Staff

Founder & Executive Director

Tim Nickels is the founder and driving force behind Ember’s Paws of Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of veterans, first responders, and healthcare professionals. With a background as a first responder himself, Tim brings a deep, personal understanding of the toll that service can take and the healing power that comes from connection, compassion, and canine companionship.

Inspired by his late dog Ember, Tim created this organization to be a safe space for those who are often the last to ask for help. Through peer support, therapeutic retreats, and the use of trained therapy dogs like Halligan, Ember’s Paws of Hope works to break the stigma surrounding mental health and provide meaningful, lasting support to Maine’s frontline heroes.

Tim is known not just for his vision but for his hands-on approach, whether he’s leading a wellness retreat, speaking at community events, or walking alongside someone through their healing journey. His mission is simple: to offer hope, one paw at a time

Halligan, or ‘Hallie,’ Nickels is Ember’s Paws of Hope’s first dog in training to become a therapy dog. With her loving personality and natural ability to bring joy to any room, she’s the perfect fit for the role. Named after Ember’s mom, she’s got big shoes to fill—but she’s more than ready for the challenge. Hallie enjoys food, snuggles, and napping in the sun. Though we suspect she’s completely deaf, her disability doesn’t slow her down. She’s excited to meet many new friends along the way!