Prairie Conlon
Fort Atkinson,WI
Summary
Prairie Conlon, LPC, LCMHC, NCC, is a distinguished mental health professional specializing in animal-assisted therapy, with a specific focus on the integration of emotional support animals (ESAs) and psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) into therapeutic practices. Recognized as a leading expert in the field, Prairie has pioneered the therapeutic modality of Emotional Support Animal Assisted Therapy, drawing upon extensive clinical experience and a deep understanding of the human-animal bond to enhance mental health outcomes. Prairie's career is marked by contributions to national conventions, therapeutic retreats, and notable appearances on platforms like Military Makeover, highlighting the transformative impact of ESAs and PSDs in treatment plans. With a commitment to expanding accessibility to this innovative therapy, Prairie has developed comprehensive courses for ESA and service dog owners, as well as mental health professionals, aiming to educate on the legal, ethical, and psychological aspects of animal-assisted therapy. Through publications such as the Support Animal Journal and the eBook "Enhancing Mental Health with your Emotional Support Animal," Prairie seeks to empower individuals to harness the therapeutic potential of their animal companions, advocating for informed, compassionate practices that respect the needs of both humans and animals.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Owner/Clinical Director
Prairie Conlon Mental Health Services LLC
10.2016 - Current
- Owner of a successful private practice, with a distinguished track record of providing exceptional client care, training on industry standards for animal-assisted interventions, and organizing transformative mental health retreats. Specializes in creating and leading innovative programs that promote holistic wellness, foster community engagement, and enhance the therapeutic experience.
Clinical Director
OnePet
08.2016 - Current
- Championed innovation within the clinic setting by promoting research-driven practices and adopting emerging healthcare trends.
- Recruited hired, and trained high-quality clinicians who contributed positively to the clinic''s mission and vision.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations for clinical staff, identifying areas for improvement and providing constructive feedback for growth.
Private Intensive Retreat Therapist
Lone Survivor Foundation
03.2017 - 01.2021
- Leading animal-assisted therapy practices to support service members and veterans from all military branches who are challenged with post-traumatic stress, mild traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, and military sexual trauma.
Mental Health Therapist/Office Manager
Avalon Counseling/Horses that Heal, Inc.
08.2015 - 08.2016
- Implemented and managed a holistic wellness program for soldiers and their families using animal-assisted therapy, developed policy manuals, and designed an audit system that increased insurance audit pass rates, while also overseeing medical billing, insurance claims, and the creation of job descriptions and management of confidential records.
Group Therapy Program Developer
Meadowlark House Child Advocacy Center
01.2015 - 08.2015
- Developed, proposed, and implemented clinical support group for "Non-offending Parents of Abused Children", providing a safe environment for parents who are dealing with emotions and aftermath of their child being exposed to a traumatic situation.
Associate Counselor
Hope and Healing Counseling
01.2015 - 08.2015
- Provided individual, couple, and group counseling, managed patient data, medical records, office administration, and medical billing and insurance claims.
Volunteer
Special Olympics, Wounded Warrior
08.2009 - 12.2012
- Collaborated with other nonprofit organizations to develop joint initiatives that benefited the broader community at large.
Senior Case Manager
ResCare Incorporated
03.2009 - 12.2012
- Delivered holistic case management for individuals with disabilities, led recruitment and retention of 20-25 employees, and oversaw their training, supervision, and evaluation.
Research Assistant/Social Psychology
Dr. Donald Saucier, Kansas State University
08.2004 - 08.2005
- Inspected, collected, interpreted, analyzed and compiled data obtained from material testing.
- Proofread and edited reports, questionnaires and research publications.
- Research published in Journal of Social and Personal Relationships.
- Orally presented award winning research at annual Kansas State. Research Forum
Education
Master of Arts - Professional Clinical Counseling
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA, United States2015
Master of Science - Military Behavioral Health Science
Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville, NC2014
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Montana
Missoula, MT2009
Certification
- National Board Certified Counselor #682989
- Oklahoma LPC #6369
- North Carolina LCMHC #12370
- Colorado LPC.0014978
- Wisconsin LPC #3589-226
- Certified Advanced Animal Assisted Therapist (EAGALA, ESAAT)
Accomplishments
- Conlon, Prairie, LPC, NCMHC, NCC. (2023, May) "Enhancing Mental Health with your Emotional Support Animal." NAMI Convention Speech. Minneapolis, MN
- The Guardian Documentary: Creature Comforts (ESAs) Guest Appearance (2019, June)
- Lifetime TV Guest Appearance on Military Makeover with Montel Williams. Emotional Support Animals for support of military spouses. (2019, March)
- Conlon, Prairie. (2017, March) "Finding the New Norm: Working through the Grieving Process using the Eagala (animal assisted therapy) Model." Workshop presentation for mental health and medical professionals, 2017 Eagala Conference Speech. Denver, CO.
- American Counseling Association 2015 Honorable Mention Graduate Essay Winner: "Fundamental Purpose of Ethical Standards in Counseling"
- Miss Rodeo Kansas State 2003, State Representative
Timeline
Private Intensive Retreat Therapist
Lone Survivor Foundation
03.2017 - 01.2021
Owner/Clinical Director
Prairie Conlon Mental Health Services LLC
10.2016 - Current
Clinical Director
OnePet
08.2016 - Current
Mental Health Therapist/Office Manager
Avalon Counseling/Horses that Heal, Inc.
08.2015 - 08.2016
Group Therapy Program Developer
Meadowlark House Child Advocacy Center
01.2015 - 08.2015
Associate Counselor
Hope and Healing Counseling
01.2015 - 08.2015
Volunteer
Special Olympics, Wounded Warrior
08.2009 - 12.2012
Senior Case Manager
ResCare Incorporated
03.2009 - 12.2012
Research Assistant/Social Psychology
Dr. Donald Saucier, Kansas State University
08.2004 - 08.2005
Master of Arts - Professional Clinical Counseling
Liberty University
Master of Science - Military Behavioral Health Science
Fayetteville State University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Montana
Similar Profiles
Zainab BalloutZainab Ballout
School-Based Therapist at Prairie View Mental HealthSchool-Based Therapist at Prairie View Mental Health
Jessica WilliamsJessica Williams
Security Officer at Prairie Care Mental HealthSecurity Officer at Prairie Care Mental Health
Jennifer JepsenJennifer Jepsen
Parent Support Specialist at Prairie View Community Mental Health CenterParent Support Specialist at Prairie View Community Mental Health Center
Sabrina RadkeSabrina Radke
Administrative Specialist at McPenn Custom ConcreteAdministrative Specialist at McPenn Custom Concrete
Debra EdwardsDebra Edwards
Truck Driver at Nasco EducationTruck Driver at Nasco Education