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Karen and Andrew.

Pup-dates: Introducing the CNIB Guide Dogs Team

At CNIB, we believe that everyone who would like to have a guide dog should have that opportunity. That's why we launched CNIB Guide Dogs in 2017. Our program is designed to raise and train dogs exclusively for Canadians with sight loss.Our technical team has nearly 150 years of combined experience working with guide dogs.

So, who are we?

Technical Team

Headshot of Andrew.

Andrew Hanlon, Manager, CNIB Guide Dogs

Andrew was the first member of the CNIB Guide Dogs team.

He started his career as a dog handler in the Royal Marines Commandos. Then, he worked as a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (GDMI) and manager at Guide Dogs UK.

 

 

 

Headshot of KarenKaren Hanlon, Manager, Canine Development and Training

Karen joined her husband, Andrew, to help get the program up and running.

Before joining CNIB Guide Dogs, she spent most of her career as a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (GDMI) in the UK.

 

 

 

Headshot of Dr. Bennett.Dr. Victoria Bennett, Veterinary Advisor

Victoria has been interested in CNIB Guide Dogs since the program launched.

In 2017, she joined the team as our super-duper veterinary advisor. We are so fortunate to have a vet with 30 years of experience.

 

 

 

Headshot of Andrea holding a yellow Labrador puppy in a yellow vest.Andrea Critch, Puppy Raising Supervisor

Andrea ensures our future guide dogs have the best possible start.

Before joining CNIB Guide Dogs, she raised puppies for a service dog organization.

 

 

 

 

Headshot of Kezia.Kezia Gray, Puppy Raising Supervisor (In Training)

Kezia is the newest member of the team. Welcome, Kezia!

Before joining CNIB Guide Dogs, she owned a puppy development and pet care business.

 

 

 

 

Headshot of CarlCarl McIntosh, Puppy Raising Supervisor

Carl is a vet technologist with expertise in guide dog breeding.

Before joining CNIB Guide Dogs, he worked as a kennel manager and puppy raising supervisor.

 

 

 

 

Headshot of RobRob Cramer, Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (Apprentice)

Having completed a three-year apprenticeship program in Australia and Canada, we expect Rob to qualify as a Guide Dog Mobility (GDMI) shortly.

Before joining CNIB Guide Dogs, Rob owned a pet dog training business.

 

 

 

Headshot of SamSam Curkovic, Guide Dog Mobility Instructor

Sam has more than 10 years of experiencing training guide dogs.

Before joining CNIB Guide Dogs, she worked as a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor in England, New Zealand and Australia.

 

 

 

Headshot of BenBen Francis, Guide Dog Mobility Instructor

Ben was introduced to guide dogs at birth, thanks to his father, Brian, who is a well-known and well-respected in the guide dog world.

Before joining CNIB Guide Dogs, he worked as a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (GDMI) for 12 years.

 

 

 

Headshot of Shona.Shona Kemp, Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (Apprentice)

Shona brings the most experience to our team with knowledge in breeding, puppy raising, dog training and handler training.

Before joining CNIB Guide Dogs, she worked in the guide dog field for more than 30 years.

 

 

 

Headshot of MiriamMiriam Mas, Lead, Buddy Dog Program & Team Admin

Miriam prepares and places our Buddy Dogs and she ensures all of our programs run smoothly.

Before joining CNIB Guide Dogs, she owned and operated a service dog organization, "Canines with a Cause," for 10 years.

 

 

 

Headshot of Emily.Emily Greenham, Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Emily spends one day/week supporting CNIB Guide Dogs with its application process – she advises on the readiness of applicants for guide dog training.

When she's not with CNIB Guide Dogs, she works as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist with Vision Loss Rehabilitation Ontario.

 

 

 

Advocacy Team

Headshot of Victoria.Victoria Nolan, Head, Stakeholder Relations and Community Engagement

Vicky has been a guide dog handler for 12 years.

At CNIB Guide Dogs, she oversees the community engagement strategy to raise awareness about the rights of guide dog teams and the legal responsibilities of businesses. She also educates the public about guide dog etiquette.

 

 

 

Headshot of Ashley.Ashley Nemeth, Lead, Stakeholder Relations and Community Engagement

Ashley has been a guide dog handler for 7 years.

At CNIB Guide Dogs, she raises awareness about the rights of guide dog teams and the legal responsibilities of businesses. She also educates the public about guide dog etiquette.

 

 

 

Advisory Team

Headshot of Angela.Angela Bonfanti, Vice-President, CNIB Foundation

Here is what Diane Bergeron, Vice President, Engagement and International Affairs came up with:

“As the daughter of a someone who is blind, Angela Bonfanti has been personally impacted by blindness and understands the needs of the sight loss community. Eight years ago, she began her CNIB career and, since then, she has held multiple leadership roles within the organization. She is currently the Vice President of the CNIB Foundation with specific oversight of our operations in Ontario, Quebec, Central Programs and CNIB Guide Dogs.

And, she wears a cape at night while flying around the city – she’s a superhero for people who are blind or partially sighted!”

 

Headshot of Diane.Diane Bergeron, Vice-President, CNIB Foundation

As a guide dog handler for more than 35 years, Diane breaks down barriers and opens doors for people who are blind or partially sighted.

Every day, she is actively engaged in regional, national and international initiatives to ensure everyone has an opportunity to live the lives they choose.

 

 

 

Headshot of Shannon.Shannon Simpson, Director, Marketing & Communications, CNIB Foundation (Ontario & Quebec) and CNIB Guide Dogs                                    

Shannon is an avid dog lover who's landed her dream job.

At CNIB Guide Dogs, she oversees the marketing and communications strategy. She loves to share heart-warming stories about guide dog handlers and buddy dog partners across Canada.