gerontology
zootherapy - education
about us
Pattes Thérapie was founded in Quebec in 2013 by Johana Krizova and specializes in animal assisted therapy sessions for elderly people with neurocognitive disorders.
At Pattes Thérapie, we firmly believe that human-animal relationship, when properly guided and respectful, has the power to transform people's emotional, cognitive, social, and physical well-being. Individuals with advanced neurocognitive disorders can still experience affection, emotional validation and connection, and we think that animals can be the best partners to help us achieve this.
We operate primarily in residential settings (long-term care facilities, private residences, intermediate resources) and work with both the healthcare teams and families. Our qualified animal-assisted practitioners received specialized training to work with the realities of aging and neurocognitive disorders .
mission and values
Our mission is to improve the quality of life and the over-all well being of the elderly living with neurocognitive disorders by creating a safe, warm and respectful environment. Our animal helpers serve as a bridge towards better communication, connection and dignity.
OUR VALUES
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RESPECT AND DIGNITY: We see the individual beyond his or her diagnosis. Each interaction is guided by respect for the individual's pace, life story, unvoiced needs and subtle reactions.
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GENUINE PRESENCE: Simply being there, without expecting any achievements or progress. Offering authentic moments, sometimes lively and stimulating, other times quiet, yet meaningful.
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PROFESSIONALISM AND COLLABORATION: Our animal therapy sessions are structured, well planned and documented. We adhere to rigorous standards in animal-assisted therapy and gerontology and work closely with families and care teams to ensure a consistent, respectful, and tailored approach.
johana krizova
M.Sc. Rehabilitation, M.Sc. Gerontology
Zootherapist Founder, Lecturer, Speaker, Expert in
non-pharmacological approaches
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expert in gerontology with over 12 years of experience working with seniors with neurocognitive disorders
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founder and director of Pattes Thérapie Inc., an animal-assisted therapy company
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graduate in gerontology and rehabilitation
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dedicated to innovative non-pharmacological approaches
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active in Europe as a speaker and educator of health professionals
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winner of the Excellence Award for a program integrating animal therapists into elderly care teams
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certified Trainer & Consultant in Positive Approach to Care by Teepa Snow
My journey
I've felt a strong pull towards animals and the elderly since my childhood. In 2012, I finally decided to combine my two passions into a career. After receiving my diploma in animal therapy in 2013, I concentrated on working with the elderly with reduced independence and worked full-time in long-term care facilities and nursing and retirement homes.
In 2018, I completed a Master's in gerontology and in 2021, a Master's in rehabilitation practices at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Sherbrooke.
Interprofessional collaboration and non-pharmacological approaches to management of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are my two main areas of expertise. I have focused my graduate studies and my clinical practice on these topics.
Since 2022, I have been offering accredited continuing education courses to help health and social services professionals deepen their knowledge and enhance their skills working with seniors with neurocognitive disorders.
With my background and clinical experience in gerontology and my expertise in interdisciplinary collaboration, I am well positioned to offer trainings that address the specific needs of animal therapists.
In collaboration with Groupe Roy Santé, I designed the Therapeutic Zootherapy Practice program, which integrates animal therapists into care teams in long-term care facilities. This program received the AEPC Excellence Award in Care and Services in 2024.
Since 2023, I have been actively working in Europe, training nurses and social workers in approaches adapted to the elderly as part of various projects funded by the European Union.
In 2024, I received the Trainer and Consultant of Positive Approach to Care certification developed by the US expert Teepa Snow.