Our Team
Joy St. Peter
Founding Director
Joy St. Peter is the Founder and Director of The Joys of Living Assistance Dogs (JLAD), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. In 1995, Joy took a Canine Companions for Independence dog into her home and with it an understanding that working with service dogs was what she ultimately wanted to do. She launched JLAD in 2004 after attending the Assistance Dog Institute, now known as Bergin University of Canine Studies.
Within the first two years, Joy recruited 15 volunteers and the support of 6 local business sponsors. In 2006, she graduated her first class of trained service dogs. During this time, Joy also trained pet-dogs for individual owners and provided presentations on dog-related topics to schools, service clubs and other community organizations. JLAD became Assistance Dogs International (ADI) accredited in 2014.
Joy’s vision is to establish an all-inclusive center in Salem where JLAD dogs can receive not only top notch training but also body conditioning and health care. In addition the center would provide educational opportunities and public awareness in the making of “the best in the industry” service dogs.
Anna Caldwell
Program Coordinator / Trainer
Anna is originally from The Netherlands. She immigrated to the USA as a teen and has always had a passion for dogs, specifically working dogs. She became involved in the service dog industry in 1994 when socializing a dog for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Since then she has diversified into training dogs. She now holds the position of Program Coordinator and Trainer for JLAD.
Michaella Morris
Trainer
Michaella started dog training in 2015 with shelter dogs. In 2018 she started volunteering with JLAD and became one of their trainers officially in 2023.
Board of Directors
Chelsey Sicheneder
Chairperson
Chelsey is an Oregon native that grew up with a love for animals. She participated in 4-H as a youth and helped socialize a Guide Dog for the Blind where her love for dogs grew. She attended Southern Oregon University where she got her bachelor’s in Psychology and a Masters in Education with an endorsement in Special Education. Chelsey and her husband and children moved to Salem 9 years ago to be closer to her parents. In 2019 Chelsey got involved with JLAD as a breeder host and as a janitorial volunteer as a worksite for her students with the school district. She continues to support JLAD in various roles as her passion for animals and supporting those with disabilities is important to her.
Ira Thio
Secretary
Ira became involved with JLAD in 2020 – amid the pandemic – as an enthusiastic socializer and was elected to the Board in 2023. Ira has been employed at Nike for the last 28 years, and is currently an Apparel Product Information Analyst at the World Headquarters located in Beaverton, Oregon. She held previous roles in Product Management, Merchandising, Operations, Executive Administration and Retail.
Ira has had a lifelong love for dogs, takes pleasure in hiking the beautiful trails of the Pacific Northwest, enjoys wine tasting and is proud to continue passionately supporting JLAD in its mission.
Kathleen Short
Board Member at Large
Kathleen is a dedicated member of the Board of Directors at JLAD. As a long-time supporter of the organization, Kathleen is honored to contribute to its ongoing success and future achievements.
Kathleen first became aware of JLAD in 2015 and has since been actively involved in various capacities. This includes editing prison reports, administering Public Access Tests for recipients, assisting during team training and graduation events, and serving as a speaker at one of the organization’s events.
With a background as a military veteran and retired after working 18yrs for the Federal Government, Kathleen brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to the board. She is also the spouse of a JLAD service dog recipient, which deepens her commitment to the cause.
In her spare time, Kathleen enjoys woodturning, hiking, knitting, and spending quality time with family, friends, and, most importantly, her dogs.
JLAD has made significant strides over the past 20 years, and Kathleen is excited to help steer the organization towards even greater accomplishments in the next 20 years.
Kriss Lawyer
Board Member at Large
Kriss began as a socializer with JLAD in 2022 and elected to the Board of Directors in 2024. It has been a long-time goal of hers to be a part of an organization that raises assistance dogs. Kriss has always been passionate about Veteran causes and working with JLAD offers the opportunity to be a part of both of these. Kriss is enjoying retirement now, but she worked as a Manager and Construction Coordinator at the Public Health Clinic. Kriss enjoys camping, traveling, hiking and beach combing. She has three grandchildren who she loves spending time with and enjoys watching them play baseball, perform competitive dance and gymnastics. Kriss loves spending time with her family and her yellow lab Harper.
Darnell Caruth
Board Member at Large
Darnell currently works in Accounting with the Department of Corrections. She is also a Licensed Tax Consultant and an Enrolled Agent, where she leverages her expertise to prepare personal tax returns as a side job. Darnell started volunteering for JLAD about 12 years ago when training classes were being held in a garage.
She has socialized numerous JLAD puppies, ensuring they are well-adjusted and ready to become extraordinary service dogs. Additionally, she has played a significant role in organizing outings and fundraising, helping to raise both awareness and funds for JLAD. For the past six years, her commitment to JLAD has extended to meticulous bookkeeping for the organization. Darnell is a breeder host to Darby and proud owner of career change dog, Trixie.
Joseph Gallagher
Emeritus Board Member
As a retired Senior level Human Resources professional, Joe holds experiences in multiple industries including Food, Healthcare, Household Products, Pharmaceuticals and Chemicals. He has demonstrated results in advancing strategic people initiatives and elevating individual, team, and organizational performance. Joe further served as a Circuit Court & Community Mediator in Bend, Oregon. He has helped people communicate with understanding, explore solutions, and solve problems. Joe served in the United States Marine Corps; awarded the Purple Heart Medal from gun shot wounds incurred in the Vietnam War. He has been a former volunteer at the Humane Society of Central Oregon, The Tower Theatre and The High Desert Museum, The Marin Humane Society Graduate and Bend Police Citizens Academy. He is a member of the Bend Police Chief’s Citizens Advisory Board and serves on the following Board of Directors: Bend Heroes Foundation, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, The American Legion and Joys of Living Assistance Dogs.
Want to join our team?
Apply to become a puppy socializer or volunteer today!