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VICKY SPADONI, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Vicky has devoted her career to advocating and helping charitable organizations thrive! She has held both long term fundraising and executive leadership positions with charities such as; The Ontario Lung Association, MitoCanada Foundation, The Children's Safety Village of Brant, Operation Lift and now Autism Dog Services. Vicky resides with her husband Rick and son Adam in Brantford, ON and her step daughter Meagan lives in Hamilton, ON. Vicky and her husband rescue dogs and give them a life of love and respect. Contact Vicky with your fundraising ideas, she would love to hear from you! (519) 722-2685 |
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ALLISON SAVARD, DIRECTOR, CLIENT SERVICES Allison has volunteered and worked in the autism service dog industry for the past 20 years. After completing a degree at Wilfrid Laurier University, Allison began her career running a foster puppy program and went on to complete an apprenticeship tranining program through the first organization in the world to train and pair service dogs with children living with autism. Allison joined the ADS team in 2009 to continue her work with children, families and service dogs. Allison currently works part-time for ADS and is responsible for supporting client families; including those interested in obtaining more information about acquiring a service dog, supporting and instructing families on the wait list and families who currently have service dogs. Allison is also responsible for researching and writing grants to achieve funding for ADS. (519) 504-7658 |
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ERIN FINOCHIO, TRAINER Erin is a professional dog trainer with over 15 years of experience. Upon graduation in 2003 from Triple Crown Academy for Professional Dog Trainers in Texas, Erin was hired on as an instructor in the school. She has taught in many different disciplines of dog training from basic through advanced obedience and behavior modification, to dog sports such as agility and scent detection. Additionally, she has experience in training Service Dogs for Autism and PTSD. Erin is also a Registered Practical Nurse who worked in the Mental Health field. She is excited to have the opportunity to bring her nursing skills together with her knowledge and love of dog training. During her downtime Erin volunteers with a local animal rescue organization. At home she has two dogs of her own. She enjoys training and competing with her young German Shepherd Dog in Schutzhund and Scent Detection. Her smaller and older Pomeranian prefers to lounge around and cuddle. When not spending time with dogs Erin, her husband, and their two children enjoy travelling and sports. (519) 721-3376 |
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JANINE BRUBACHER, Puppy Program Coordinator Janine has been involved in the Service Dog industry since 2006 and joined the ADS team in 2013. She has experience in many areas of ADS including the puppy program, client services, advanced training and client follow-up support. Janine works part-time for ADS and manages the puppy program, the puppy sitters, and adoptions. (519) 722-6563 |
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CATHY KLEIN, Advanced Trainer
As a retired member of the Canadian National Women's Soccer Team, Cathy enjoys spending her free time with her dog Quincey and developing innovative soccer programs for children and youth. She loves traveling and exploring new areas with Quincey and caring for her many other animals at her farm in Dundas, Ontario.
Cathy has been involved in the service dog industry for the last 9 years. Most recently Cathy worked for National Service Dogs where she worked as Puppy Program Trainer and Puppy Program Manager. In both roles she loved teaching puppy classes, recruiting new puppy raising volunteers while working closely with the Advanced Team in preparing dogs to be future life changers. Prior to National Service Dogs, Cathy lived in the United States and worked as a professional soccer coach at such places as University of Arizona and Iowa State University. Her wealth of experiences will impact ADS positively in a variety of areas but her passion for teaching dogs and serving others all have influenced her decision to join the ADS Team as an Advanced Trainer.
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Autism Dog Services is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of voluntary community members. Board Members - 2018 Mike Craig, Chair Nikki Craig, Vice-Chair Husain Gilani - Treasurer Jordan Pelkmans - Secretary Aaron Percival Eileen Cowan |
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