional acceptance, which boosts self-esteem and helps build positive social skills. Through playful, guided activities, children can learn empathy, responsibility, and emotional regulation. Studies show that animal-assisted therapy can improve mood, lower blood pressure, and even support better outcomes in counseling and recovery.
Most importantly, these interactions bring moments of joy and comfort, reminding kids that healing is possible and that they are not alone in their struggles. At Paws & Pals, we see every day how the special bond between children and animals fosters hope, resilience, and lasting change.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
As a child and through my life, I witnessed the impact of mental health struggles on people I cared about, which left a deep impression on me. I learned how important it was to have someone to lean on, and how healing it could be to simply feel understood. During my life I have lost both of my brother and recently this year my mother and father passed. Family and friends along the way nurtured my curiosity and resilience, helping me see challenges as opportunities to grow and give back.
Those early experiences—both the joys and the hardships—taught me the value of community, compassion, and hope. They inspired my lifelong dedication to supporting children and families, and continue to guide the work I do today with Paws & Pals.
At the heart of everything I do is a simple belief: kindness and connection can transform lives. Whether through the gentle presence of a therapy dog or a small act of compassion, I’ve seen how hope can be restored, even in the toughest moments. My journey with Paws & Pals—and the creation of K.I.N.D. DOG TREATS—reminds me every day that when we lift up others, we find our own purpose. I’m grateful for the opportunity to make a difference, one child and one paw at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pawsandpals.org
- Instagram: pawsandpalskc
- Facebook: pawsandpalskc
- LinkedIn: https://linked.com/in/tonia-haakonstad-8b0a8a234
- Other: https://www,facebook.com/tgrant22
