History

Paws & Pals was founded with a deep commitment to addressing the growing mental health challenges faced by children and teens in our communities. Recognizing the urgent need for accessible and effective mental health support, our organization was established with the mission to provide preventative therapy and social emotional wellness to at-risk and underserved youth and their families.

In 2012, our founder Tonia Haakonstad was faced with the life altering reality that her only child was diagnosed with a Traumatic Brain Injury from a near fatal car accident. This diagnosis came with years of doctor appointments, physical & psychiatric therapy, addiction rehabs and mental health treatments that never seemed to help or improve her condition. 

Tonia founded her first non-for-profit, Wishes with Wings in 2014. Wishes with Wings created life transforming experiences and memories for children and teens impacted by poverty, abuse, neglect, addiction, and mental illness. Over the years, she developed partnerships with some of the highest regarded facilities and school districts in our communities and became a community advocate who was dedicated to creating a supportive environment where young people and their families could thrive and find hope and healing. 

Paws & Pals started in 2021 as a small group of dedicated mental health professionals, educators, and community advocates who shared a vision of creating a supportive environment where young people could thrive. Our founders understood that by offering evidence-based therapeutic interventions, they could make a tangible difference in the lives of many children and families. 

Our approach is rooted in empathy, understanding, and a commitment to creating lasting positive change. Through our therapy programs, we aim to provide not just recovery and healing, but also hope and resilience for a brighter future.

Today, Paws & Pals stands as a beacon of support and empowerment for youth and families in need. We continue to grow, adapt, and innovate, always guided by our mission to foster healthier, happier communities. As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to expanding our services and reaching more individuals, ensuring that every child and family has access to the mental health resources they deserve.