Taking the Lead

On this episode we talk with Tony Stephens the Assistant Vice President of Communications at the American Foundation for the Blind. With over 30 years of experience in management and communications for the nonprofit sector, he has spearheaded advocacy for national organizations such as the American Council of the Blind and National Industries for the Blind.

On this episode we talk with Lynn Gautreaux served as the Director of Orientation and Mobility at the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired and the statewide Director of O&M and Visually Impaired Services for Louisiana until his retirement after 30 years of service. His first association with Leader Dog was as a guest orientation and mobility instructor in 2006 and lucky for us he keeps coming back.

It's the start of a new Taking the Lead season! On this episode we talk with cohost Timothy Cuneio who is on campus for brush up instruction of his O&M skills along with his instructor COMS Garret Waldie.

We sit down with Guide Dog Mobility Instructor Katie Wattles, who brings over 20 years of experience, to explain the art and science behind matching a client with the right guide dog.

On this episode we talk with client Luis Sanchez about his journey with blindness and receiving services at Leader Dog.

We take a closer look at what it truly means to be ready for a guide dog. 

On this episode we talk with Stephanie Enyart the Chief Public Policy and Research Officer at the American Foundation for the Blind.

In this episode, we talk with client Jeff Petersen, who came to Leader Dog for both orientation and mobility as well as a guide dog. He shares his experiences with blindness and how our programs have impacted his journey. 

In this episode, we chat with client Maria Kristic and cohost Timothy Cuneio about Meta Smart Glasses, exploring their pros and cons for users in the blind and low vision community. 

On this episode we talk with Avril Rinn a guide dog client who is working with her 3rd dog Louie and she serves as the secretary on the Leader Dog board. 

The hosts of the Taking the Lead podcast share about themselves for new listeners and Timothy shares his story with blindness. 

On this episode we talk with client Juanita Lillie who is the chair of our new alumni board about what the board is and how clients can get involved.

On this episode we talk with client Krista Webb on her experience with Leader Dog and her passion of wood burning.

In this episode we talk with Megan Jones, manager of canine care and welfare, about what her team does to care for and enrich the lives of our dogs in training.

In this episode we hear all about the facilities team and the work they do to keep the Leader Dog campus running smoothly.

On this episode we talk with Lauren and Greg who are puppy raisers for Leader Dogs for the Blind. They talk about how they got involved and why they continue to raise puppies.

On this episode we talk with Leader Dog client and volunteer Karen Burke. She shares her story and talks about what it's like to volunteer at Leader Dog. 

On this episode we talk with the Leader Dogs for the Blind Board Chair John Reed on his new role.

On this episode we talk with team member Chelsea Nohan about their work on accessibility at Leader Dog.

On this episode we talk with Leader Dog Client Mark Hymes who is the Community Program Manager for Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston about his role.