Name: Sparked: One Handler's Journey and What It Takes to Start a New Program
Start: 2026-10-07T15:00:00-0700
End: 2026-10-07T16:00:00-0700

Sparked: One Handler's Journey and What It Takes to Start a New Program

Wednesday October 7, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Seymour

Every facility dog program begins with a moment — a story heard, a dog witnessed at work, a conviction that this is something your community needs. For Heather Martin, that spark came from another handler, and what followed was a journey of research, persistence, advocacy, and ultimately, a thriving new program in Castle Rock, Colorado.

In this session, Heather shares her story — not just as inspiration, but as a roadmap. Whether you are in the early stages of research, actively building the case for a program in your community, or looking to become an advocate who helps others start programs of their own, Heather's experience offers something for every stage of the journey.

From navigating institutional buy-in to finding the right placing organization, understanding the CDF resources available to you, and building the community support that makes a program sustainable — this is the session for anyone who has ever thought, "we need one of these where I live."

Come with your questions. Heather started exactly where you are.

Speakers

Heather Martin

Court Supervisor II, Douglas (CO) County Courthouse

Hi, I'm Heather! I have worked for the Colorado Judicial Branch for 15 years in various roles including clerking for judges, in the Clerk of Court's office, and am now a Supervisor overseeing many different areas of the court. It was while working in a Dependency and Neglect docket... Read More →

Wednesday October 7, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Seymour

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2026 International Courthouse Dogs Conference

Heather Martin

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2026 International Courthouse Dogs Conference

Heather Martin

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