As part of our ongoing Q&A series spotlighting the people behind Atlas Assistance Dogs, we’re thrilled to introduce new board member Jana Hinken. A seasoned operations leader and proud dog mom to Beanie, Jana brings a global perspective and a deep belief in the healing power of dogs. In this interview, she shares what drew her to Atlas, how her professional background supports our mission, and why Beanie is both her inspiration and her sidekick.
What drew you to Atlas Assistance Dogs and inspired you to join the Board?
For me, the bond between humans and dogs has always felt uniquely genuine — few connections bring so much trust and love. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I started fostering dogs because I missed having that companionship, and eventually, my sweet staffy mix, Beanie, came into my life for good. She’s an anxious little pup who needs me to protect her more often than not, and that relationship really opened my eyes to how much dogs and humans can help each other heal and thrive. When I learned about Atlas’ mission — focusing on that mutual relationship and helping people and dogs build a life-changing bond together — it immediately spoke to my heart. Joining the Board felt like the perfect way to combine my skills with a cause I truly believe in.
How does your background or expertise contribute to Atlas’ mission?
I’ve spent my career helping organizations work more efficiently and people feel supported to do their best work. My background is in program and project management, with a strong focus on process improvement, people development, and scaling operations. Having worked in Germany, Hong Kong, and now the United States, I love bringing a global and inclusive mindset to every team I’m part of. On the Board, I’m excited to contribute to Atlas’ governance, structure, and scalability — so the organization can grow sustainably and reach even more people and dogs in need.
Why do you believe it’s important for Atlas to champion positive, accessible, and inclusive service dog training?
At its core, Atlas empowers both the person and the dog — and that only works when training is positive, ethical, and accessible to everyone who needs it. I think we all do better when we feel safe and understood, and I love that Atlas’ approach is about building trust and respect on both ends of the leash. It’s about meeting people where they are and making sure that the life-changing benefits of a service dog aren’t out of reach for anyone who could benefit.
What do you hope Atlas will achieve in the next few years?
I hope Atlas continues to expand its reach so that more people can experience the independence, support, and companionship that a well-trained service dog can provide. My hope is that we build strong systems and processes to grow sustainably, train more trainers, and strengthen the incredible community that makes Atlas so special.
What do you think is special about Atlas’ approach to service dog training?
What really stands out to me is that Atlas puts the relationship first. It’s not just about training a dog to perform tasks — it’s about building a strong, trusting bond between the dog and the person, and doing so in a way that’s positive and respectful for both. I love that Atlas empowers people to train their own dogs with the right guidance and support, which makes this life-changing resource more accessible and deeply personal.
What would you say to someone considering supporting or getting involved with Atlas? I’d say, if you believe in the power of dogs to change lives — this is an organization that truly honors that bond and does the work to make it accessible and ethical. There are so many ways to get involved, whether you volunteer, donate, or just help spread the word. Every bit of support makes a real difference for people and dogs who depend on each other every day.
What are you most looking forward to contributing to during your time with Atlas?
I’m really excited to roll up my sleeves on governance and operations, bringing more structure, clarity, and scalability so Atlas can keep doing what it does best, but with even greater impact. I love helping people and organizations run more smoothly so they can focus on their mission, and I’m honored to do that here.
Tell us about Beanie!
Beanie is my sweet, anxious Staffy mix who came into my life when I was fostering during the COVID-19 pandemic. She made it clear pretty quickly that she was there to stay — I always joke that she “foster-failed” me! Even though her breed is known for being protective, she’s the one who needs protection from things like the vacuum cleaner or unexpected tree branches. She makes me laugh every single day and reminds me why the bond between humans and dogs is so special
About Atlas Assistance Dogs
Atlas Assistance Dogs is a non-profit organization that fundamentally expands access to assistance dogs. We support people with disabilities to train and certify their own service dog using positive, ethical training methods. At Atlas, we believe anyone who would benefit from a qualified assistance dog should be able to have one.
We work with people with a wide range of disabilities who wish to train their own service dog as well as offer a comprehensive Academy for professional trainers wanting to become service dog trainers. For more information about Atlas’ Client Certification program or other training services, please visit www.atlasdog.org or contact info@atlasdog.org.
