Maura Herron

Maura Herron is the Project Manager of Tails of Hope Foundation’s Youth Ambassador K9 Career Program (YAP-K9), and YAP-K9’s first inaugural member to graduate college.  Maura graduated magna cum laude a semester early from Mount St. Mary’s University with BA degrees in Sociology and Criminal Justice with a research concentration in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Maura joined the YAP-K9 program at the age of 11 after meeting TOHF’s President, Linda Blick, in a therapy handler certification class.  After receiving her handler certification from Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs, Maura continued volunteering both as a handler and a YAP-K9 Ambassador.  She developed a strong interest in the field.  Maura and her partner, K9 Maggie, frequently worked in nursing homes and the READ program.

Over the years Maura has participated in YAP-K9 with her certified therapy dog and at TOHF’s high visibility events including annual appearances at The National September 11 Memorial and Museum, NYC.  Maura assisted with, and participated in, national security K9 team demonstrations and certified therapy dog “meet and greets” to comfort those affected by the 9/11 brutal terrorists’ attacks.

By the end of her senior year of high school and after nine years in the program, Maura had been accepted into every college she applied to. With K9 “Maggie” retiring and a strong interest in research, Maura decided to attend Mount St. Mary’s University and continue both her education in the field and volunteering with YAP-K9.  

During her undergraduate experience Maura participated in multiple events including the Animals in War and Peace Inaugural Medal of Bravery Ceremony on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.  Tails of Hope Foundation served as co-show runner and Maura participated in the K9 Processional honoring all national security K9s and working dogs. Maura and her 2- and 4-legged professional processional colleagues photos went viral worldwide.  Other events Maura participated in included TOHF’s annual K9 Veterans Day, Sweetest Thank You Party and Operation Red Carpet ceremonies.   Most recently Maura represented YAP-K9 at the Service and Sacrifice Sculpture Dedication Ceremony at the U.S. Navy Memorial Visitors Center.

Through YAP-K9, Maura has continuously worked with the military, law enforcement and search and rescue K9 teams. She is now serving as YAP-K9’s Project Manager with Jordan Baldwin, YAP -K9’s Diversity Director who both co-lead the YAP-K9 National Advisory Board.