Kathy Loter

Kathy Loter is the Program Director for the Portland Area Canine Therapy Teams (in partnership with Guide Dogs for the Blind), which started in 2013. Kathy joined the DoveLewis staff in 2007. Prior to working at DoveLewis, Kathy was a massage therapist and owned her own business in Seattle for 10 years. While in Seattle, Kathy and her previous dog, Buddy, were certified as a Delta Society Therapy team.

When not working with the PACTT teams, Kathy likes to hike, kayak and go wine tasting. She has a passion for riding horses and rides every chance she gets. In the past, Kathy has shown horses on the regional and national level.
 

The greatest job

“I feel like I have the greatest job! I get to work with dogs every day, finding just the right fit for the volunteer teams and the facilities we partner with. We work with so many great organizations offering comfort only a dog can give.”
 

Professional interests

  • Canine therapy
  • Organizing volunteer teams
  • Trauma intervention
  • Psychological first aid
  • Mental health
  • Disaster behavioral health training
     

Education

  • Oregon School of Massage, 1996
     

Pets

  • One black Labrador – Marvin (who is a therapy dog with PACTT and a DoveLewis blood donor)