She holds a Ph.D. in Special Education from Penn State University, an M.Ed. in Counseling from Alfred University, and an M.Ed. in Special Education and a B.S. in Special Education/ Elementary Education from the State University of New York at Geneseo. Dr. Papalia’s academic interests are in learning disabilities, reading instruction for students with disabilities, Duane’s Syndrome, and Animal Assisted Therapy. Her recent publications and presentations involve school emergency planning for students with disabilities, service dog in schools, and therapy dog use with children with disabilities. Dr. Papalia trains and owns therapy dogs, shows her Labrador Retrievers in obedience and agility, and judges dog obedience trials.