What is Dogs for Better Lives?

Dogs for Better Lives (DBL) is a national nonprofit organization, based in Central Point, Oregon, whose mission is focused on the procurement, training and placing of Hearing Assistance Dogs (nationally), Autism Assistance Dogs (WA, OR, and CA), and Facility Dogs (nationally).

Accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and recognized by Charity Navigator as a 4-star nonprofit, DBL has been rescuing dogs, bettering lives, and providing Assistance Dogs since 1977.

Since its founding in 1977, DBL has grown from placing Hearing Assistance Dogs to also include Facility Dogs, and more recently, Autism Assistance Dogs. DBL has nationally placed more than 1,300 dogs since its inception by its late founder, Roy Kabot.

What is the Young Professionals Board?

As DBL continues to grow and embark on their journey to better the lives of those with disabilities, pairing them with an amazing Assistance Dog, they are also working on cultivating the next generation of leaders across the country, currently targeting the Pacific Northwest, Northeast, and Southwest regions to become involved in carrying out their mission and vision.

DBL’s Young Professionals Boards (YPB) are comprised of like-minded individuals in their 20s, 30s, and 40s that have a passion for dogs and giving back to people with disabilities in their communities.  Members will be responsible for marketing the mission of DBL, participating in outreach events, as well as planning and fundraising through a variety of initiatives.

Am I a Good Fit for the Young Professionals Board?

It is essential that each of the Young Professional Boards encompass a rich and diverse mix of backgrounds and skillsets. We’re currently looking for members who share a passion for DBL’s mission, love dogs and how they better others’ lives, and want to collaboratively participate in something much bigger than themselves.

Where Are the Young Professionals Boards Located?

As of June 2022, we have successfully launched YPBs in the Pacific Northwest and Northeast regions and currently working to grow their respective memberships, while working to launch YPB – California. Looking at our long-term vision, as we expand with regional satellite offices, we anticipate YPBs will be launched to support key initiatives that support DBL’s presence in the region.

DBL to launch signature event with regional Young Professionals Boards

With the support and guidance of the regional Young Professionals Boards, DBL will annually host signature events around National Service Dog Month in September, in the Pacific Northwest, Northeast, and California chapters, while engaging volunteers, clients, donors, and community partners.

YPB – PNW launched in Fall 2019, YPB – NE launched in Winter 2021, and we are anticipating YPB – CA to launch in Summer 2022. Eventually, we will have Young Professionals Boards in strategic locations across the country, working to support each of our planned regional footprints.

Board Structure

 Term Length

When committing to Dogs for Better Lives’ YPB, the term will last for one year (12 months), from the date that the YPB approves the new member.  As long as the member fulfills all of the commitments throughout the year, members will be welcome to apply for an unlimited number of terms.

 Leadership Roles

The Dogs for Better Lives’ YPB will have a variety of leadership roles that will be voted on by the members of the YPB.  Those positions are: Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary.

Commitment

1) Monthly Meetings; Dogs for Better Lives’ YPB will meet monthly, usually in late afternoon or early evening. The meetings will either be in person at a location in the Greater Seattle area or a Microsoft Teams video conference call hosted by DBL.

2) Fundraising; When committing to Dogs for Better Lives’ YPB, a member is committing to a minimum fundraising “give or get” of $1,500. This will be done through three (3) initiatives:

  • Event #1 – TBD
  • Event #2 –  TBD
  • Event #3 – TBD

3) Marketing; All members of the YPB are expected to assist Dogs for Better Lives in spreading the word about their brand and mission, whether that be through word of mouth, sharing social media posts, and/or introducing new members to our community.

4) Benefits; By being involved in DBL’s Young Professionals Board, there are number of benefits you will receive for your participation:

  • Being a part of something that is larger than yourself. As a member of the YPB, you will have a DIRECT impact on Dogs for Better Lives’ ability to provide our services to people in the Puget Sound region that could benefit and qualify for an Assistance Dog.
  • As a member of the YPB, you will have the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals that sit alongside of you on the YPB, as well as having access to the network of Dogs for Better Lives, which includes being introduced to the Board of Directors and key staff. Please note, the YPB Chair and Vice Chair will have the opportunity to attend one (1) Board of Directors meeting to report on the status of the YPB.
  • Acknowledgement on Dogs for Better Lives’ social media channels.
  • Recognized in Canine Listener magazine, DBL website, and in annual report.

Recent News about YPB – Pacific Northwest

How To Apply

Those interested in applying for DBL’s Young Professionals Board should click on the APPLY button below. In the application itself, please be sure to indicate which region you are interested in applying to.

Apply to YPB

Young Professionals Board – Pacific Northwest

Stacie Bianco

Chair, YPB - PNW Member

Stacie Bianco is a Global Technology Solutions Trainer at Covetrus, a global animal-health company, leading training for veterinary practices across the United States.

She grew up in Pennsylvania and completed her bachelor’s in Animal Science from Purdue University before traveling throughout the U.S. while working for Merial and VCA. Her professional experience spans the animal health industry with a focus on training and operations in her most recent roles.

Stacie has been involved with dogs her entire life, earning professional CPDT-KA certification, competing in dog agility as a national finalist, as a behavior consultant on dog aggression cases, and in various roles in animal care. Her involvement with animals has included working on sport horse breeding farms and rescuing and trialing off-track Thoroughbreds in Eventing.

She has been involved with the Assistance Dog community for the past several years as a Puppy Raiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind and as a campus volunteer for Guide Dogs of America and Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services (PAALS). Her experiences at Assistance Dog programs led her to become the Founder and Owner of The Good Dog Cause, a mission-based company helping fund projects for non-profit organizations that raise, train, and place Assistance Dogs across the U.S. through their collection of goods and apparel.

As an enthusiastic ambassador for the industry, Stacie is excited to continue her commitment to Assistance Dogs, the incredible organizations who place them, and the life-changing partnerships they create between people and dogs through her involvement with the Dogs for Better Lives Young Professionals Board.

"It's such an honor to be joining the Young Professionals Board to help serve the community and contribute to the mission and future of Dogs for Better Lives," stated Stacie. "Through the YPB, I'm eager to help raise awareness, engage in outreach opportunities, share my experience as a puppy raiser, and be an enthusiastic ambassador of DBL and the impact of the partnerships created between people and dogs."

She currently resides in San Pedro, CA and will be moving to the Portland, OR area in early 2021. Stacie and her husband enjoy hiking and finding the best dog-friendly spots (especially coffee shops) with their Border Collie and Guide Dog Puppy in Training. They are both passionate about serving the community and helping make a difference in the world.

Joining Stacie in photo is her Border Collie Briggs (left) and Labrador Retriever Dale, a Guide Dogs for the Blind puppy-in-training. Stacie joined the Dogs for Better Lives’ Young Professionals Board in December 2020.

Mariah Kurpuis

Vice Chair, YPB - PNW Member

Mariah Kurpuis is a Customer Success Manager at a software company in Wenatchee, WA and is also a Certified Child Life Specialist.

Mariah grew up in Burlington, WA and attended Central Washington University where she competed her bachelor’s in Family and Child Life before moving to California to attend Azusa Pacific University to obtain her master’s degree in Child Life. Through her scholastic career, she received hands-on experience working with children and their families dealing with a large array of healthcare stressors at Seattle Children’s Hospital, Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, and Miller Children’s Hospital of Long Beach.

“Being a member of DBL's Young Professionals Board is significant to me because of the mission and values it encompasses, as well as the opportunity it provides to serve others in such an special way. I am eager and excited to work alongside the DBL team!”

While in graduate school, Mariah saw first hand the impact animals can have in the lives of those who are struggling with physical, emotional, and mental stressors and hurdles. As a result, she became a certified pet therapy handler through the American Kennel Club so she could volunteer alongside the pet therapists within settings such as children’s hospitals (Dexter obtained his certification from the AKA in 2018, which they were both very excited about). This has played a large role in Mariah sharing the mission and passion behind DBL.

Outside of her professional life and academics, she is an avid baker, interior designer, movie watcher and traveler. She currently resides in Wenatchee with her husband and three dogs Dallas (Pomeranian Yorkie), Dexter (Mini Aussie) and Penny (Bernese Mountain Dog).

Mariah joined the Young Professionals Board - PNW in June of 2021.

Corey Wise

Treasurer, YPB - PNW Member

Mr. Corey Wise is the founder and CEO of StruggleBear, a company that inspires people to own their struggle not only through humor and relatability but through cultivating a community that is bonded by vulnerability and courage. In fact, StruggleBear’s vision is to help create a world where humans allow their “selves” to be worthy of self-love while connecting people through their real-life struggles and their true journeys to triumph.

Prior to StruggleBear, Corey pursued a passion and attended Central Washington University in 2003 to pursue his BA in Flight Technology to become a commercial airline pilot.

In 2008 he enlisted in the US Air Force to become a special operations combat medic. Air Force Special Warfare Pararescue (PJ) specialists rescue and medically treat downed military personnel all over the world and that’s exactly what Corey wanted to do. He answered the call of the PJ motto: “These Things We Do, That Others May Live” but an injury sustained early in training resulted in a surgery that involved a plate and 8 screws installed in his leg, a medical discharge, and the end of his military career crushing those dreams. The PJ motto has served as a lifelong source of inspiration for Corey that drives his efforts to help others to this day.

After the Air Force, Corey’s passion for challenge landed him at the University of Washington to study Business and Marketing. From there he pursued a career in digital marketing, project management, and entrepreneurship, which has provided him with the skills he has applied to StruggleBear.

Corey has lived all over the Pacific Northwest, notably with a year in Squamish, BC where he spent the days outdoors rock climbing. He now lives in Seattle, WA, and can be found running and cycling around Lake Washington, spreading his message of positivity, climbing, and mountaineering the surrounding mountains, as well as working with his Dogs for Better Lives’ future assistance black Labrador, named “Gunther”.

Staying true to the PJ motto, community service has always been a central theme to Corey’s mindset. Even as a youngster, Corey showed leadership qualities as he coached and refereed youth hockey, while later in life serving with various food banks and organizations, as well as assisting in the management of a YMCA community youth garden.

The opportunity to be part of Dogs for Better Lives will allow Corey to fulfill his mission to give back to the community, helping both people and dogs to have better, more fulfilling lives. Corey joined the Dogs for Better Lives Young Professional Board in the spring of 2020.

Jo Caballero

YPB - PNW Member

Jo Caballero is a Senior Planner at Seattle’s Amazon and joins the Young Professionals Board – PNW with an extensive project management, hospitality, and planning background. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest’s Kitsap County, Jo attended Central Washington University studying Behavioral Psychology and Communication.

Fresh out of college, Jo entered the world of luxury hospitality. Hotel management allowed for Jo to interact and share with many different people every day. Hospitality has also opened the door to living in places such as Aspen (CO) and Chicago (IL). In her hotel career, Jo has opened a luxury hotel, taken two through renovation, managed teams from 5-150 and once had a team that spoke 16 different languages between them! Jo welcomes a challenge and enjoys sharing success with others.

Jo has always been very curious and loved learning. In early 2020, Jo sought out her Certified Associate of Project Management certification through the Project Management Institute. Jo is a member of PMI and enjoys mentoring hopeful CAPM candidates. She thrives in an environment where she can share knowledge and experiences. Mentorship and coaching are two of her biggest passion projects in any role, big or small. Whether it was gathering the neighborhood children and her teddies, or supervisors and other hourlies, Jo truly finds that the ability to spread knowledge and help people grow feeds her more than money, on most days.

“After hearing both YPB and Dogs for Better Lives’ missions, who wouldn't want to be involved in something like this? I have a deep affinity for pups and Autism alike,” stated Jo Caballero. “I grew up around police dogs and really believe there is something to be said about a professional dog. They are some of the smartest and interesting animals.”

In addition to her professional career, Jo is incredibly passionate about both people and animals. In college, Jo volunteered with various organizations including Autism Speaks, The Red Cross, The Trellis Center, Seattle Humane Society, and PAWS. She has raised funds, planned dinners and events, and most importantly grew awareness.

While not currently a “dog mom”, Jo grew up with dogs. She currently has a sweet rescue kitty named, Stella who is all attitude and cuteness. Jo is waiting for life to slow down a little bit before adding a pup to the mix. She has a soft spot for furry friends and coordinated an event with Seattle Humane’s MaxMobile called Pups + Pops aimed to encourage people to adopt. Jo looks forward to being able to help connect incredible people with amazing Assistance Dogs.

Jo is very excited to join the Young Professionals Board and eager to grow with Dogs for Better Lives.

Alison Cavaner

YPB - PNW Member

Alison Cavaner is a College and Career Advisor at Project Youth+, a non-profit located in Southern Oregon. Through the College and Career Advisor role, Alison mentors underrepresented youth with the goal of helping them make their way through high school and into college and careers.

Alison was born and raised in Northern California, but made the move to Southern Oregon with her family in high school. After high school graduation, Alison headed to Southern Oregon University where she received a Bachelors in Business Marketing. Alison has spent most of her professional career working for Southern Oregon local non-profits; Alison has a background in non-profit management, grant writing, fundraising, volunteer management, event planning, and youth mentorship.

“The Dogs For Better Lives mission is something near to my heart," stated Alison. "Since hearing about the organization years ago, I always knew I wanted to be involved somehow and I am so excited to have found a way - the Young Professionals Board! I am looking forward to working with likeminded professionals who are all so jazzed to support such a special organization.”

Alison has rescued three dogs in her adult life, all with special needs. In addition to her love for dogs, Alison has a brother with autism. She is passionate about the work being done by the organization and the impact they are making.

Alison joined the Young Professionals Board – PNW in May 2021.

Meghan Heims

YPB - PNW Member

Meghan Heims is a marketing and advertising executive in Washington’s Puget Sound area, focusing on brand strategy and platform development to create memorable, engaging, and ultimately long-lasting brands. With a background in apparel design and fine art, she cultivates with an eye for creativity and taste. She hopes to utilize these skills and passions to create an everlasting brand with the young professionals board that will stand strong through the many goals that Dogs for Better Lives will tackle and can easily be adapted to suite all YPB branches across the country.

She was born and raised in Newport Oregon, A coastal fishing community and one of the many ports where her father runs his boat. The oldest of 4 daughters, she learned the importance of leadership and teamwork early on. Raised by parents that instilled the importance of hard work, perseverance and problem solving, but also the necessity for compassion and helping others. With this knowledge she has volunteered since a young age, eventually following in her mother’s footsteps and becoming a board member of the Newport Fishermen’s Wives, an organization that raises money for fishing families in need and creates awareness of the importance of the fishing community in their region and beyond.

As a volunteer for NFW she helped organize and execute many large and successful fundraising events. She hopes to offer her expertise on creating these events as a member of the YPB of Puget Sound and raise the ever-important funds that Dogs for Better Lives uses to do its important work.

An adventurous woman, Meghan has traveled all over the United States and Abroad, for work and play. She loves to go surf fishing and beach combing with her husband Jayson (an Army combat veteran and recipient of the Purple Heart and her personal hero), stepdaughter Alyssa (11) and their great dane Muddy Waters.

Meghan hopes to bring a collaborative, focused, co-leadership to the Young Professionals Board of Puget Sound. Utilizing the many unique aspects of her beautiful region to promote, fundraise and create general awareness of the amazing work that Dogs for Better Lives does. She is humbled by the appointment to co-chair and looks forward to working with all of the officers and eventually other YPB boards to fulfill the Dogs for Better Lives mission.

Meghan joined the Dogs for Better Lives' Young Professional Board - Puget Sound in July 2020.

Allison Int-Hout

YPB - PNW Member

Allison Int-Hout is an estate planning attorney at a law firm based in Seattle, Washington. Allison’s law practice includes estate planning and estate administration, and her favorite part of her job is working with clients to create estate plans that meet their goals and bring them peace of mind.

Allison obtained a degree in Communication: Journalism and a minor in Spanish from the University of Washington in 2012, and then attended Seattle University School of Law and graduated in 2019. Before Allison became an attorney, she worked for several years in marketing at a tech startup in Seattle.

Allison grew up in a small town in Central Washington and then lived in Seattle for about 12 years. She recently moved back to the Wenatchee Valley with her husband and two dogs, a golden retriever named Kona and an Australian cattle dog mix named Smokey Bear.

“I’ve always said that my dream would be to raise a house full of service dogs. I feel so fortunate for this chance to volunteer on the DBL Young Professionals Board (and one day soon become a puppy raiser!) and contribute to the incredible service that DBL and these wonderful dogs are providing.”

When Allison isn’t working, she enjoys taking long walks along the river with her dogs, traveling to new places, eating sushi, and reading mysteries.

Alison joined the Young Professionals Board – PNW in October 2021.

Danielle Meadows

YPB - PNW Member

Danielle Meadows is an American Sign Language teacher at Wenatchee High School in Wenatchee, WA.

Danielle was born in Hood River, OR before moving to the Wenatchee Valley when she was seven years old. Growing up in the Apple Capital of the World, agriculture and farming are a big part of her life. Prior to moving to Wenatchee, her family managed a small farm and fruit stand in the Columbia River Gorge. Many of her fondest memories are about her time on the farm.

Danielle took ASL in high school and quickly became fascinated with the language. After getting a taste of ASL in high school, Danielle decided to venture out of state to pursue a degree in Secondary Education and a minor in ASL Studies. She graduated from Western Oregon University in June 2021 and will pursue her Master’s Degree soon.

In college, Danielle worked as a mentor for first-year students. She educated students on what it means to be holistically well and how to be the best versions of themselves. Much of what she learned in this position has helped her in her role as an educator. Her favorite part of working with her students is building relationships with them.

One of Danielle’s proudest accomplishments is receiving the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award in Volunteer Service, which she earned her senior year of high school for volunteering more than 4,000 hours in her lifetime. Because of her vast involvement in service, she has extensive knowledge about fundraising, event planning, and community building.

Danielle has two dogs, which are her world! She has a senior boxer named Pippa, who her family adopted in 2014 and a French Bulldog puppy named Cooper, who keeps everyone he meets on their toes! Danielle has a soft spot for dogs and knows how valuable it is to have a pet. Danielle has always been fascinated with the work Assistance Dogs do and is excited to learn more during her time on the Young Professionals Board.

Danielle enjoys traveling and hopes to see more of the world as she gets older. In her free time, she enjoys shopping around town and snuggling her dogs.

Danielle joined the Young Professionals Board – PNW in January 2022.

Elsa Remak

YPB - PNW Member

Elsa Remak is a public relations professional with a passion for executing creative communications strategies to start a public dialogue and inspire social change. She is currently an Account Supervisor at C+C, a Seattle-based, national communications agency. At C+C, Elsa drives media and influencer relations for consumer, nonprofit and public sector organizations. She’s eager to leverage her background and passions to drive awareness and action for Dogs for Better Lives.

Elsa grew up in Kirkland, WA – a suburb east of Seattle. She ventured out to Indiana University for college – where she received her journalism degree, with a concentration in public relations and advertising. Elsa began her professional career in Chicago – first working at Easterseals, a national nonprofit that supports people with disabilities; and later growing her PR chops at some of the city’s agencies.

After seven great years in the Windy City, Elsa (and her beloved dog Maddie) recently made the move back to Seattle. Elsa is thrilled to be home in the PNW – working for her “dream” agency (C+C) and now supporting Dogs for Better Lives, an organization that intersects the causes she is most passionate about.

Elsa is an advocate for equal access and opportunity for people with disabilities. Following her time at Easterseals, Elsa joined the organization’s Young Professionals Board – serving as communications chair.

She grew up with a love for dogs – growing up alongside her beloved parents’ two Siberian Huskies and an American Eskimo dog. In college, Elsa developed a passion for supporting animal adoption. She volunteered as an adoption counselor for the City of Bloomington Animal Shelter. Elsa is now a proud dog mom to Maddie – a four-year-old rescue, super-mutt who has changed her life for the better.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to merge these passions together as a member of Dogs for Better Lives Young Professionals Board,” stated Elsa.

Elsa Remak joined the Young Professionals Board – PNW in August 2021.

Caroline Roers

YPB - PNW Member

Caroline Roers resides in Seattle (WA) and is currently a program manager at Amazon.

She grew up in the Midwest and graduated with a degree in Corporate Communication from Marquette University. Prior to working at Amazon, she held a public relations role at a global marketing and communication agency and program manager role at a Seattle-based Saas company. Her experience has provided her a wealth of knowledge in event planning and program management.

Caroline is passionate about giving back to the community. Volunteering with Dogs for Better Lives gives Caroline a great opportunity to fulfill that passion while sharing the benefits that dogs can bring to people's lives, like reducing anxiety and depression - something she's experienced firsthand with her own dog. She's thrilled to work with Dogs for Better Lives and looks forward to helping support the great programs the board is planning for the coming year.

When not volunteering in the community or fostering dogs, you will most likely find Caroline running, hiking with her dog or devouring a book.

Caroline joined the Young Professionals Board – PNW in February 2022.

Elena Tello Portoles

YPB - PNW Member

Elena Tello Portoles is a Spanish Teacher at University Prep and has served in a variety of roles, Head
of the Languages Department for six years, and currently serving as 11th Grade Dean of Students.
Elena also mentors students through her role as an advisor and supports their development as
human beings.

Elena was born and raised in Lleida, a city about two hours away from Barcelona (Spain). Passionate
about French language and literature, she participated in a University exchange program - Erasmus -
and she had the opportunity to finish her degree in Paris (Sorbonne Nouvelle and Paris Saint-Denis)
and obtained her BA in French from the Universitat de Lleida (Licenciatura en Filología Francesa).

Elena has worked at University Prep in Seattle for the past 16 years and earned a Master in Applied
Linguistics to the Teaching of Spanish as a Foreign Language by the Universidad de Jaén while
teaching full time.

Elena enjoys drumming, dancing, drawing and painting, and, of course, spending time with her dog
Eiffel. She also enjoys daily walks in nature and the joy of the little things in life.

Elena joined the Young Professionals Board – PNW in September 2021.

Sara Torelli

YPB - PNW Member

Sara Torelli is a School-Based Mental Health Counselor at Issaquah High School (WA) through a partnership with Swedish Medical Center. She provides services to the 2,500 student population as well as community education surrounding mental health.

Sara grew-up in Seattle, WA and graduated from Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. After working and volunteering in the social service field for a few years post college, she moved to Chicago to pursue her master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Chicago. After graduation, Sara returned to the Pacific Northwest and has worked in a variety of settings including Medical Social Work in the Emergency Room, Child Welfare as a CPS Social Worker and School-Based Social Work.

As a Social Worker, Sara has witnessed the therapeutic impact animals have on humans and has a strong interest in animal therapy. Outside of work, Sara has spent the majority of her time advocating on behalf of animals and volunteering with a number of local animal rescues including Seattle Persian Himalayan Rescue, Old Dog Haven and Oregon Saint Bernard Rescue. There is no greater joy for Sara than transporting animals from shelters to their forever homes and learning of their transformations over time.

“I’m excited to begin volunteering with DBL’s Young Professionals Board, as the organization fully embodies my interests in both human and animal welfare and the therapeutic bond between them,” stated Sara.

Sara Torelli joined the Young Professionals Board – PNW in April 2021.

Young Professionals Board – Northeast

Blake Joh

Chair, YPB - NE Member

Blake Joh was born and raised in Metro Detroit and after graduating from college moved to New York City.

Blake is a Vice President on the Healthcare Investment Banking team at SVB Leerink where he serves as an advisor to several animal health companies. Prior to joining SVB Leerink, Blake worked in Corporate Strategy and Business Development at Zoetis. Blake has a B.A. in Finance from Michigan State University.

Blake resides in New Jersey with his wife, son and two dogs, Panda and Kaya. “The joy my dogs bring is immense and I hope to help harness that power to assist others in need,” stated Blake.

Blake joined the Young Professionals Board – NE in February 2022.

Brianna Barry

YPB - NE Member

Born and raised in Massachusetts, Brianna Barry has (proudly) worked for Boston Children’s Hospital since 2016, as a Senior Project Manager within the Program for Patient Safety and Quality.

Brianna attended Lafayette College in Easton, PA and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Neuroscience. As she progressed professionally at Boston Children’s Hospital, Brianna simultaneously pursued and completed a Master of Science degree in Healthcare Administration from Saint Joseph’s University. Through her academic endeavors and professional experience, coupled with additional Lean Six Sigma certifications, Brianna has developed a robust and diverse background rooted in project management and process improvement skillsets.

Brianna pursued volunteering on Dogs for Better Lives’ YPB with the belief of fulfilling an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals that are equally as passionate as she is in regards to assisting others, all while uniting under a shared love of dogs. At the age of 19 Brianna was diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and her Mini Goldendoodle Denali has been an incredible enhancement in her life. Brianna and Denali recently completed a Canine Good Citizen certification together. Brianna feels beyond lucky and thankful that she is able to work with Dogs for Better Lives to help support the mission and values of this organization.

“I believe that Assistance Dogs are unsung heroes; they are unconditional and unwavering in their love and support,” stated Brianna. “Joining the Young Professionals Board and spreading awareness is something that I am honored to be a part of, particularly as the organization develops in the North East”.

Brianna was born and raised in the South Shore of Massachusetts, and recently purchased a home in Whitman, MA where she resides with her boyfriend and their one-year-old Denali. When the warm weather comes around to the North East, they like to hop on the Harley and cruise- Denali included!

Brianna joined the Young Professionals Board – NE in April 2022.

Nick Bierley

YPB - NE Member

Nick Bierley is originally from Michigan, born and raised just outside of Ann Arbor. He is one of three children, all of whom attended Michigan State University (as well as both his parents). He graduated in 2016, earning his Bachelor of Arts in Finance.

Nick began his career in investment banking at Bank of America Merrill Lynch in NYC, where he spent two years as an Analyst in the Global Healthcare Group. Following his time at BAML, Nick moved to Chicago where he spent two years as an Associate with Beecken Petty O'Keefe, a healthcare services focused private equity fund.

Following that, Nick moved back to NYC to work as a Senior Associate with Assured Healthcare Partners, another private equity fund focused on healthcare services. In the summer of 2021, Nick moved over to Veterinary Emergency Group as the Director of Finance, where he currently serves.

Nick currently lives in Manhattan, but travels back to Michigan every chance he gets to spend time with his family and their two dogs (Leo and Stella).

"I was raised in a family that always had a dog, there is nothing that comes close to the companionship and love you feel when you have a furry little friend in your life," stated Nick. "I am truly lucky to be a part of an organization like Dogs for Better Lives, whose sole focus is pairing that companionship with a purpose for those with needs."

Nick joined the Young Professionals Board – NE in February 2022.

Jessica Sexton

YPB - NE Member

Jessica joined the Young Professionals Board – NE in March 2022.

Janelle Suckley

YPB - NE Member

We all dream of becoming veterinarians when we were children...or was that just Janelle? Since she was a young child, Janelle had a variety of animals in her home, including cats, dogs, chickens, hamsters, gerbils, rats, among others. It was only natural to her that she would follow the footsteps of other animal lovers.

Janelle attended Salem State University (MA) where she focused on entrepreneurship in their School of Business. It was only after attending university that Janelle realized what career would truly fulfill her life. As she was exploring multiple ideas and sorting out thoughts of where to go next, Janelle felt a head-butt press against her leg, and as she looked down to her beautiful cat, Topanga, an epiphany of sorts came over her. It was in that moment, Janelle realized what would make her feel most successful; Veterinary Technology.

After hard work and determination, and many challenges along the road, Janelle completed the Veterinary Technology program at North Shore Community College (MA) in 2020. Today, with her business and veterinary technology background, Janelle is rewarded with the opportunity to work with animals while operating her successful and growing pet sitting business.

“As a part of the Young Professionals Board, I look forward to the opportunity to support Dogs for Better Lives and their efforts in providing enrichment to animals’ lives, while helping to establish a trusted, professional bond between dogs and humans,” stated Janelle.

Janelle joined the Young Professionals Board – NE in February 2022.