Our Staff
Professor Alex, Dean of Canine Studies
Alex was hand-selected by our Training Department to be the Dean of Canine Studies, helping socialize young puppies and teaching them the fundamental manners essential for Guide Work (read more)
Penny Poodle, Ph.D. (Pretty Happy Dog)
Penny Poodle, Ph.D. is one of our doggy moms at Guide Dogs of the Desert. Penny has had two puppies of her own that are now in our Puppy Raising program and are both on their way to becoming Guide Dogs! (read more)
The People Behind the Puppies
Executive Director
Tricia Gehrlein
Management Team
Ellen Jeffery
Director of Operations
Jennifer Heggie
Director of Development
Angel Coleman
Director of Canine Development/Medical
Michal Anna Padilla
Director of Training
Timothy Hindman
Director of Student Services
Training Team
Administrative Team
Canine Development Team
Mindy Romero
Licensed GDMI
Emily Goodland
O&M Specialist & Licensed GDMI
Kelsi McCausland
Apprentice Instructor
Robin Espinosa
Puppy Trainer
Courtney Romanski
Marketing and Event Coordinator
Sabrina Valdez
Office Manager
James Swinney
Facilities Technician
Melissa Hempel
Student Services Assistant
Ryan Fox
Peer Support Associate
Rebekah Reyes
Veterinary Assistant
Ashley Black
Veterinary Assistant
Maylee Garcia
Canine Development Supervisor
Nancy Pilkington
Canine Development Assistant
Jessica Black
Canine Development Technician
Lux Hunsinger
Canine Development Technician
Serena White
Canine Development Technician
Lindsey Bickford
Canine Development Technician
Thank You to Our Partners & Sponsors
