Mary Justice, MBA
Co-founder, Buckeye Paws
As the chief administrative officer (CAO) at The Ohio State University College of Nursing, Justice is an active advisor to the dean, and helps develop and implement the strategic direction of the college. As the college’s CAO, Justice is responsible for the implementation, oversight and alignment of its business operations, which includes doing strategic forecasting, developing and maintaining the budget, as well as doing operational and fiscal reporting. The position participates in development, monitoring, and evaluation of faculty incentive plans with an emphasis on both revenue generation and the educational and scholarly profile of the college. As the director of entrepreneurial initiatives, Justice partners with the dean and the executive leadership team to expand the college’s revenue base through building new, innovative business models.
Justice is also the co-founder of Buckeye Paws, a staff therapy dog program launched in March 2020. She believes in the healing power of connecting with animals and strives to build innovative programs that support staff members who care for patients and their families.
Beth Steinberg, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Co-founder, Buckeye Paws
As the associate chief nurse for Critical Care and Emergency Services at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Steinberg was acutely aware of the increasing stress and burnout experienced by nursing staff working in both bedside and management positions. During her administrative nursing career, she collaborated on developing, implementing and evaluating evidence-based interventions to decrease stress and improve resilience and well-being in nurses and other healthcare workers at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. While many of these interventions were effective, participation was often limited by staff work demands, busy personal schedules and family responsibilities.
The idea for Buckeye Paws originated while Steinberg and her colleague Mary Justice were taking their pups through therapy dog training. With the goal of developing a program that could be integrated into the workday for busy healthcare workers, they began discussing the concept of a therapy dog program, solely to support the mental health and well-being of Wexner Medical Center staff, faculty members and learners, with Medical Center leadership. Launched in March 2020, the Buckeye Paws therapy dog-handler teams supported staff, faculty and learners through the pandemic – and continue to provide connection, comfort and happiness throughout the medical center, as well as across The Ohio State University.
In her current role as the associate director of Research for the Center for Integrative Health, Steinberg continues to lead and collaborate in research that may support increased well-being for staff, faculty members and students, especially those with Buckeye Paws therapy dog-handler teams.
Caitlin Purk
Associate Director
As a lifelong dog lover and owner, Purk believes fully in the healing and calming power of dogs. Purk has over a decade of experience in the healthcare, marketing and nonprofit sectors. With a Master of Public Administration degree from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in public relations from Heidelberg University, Purk possesses a strong foundation in communication, relationship building and community engagement. In her current role, Purk focuses on strategy, philanthropy and outreach to strengthen the impact of Buckeye Paws across The Ohio State University, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and the broader community.
Jessica Wise
Program Coordinator, Buckeye Paws
Jessica Wise is an experienced administrative professional at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, with nearly a decade of supporting leadership teams across a variety of clinical settings. She brings her love of patient experience, wellness and the human-animal bond to her work. She’s passionate about building connections and bringing moments of comfort and positivity to patients, families and staff.
Libby Ailes
Student assistant, Buckeye Paws
Major/Minor: Finance
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2028
Britton Whittington
Student assistant, Buckeye Paws
Major/Minor: Health Sciences (Pre-PT track) with a minor in Business
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2027