Diana McQuarrie

Diana is the Founder and Executive Director of Denver Pet Partners. A recognized expert in the field of Animal-Assisted Interaction (AAI), Diana has developed curriculum which is used internationally and teaches extensively to both volunteers and healthcare professionals on effectively integrating animals as part of the therapeutic treatment team.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Biola University in California and completed studies in Communicative Disorders from West Chester University in Pennsylvania. She earned her Master of Science in Organizational Leadership with honors from Regis University in Denver. She is the recipient of the prestigious President’s Call to Service Award in recognition of her outstanding volunteer service.

Diana co-created the national program Therapy Animals Supporting Kids (T.A.S.K.), which provides guidance for criminal justice and child welfare professionals on how to effectively incorporate therapy animals without compromising the safety of the children or animals, or negatively affecting a civil or criminal case involving child abuse.

Diana's Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) focus and experience is primarily in rehabilitation, specifically communicative disorders and working with patients to stimulate cognitive functioning. A member of Pet Partners national since 1998, Diana is a licensed Master Instructor, Evaluator, AAT Applications Instructor, and registered therapy team. She serves on the Board of Directors of the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations (IAHAIO).

Diana volunteers for Guide Dogs for the Blind as a puppy raiser and is an avid cyclist.