CIC - Empowering and Healing People One Dog at a Time...

Canine Inspired Change (CIC) partners with therapy dogs and their people to help promote social and emotional growth in those overcoming learning disabilities and personal challenges.

What We Do

We develop and lead custom courses fusing dog training and therapy to help empower and nuture your students in a fun and non-threatening way. Our course empowers your group to explore new ways of growth and learning through the experience of working with dogs. We utilize specially trained dogs to provide your group with a unique and healing animal assisted educational experience.

Feeling inspired!

Danielle Graczyk

Danielle Graczyk, accoladed as professional dog trainer for 11 years, is the founder and developer of Canine Inspired Change. Her unique program has profoundly touched the lives of so many in our community. CIC has organically grown due to the loving energy she pours into it. Danielle has 3 TDI therapy dogs named Tokie, Kenai and Sharpie. Danielle was recently awarded "Best Agility Trainer of the Twin Cities" by Tails Magazine.

Dr. Melissa Shamblott

Melissa Shamblott is a consultant to the CIC program, with a PH.D. in Community and Family Education. Melissa also holds a B.S. in early childhood education and has 2 TDI Therapy dogs named Reggae and Dylan.

School and Community Partners

Maplewood Middle School - Emotionally, behaviorally disabled youth (EBD)

Kenwood Trail Middle School (Lakeville) -EBD

The Courage Center - Young adults surviving traumatic brain injuries

Transition Plus (Minnetonka School District) - Down syndrome and autistic young adults

Garlough Environmental Magnet School (West St Paul) - EBD

The Lab (St. Paul School Disctrict) - Special education for urban youth program

The Canine Inspired Change Program is a remarkable program. It was amazing to watch the group participants interact with the dogs. Their self-awareness increased and you could see their confidence improve with each session. Danielle is incredibly knowledgeable and promoted a positive learning experience for the group. She worked with each participant to bring out their unique skills and abilities. The group had fun and they looked forward to each session! The program definitely shows how there are indescribable benefits that only dogs can bring.

-Beth Childs, Behavior Analyst, Courage Center