Stephanie Rheingruber

Stephanie graduated from Ripon College with a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry-Biology and additional minor areas of study in Spanish and Psychology. She went on to attend Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL in their occupational therapy program, graduating in 2015. Stephanie is currently a registered and licensed pediatric occupational therapist, with a passion for children, birth through age 6 with significant needs, serving children in the Joliet area by providing school-based, clinic-based, and homebound therapy services. Throughout her life, Stephanie has had a passion for animals, including caring for a wide variety of pets and volunteering with various animal rescue groups. In 2016, Stephanie founded Wish Upon a Rescue, where she continues to serve as president. This is a small, foster-based rescue that believes that all animal, regardless of age, breed, medical needs, or physical abilities -deserve a chance at a forever home and family. With an emphasis on force-free training and care, Wish Upon a Rescue saves 75-100 dogs and cats per year with the support of the community. Stephanie's passion for animal training began as a hobby while volunteering with animal rescues and taking her dogs to training classes, where she found she loved reading and learning about the science behind dog behavior and training. The need for training support in foster homes further supported her desire to learn the best methods to help rescue dogs develop the skills they need to be successful members of the community. Stephanie enjoys attending dog behavior-related continuing education courses, working closely with other local trainers, and learning all she can. Stephanie is passionate about helping dogs who need a little extra TLC, those with physical or emotional needs including deaf, blind, senior, three-legged, and those who are fearful and reactive. Stephanie also believes strongly in fostering safe interactions and homes for children and dogs, with experience teaching Family Dog Safety through The Family Dog curriculum. Stephanie shares her home with her husband Patrick, their two dogs Ella and Sophia, and of course foster dogs.