Staff
Our Executive Director and Founder, Janet Cole, R.N., centered her nursing career around acute/critical care, her particular interests being in surgical ICU and head trauma. She has trained dogs since 1981, beginning with hunting retrievers and continuing through obedience (Utility), tracking, and agility training. She has instructed agility classes, and also trained numerous service dogs while serving as the Service Dog Director for another provider organization. Ms. Cole has been a certified therapy dog handler since the mid-1980's and has instructed hundreds of therapy dog teams.
Ms. Cole manages and supervise all aspects of the C.H.A.M.P. Assistance Dogs, Inc. organization and works with the Board of Directors on long-range planning and fund development. She has attended three American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation Genetic Health Conferences, and continues to pursue her interests in canine health and well-being issues.
Ms. Cole attends a variety of educational conferences held by Assistance Dogs International (ADI), the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP), the Delta Society, and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), and networks with other organizations in the service dog industry.
In addition to her work within the service dog industry, Ms. Cole has also trained several retrievers as hunting companions, and authored a chapter on Chesapeake Versatility in a book published by The American Chesapeake Club in 1997
Dianne Peters, M.A., Director of Education, received her Master's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Missouri - St. Louis. Numerous awards and nominations attest to her skill and dedication throughout her 25 year career teaching 1st and 2nd grade students (Parkway School District, St. Louis, MO). These awards include Teacher of the Year for Pierremont School, inclusion in Who's Who of Teachers, and nomination as Teacher of the Year for the Governor's Council on Disabilities. Her experience as an educator, a lifelong love and respect for animals and children, and her skills and experience as a certified therapy dog handler and advanced trainer of service dogs make her uniquely qualified for her position at C.H.A.M.P. Inc.
As Director of Education, Ms. Peters has designed the curricula for our Ability Awareness Education Program, and visits classrooms and other venues to discuss disabilities and service dogs, and to encourage understanding and respect for people of all abilities. Ms. Peters also trains other C.H.A.M.P., Inc. staff and volunteers interested in participating in the education program.
Ms. Peters is active in our Therapy Dog Program visiting facilities with Therapy Dogs Elliott, Murphy, & Jesse - working with therapists, teachers & special educators. Her certified Pet Therapy Cat Grace visited trainers in the Champ Prison Program until her recent passing. Ms. Peters is an instructor for our therapy dog classes.
Ms. Peters is a founding member of C.H.A.M.P. Assistance Dogs, Inc.
Theresa Dattilo, Director of Finance, has an M.S. in Business & Public Administration, and a B.S. degree in Psychology. She has over 16 years of experience working in the human resources field in both the public and private sectors. Ms. Dattilo joined C.H.A.M.P., Inc. in January 1999, and her dedication to the C.H.A.M.P., Inc. mission combined with her business knowledge have made her an essential part of our organization.
Ms. Dattilo graduated with her Black Labrador Rhea and Red Pomeranian Cross Chili Pepper from the C.H.A.M.P.ion Therapy Dog program. Rhea and Chili Pepper help educate individuals who are waiting for the placement of their service dog. Ms. Dattilo has given numerous service dogs-in-training a head start on skills and basic house manners, as she is also one of our premier puppy raisers!
Ms. Dattilo is well-suited to run the financial aspects of C.H.A.M.P., Inc. Her education background and business experience coupled with her understanding of the service dog industry make her an essential element of the C.H.A.M.P., Inc. staff.
Liz Aurbach, Therapy Dog Coordinator, graduated in 2002 from the C.H.A.M.P.ion Therapy Dog program with her Cairn Terrier, Tommy. They have made regular visits to SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, South Pointe/St. Alexis Rehab Floor, The Center For Head Injury, The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis, and Rose Acres School Reading program. They have also enjoyed making occasional presentations at local schools’ Ability Days and Career Days on behalf of C.H.A.M.P.
Ms. Aurbach has a B.A. in Journalism from the University of California, Berkeley. She has been a technical writer for over 35 years, working for companies, non-profits and freelance clients. With her husband, Rick, she is co-owner/founder of Aurbach & Associates, Inc., developer of software for schools that “shows what kids can do”, including electronic journals and the first commercial electronic portfolio. The most visited area of their company website, is the sample portfolio for T.D. Tommy, http://www.aurbach.com/Toot/pf-1.html.
Alisha Cole, Administrative Assistant, has been an active volunteer since our organization began in 1998. She has housed countless service dogs-in-training over the years, specializing in post-surgery and/or injury rehabilitation for Service Dogs and Program Dogs. Ms. Cole has a Massage Therapy Certificate, and many CHAMP dogs have benefited from her knowledge and special care.
Ms. Cole housed C.H.A.M.P.’s Most Spectacular Education Dog Phantom (pictured here) until his passing in 2009. Phantom always “wowed” the crowds at presentations, displaying tremendous heart and eagerness to work and interact with his many admirers, even after surgery for cancer resulted in the loss of a leg. It barely slowed him down, thanks in large part to Ms. Cole’s care and encouragement.
Ms. Cole enjoys working with children and is pursuing a degree in Special Education from Fontbonne University.
Lena Hartshorn, Placement Services Coordinator, grew up in England, always surrounded by Golden Retrievers. Since moving to the U.S. in 1997, Ms. Hartshorn has continued with her passion for the breed, rescuing two beautiful female Goldens, Angel and DeDe.
She and Angel graduated in 2010 from the C.H.A.M.P.ion Therapy Dog program. As Placement Services Coordinator, Ms. Hartshorn coordinates the application process with potential service dog recipients, and ensures that each student receives training visits and all the information required to be successful with their new service dog.
