Our Team
We are people believing and trusting in the power of the human-canine bond; each devoting our unique gifts to the cause of making life better for others in need.
Laura Sylvester
Founder, Executive Director
After seeing the impact a service dog made on her family Laura co-founded Good Dog! in 2011. Working with autism families for over 15 years Laura has a personal understanding of the challenges faced by special needs families. Laura has a B.A. from UCLA and is an Adjunct Instructor at BUCS.
Amanda Bryson
Family Services Director
Good Dog! Charlie's mom and service dog advocate. Amanda has a BS in Business Management from York College of Pennsylvania. In addition to her work at Good Dog, she is also a licensed teacher working as a special education paraprofessional with middle schoolers.
Rick Sylvester
Founder, Director Family Support
Rick combines his background in corporate training, dog handler knowledge and experience along with his degree in Psychology from SDSU to help him guide our families. Rick leads all GD!SC Family Support, Education and Team Training events. Rick is a 6-time dog owner.
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Ashley Carroll
Trainer & Puppy Raiser Are Lead
Ashley started in the field of service dogs in 2002 as a puppy raiser for GDB. She raised for them for 11 years. She has a Bachelors in Criminology Forensic Behavior and an Associates degree from Bergin University of Canine Studies. In her spare time she does conformation showing with Vivian her Saint Bernard.
Chris Webb
Lead Trainer
Chris is a graduate from Bergin College of Canine Studies with an Associate of Science degree. She has experience as a Veterinary Tech. Asst. and has a private training company in Las Vegas. Chris has been training Good Dogs for 10 years, and trained over 20 Good Dogs!
National Team
Trainers, Puppy Raisers and Apprentice Trainers
Across the United States we have assembled a team of compassionate and talented individuals that dedicate themselves to our cause. We're blessed to have each and every one helping to build our pack. Interested in joining our team? Visit our Get Involved page.
Gene Alexander
Ph.D., Chairman & Treasurer
Dr. Alexander is Chief Technology Officer of Body Surface Translations, Inc. He previously taught in the Engineering School at Stanford and the Business School at Chapman U. He holds nine US patents and is a US Army veteran.
Victoria Cicalo
Board of Directors
Victoria is a graduate of University of California Los Angeles with a degree in Political Science. She is an entrepreneur and small business owner. As an animal lover she has owned 4 dogs and ...16-cats.
Quiara Smith
MOT OTR/L, Board Secretary
Quiara is a pediatric OT in private practice and works per diem with the pediatric population working at a hospital in Silicon Valley. With her facility dog Nelly by her side, she provides the benefits of animal assisted interventions for clients.
Christen Sirianni
Board of Directors
Christen graduated from California State University Chico with a degree in Liberal Studies. She is a mom to two boys -- one with autism -- and also mom to Good Dog! Hope.
Monique Germone
Ph.D., BCBA, Board of Directors
Dr. Germone is a clinical psychologist and assistant professor for the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Colorado and Children's Hospital Colorado. She is a 4-time dog owner.
OUR ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Phil Schneider
Former CFO & Chairman of the Board for YMCA San Diego County
The Drake Center for Veterinary Care
Specializes in the treating pets like family
Julie Sando
Founder of Autistically Inclined and Co-Creator of Natural Play Therapy
Geoffrey P. Radoff, M.D.
Specializes in the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder
OUR CORE VALUES
The Four Legs We Stand On
Competency – We are reliable, intelligent, successful
Authenticity – We are sincere, honest, transparent
Resiliency – We are adaptable, resolute, strong
Empathy – We are inclusive and care beyond measure