About Courthouse Dogs LLC

Courthouse Dogs, LLC, was founded in 2008 in the State of Washington, with the mission of promoting justice through the use of well trained dogs to provide emotional support to all in the criminal justice system. We hope to be instrumental in the increased use of trained dogs in the courthouse environment by providing a resource for best practices and practical advice.

Ellen O'Neill-Stephens

Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ellen O'Neill-Stephens , Founder, has worked for the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office located in Seattle, Washington since 1985. The courthouse dog program began in 2003 when Ellen's son, Sean Stephens, shared his service dog Jeeter with those in need at Juvenile Drug Court one day a week.

Ellen's c onference presentations about courthouse dogs include:

• 15th Annual Children’s Justice Conference-Seattle, Washington March 2007 (A defense attorney says that CLE's are better with animals.)
• University of Baltimore Victim Assistance Training Center Sept. 19, 2007
• 16th Annual Children’s Justice Conference-Seattle, Washington April 2008
• Roper Victim Institute- Baltimore, Maryland June 3, 2008
• National District Attorney Association-Equal Justice for Children Conference June 5, 2008   Memphis, Tennessee

Celeste Walsen

Celeste Walsen, DVM. Executive Director, has a long standing interest in the use of dogs to effectively assist humans in all parts of life. She has raised puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind and for Canine Companions for Independence.