About Us

Founded in 2011, our 501(c)(3) nonprofit supports veterans with our Trauma Resiliency Program and expert service dog training. Our dedicated team brings decades of experience and compassion to help veterans overcome trauma. We harness the healing power of service dogs to transform the lives of veterans and their families.

Participants arrive at a pivotal moment ready to reclaim their lives.  Selected participants are ready for change and growth with the support of a service dog. Through our Trauma Resiliency Program, many form lasting bonds with our community and return as volunteers, helping other veterans and their families reclaim their lives.

Our Founder

Behesha Doan is the founder and training director of This Able Veteran. With a deep understanding of canine behavior, communication, and advanced training techniques, Behesha is a sought-after expert, mentoring professional trainers across the United States, Canada, and Europe through seminars and coaching.

As a trauma survivor, Behesha brings a unique and compassionate perspective to service dog training. She has pioneered a veteran-focused trauma recovery program, integrating highly trained PTSD service dogs with their handlers to support post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Each PTSD service dog is carefully selected and expertly trained to address the unique needs of its veteran partner—offering life-changing support when traditional therapies fall short.

Credentials & Certifications

  • Certified Life Coach, specializing in trauma resiliency
  • Member, Institute of Coaching, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School Affiliate
  • Certified Dog Trainer, International Association of Canine Professionals
  • Contributing Author, PTSD Service Dog Best Practices Paper, Assistance Dogs International
  • Invited Speaker, Harvard Kennedy School of Government – PTSD Service Dogs & Trauma Recovery
  • American Kennel Club (AKC) CGC Evaluator
  • Approved Instructor, Illinois Law Enforcement Training & Standards Board
    • Law Enforcement Narcotic Detection K-9 Certification
    • Remote Collar Training for K-9 Reliability
    • Police K-9 Unit Tactical Operations
  • Certified Trainer:
    • Basic & Advanced Dog Training, Michael Ellis School of Dog Training, San Francisco, CA
    • Narcotic Detector Dog Training, Alpha K-9 Training Center, Jackson, MS
    • Narcotic/Explosive Detector Dog Training, Vohne Liche Kennels, Denver, IN
    • Mantrailing K-9 Trainer, Salem, IL
    • Remote Collar Trainer, Honors Graduate, Las Vegas, NV
  • Licensed by the Illinois Department of Agriculture
  • State of Illinois Certified Narcotics Detection Dog Evaluator
Contact Us

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR PROGRAM OR WOULD YOU LIKE TO GET INVOLVED AS A VOLUNTEER OR MEMBER OF THE TEAM?