Hi, I’m Emily Downey, the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the K9 HEROES Foundation, Inc. I’m incredibly proud to lead our mission of placing certified therapy dogs in schools, working hand-in-hand with trained School Resource Officers to support student well-being.

With over 18 years of experience as a business owner, educator, and social-cause leader, I’ve worn many hats, from running a successful photography business to teaching at the university level and managing large-scale media and marketing campaigns. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Communication and an MBA, and I’ve always been passionate about finding creative ways to bring people together for a greater purpose.

My heart is in creating safe, emotionally supportive environments where students can thrive, especially during moments of crisis or transition. As a mom of seven and someone deeply invested in our local community, I understand the importance of building strong partnerships among schools, law enforcement, and families. That’s what drives me every day at K9 HEROES.

I’m Melanie Keyes, and I bring a diverse background in administration, radioanalytical chemistry, and environmental science from my career at INL. These days, I split my time between teaching geology at Idaho State University and running my Reiki studio in Idaho Falls.

Community service has always been close to my heart. I’ve volunteered with family, animal, civic, and child-focused organizations across Idaho Falls and have held leadership roles on several nonprofit boards. I’m passionate about supporting programs that create real, lasting impact, and I’m thrilled to bring that experience to the K9 HEROES Foundation. I believe in the mission, and I’m excited to help build its outreach and long-term success.

In my home life, I have a wonderful husband, six incredible children, ten energetic grandchildren, and a small herd of beloved dogs and cats who truly run the show.

My name is Nancy Heyrend, and I’m currently the Vice Principal at Elevate Academy. I’m passionate about creating safe, inclusive school environments where students feel supported, valued, and empowered to succeed. My background includes crisis and behavioral intervention, mental health, trauma-informed education, and ADA compliance.

I’ve seen firsthand how meaningful connection can transform a student’s experience and how something as simple as the presence of a therapy dog can bring calm, comfort, and a sense of belonging to an entire school community.

As an educator and advocate, I’m committed to building strong relationships between students, staff, families, and the community. That’s why I’m so excited to be part of the K9 HEROES Foundation. I believe these dogs will help strengthen the bond between students and the School Resource Officers who care for them.

I’m honored to serve on the board and look forward to helping bring this meaningful work to life.

Hi, I'm Amy Kaiser.  I’ve spent more than 25 years advocating for victims of violent crime, working closely with law enforcement, the justice system, and community nonprofits to help people feel seen, heard, and supported during some of the hardest times in their lives.  I also deeply appreciate the commitment of our local law enforcement officers, their service to our community, and their ongoing efforts to advance measures to protect us in the best way possible.

These days, I work as a vocational rehabilitation counselor, helping high school students explore their strengths and plan for life after graduation. I enjoy being part of that critical transition and supporting young people to step into their future with confidence.  Change is difficult for all of us, and having support makes it possible to accomplish great things. We each have something unique to contribute, and we are all stronger when we work together.

I'm excited to be a part of K9 Heroes Foundation because I believe in the power of connection. Our mission—to support the placement, training, and care of therapy dogs assigned to School Resource Officers—starts with local face-to-face connections in moments of need. These dogs will be a steady, comforting presence in our schools, helping build trust and emotional safety for both students and staff.

I’m excited to be part of something that supports community youth in a new and meaningful way. I’ve always enjoyed working on projects that fill in the gaps, and this is a perfect fit.  I'm excited about what we can accomplish together.

Tell your dog I said Hi!