Meet Timothy Nickels

We recently connected with Timothy Nickels and have shared our conversation below.

Timothy, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

For over 22 years, I lived my dream, I was a firefighter and paramedic. That was all I ever wanted to do. But in 2020, that dream came to a crashing end when I was diagnosed with complex PTSD and a host of related symptoms. I hit my lowest point. I tried to take my life. And honestly, the only reason I’m still here is because of my dog, Ember.
She would sense when I was struggling, blocking the door when I tried to leave, lying across my arms or in my lap to stop me from cutting. She was my lifeline.
Later, while in a mental health rehab program in California, I met another dog named Bae. She helped me push through some of the toughest parts of recovery. Staff and fellow patients noticed it too; something shifted in me when a dog was around. That connection was undeniable.
But when I came home, I felt lost. I couldn’t go back to being a paramedic, and nothing else felt right. I was searching for a new purpose, but everything felt empty until July 2024. I lost a friend to suicide. That moment shattered me, and it also woke something up inside me.
I called my friend Steve and said, “We need to talk.” We talked about the stigma around mental health in public safety. I told him how dogs had helped me survive, and I had an idea: what if we brought therapy dogs into firehouses and police stations regularly—became familiar faces, so when someone needed to talk, they could?
That conversation sparked Ember’s Paws of Hope. What started as a therapy dog team has grown into something bigger: peer support, Critical Incident Stress Management, mental health education, public speaking, and advocacy for first responders, veterans, and healthcare workers.
I always wanted to help people, and when I was told I couldn’t do that as a paramedic anymore, I felt like I’d lost everything. But now, through Ember’s, I get to help the people who help everyone else.
This is my purpose. I love what I do.
And now, I’m even pursuing my master’s in social work—because this mission isn’t just my second chance. It’s my calling.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

At Ember’s Paws of Hope, we’re focused on supporting the mental health and well-being of first responders, veterans, healthcare workers, and the communities they serve, through the powerful connection between people and therapy dogs.
What makes our work special is that it’s rooted in lived experience. I’ve been on the front lines. I know what it’s like to carry trauma and feel like you can’t talk about it. Our mission is to break that silence and be a bridge to healing, one dog, one station, one conversation at a time.
We started small, just me and my dog Ember visiting local firehouses, but the response was overwhelming. People opened up. They felt seen. They felt safe. That’s when we knew we had something worth growing.
Now, Ember’s Paws of Hope offers:
• Certified therapy dog visits to firehouses, police departments, dispatch centers, hospitals, schools, and more
• Peer support and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)
• Educational programs and classes focused on mental health awareness and resilience
• Public speaking and advocacy to fight stigma and promote wellness
Right now, we’re actively working on expanding our therapy dog teams across Maine and eastern New England to meet growing demand and be a consistent presence in more communities. We’re also in the process of bringing licensed counselors onto our team so we can offer even more comprehensive support to those we serve. I’m currently in graduate school pursuing a Master’s in Social Work. I want to make sure I’m showing up for this work not just with lived experience, but with clinical knowledge as well.
At the heart of everything we do is one simple truth: healing happens through connection. Whether it’s a conversation, a class, or just a quiet moment with a dog who doesn’t judge, we’re here to make sure our helpers get the help they deserve.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

• Resilience
Resilience has been at the core of everything, personally and professionally. There were times when I was completely broken, where giving up felt easier than fighting through. But resilience doesn’t mean being tough all the time; it means continuing to show up, even if all you can do that day is breathe.
Advice: Don’t be afraid to fall apart. Learn to ask for help. Surround yourself with people—and animals, who remind you that you’re not alone. You build resilience by being real, not by pretending everything is fine.
• Empathy
My own struggles with PTSD, suicide, and recovery gave me a deeper understanding of others’ pain. It made me more human and more effective. Whether I’m walking into a firehouse or speaking at an event, I lead with empathy because I’ve been there.
Advice: Listen more than you speak. Take the time to understand someone’s story before trying to fix it. The best support doesn’t always come with answers, at comes with presence.
• Purpose-Driven Leadership
When I lost my career as a paramedic, I thought I had lost my identity. But stepping into a leadership role with Ember’s Paws of Hope showed me that purpose isn’t tied to a job title; it’s tied to impact. Leading with purpose has brought meaning back into my life.
Advice: Focus on why you’re doing something more than what you’re doing. When your mission is clear, the path will follow, even if it’s messy at first. And don’t wait until everything’s perfect, start now, learn as you go, and let your purpose lead.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

It’s taken a team, a community of people (and dogs), to help me get where I am today, and I’m beyond grateful for each of them.
First, I must honor Ember, my original K9 partner, best friend, and the soul behind Ember’s Paws of Hope. She saved my life during some of the darkest times, keeping me grounded, blocking me from leaving the house, and just being there when I needed someone most. Ember passed away on June 10, 2024, and naming this nonprofit after her is how I carry her legacy forward. Her impact is woven into everything we do.
Now, I have a new partner, Halligan, who’s currently going through therapy dog training. He’s stepping into Ember’s pawprints with purpose and heart, and I know he’ll help carry this mission into the future.
None of this would be possible without Kim, who works tirelessly behind the scenes to keep Ember’s running. Her support, organization, and quiet leadership make everything we do possible. She doesn’t seek the spotlight, but she’s the reason the wheels keep turning.
I also want to thank Katelyn Baxter-Musser and Sarah Mildrum for their guidance and professional support. Their expertise in mental health has helped shape the way we approach care, healing, and building meaningful connections. They’ve helped me grow both personally and as a leader.
And, of course, my friend Steve, who helped turn this idea into a mission. When I said, “We need to do something,” he didn’t hesitate. He stood beside me, and that’s when Ember’s Paws of Hope was born.
Finally, I’m continuously inspired by the community we serve, first responders, veterans, and healthcare workers. Their bravery, vulnerability, and trust fuel everything we do. They remind me daily why this mission matters.
This journey has never been mine alone; it’s been built on love, trust, and the belief that healing is possible when we show up for each other.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.emberpoh.org
• Instagram: ember_poh
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566344335447
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-nickels-54879486/

Image Credits

Tim Greenway with Tim Greenway Photography