President, Board of Directors

Sarah Coleman of Seattle, Washington, recently accepted the postion as President of our board. She has a multifaceted background.  Early in her career she worked with the Billy Graham Association and later as vice president of an aggressive commercial design and furniture retail firm in the Northwest. Currently, Sarah works as a nondisclosure writer, researcher, speech writer, and journalist, completing scores of books and magazine articles.  She has co-authored books with Christian leaders and written four additional books on her own, including "Celebrate His Glory."

Paw Pals Administrator

Wendi Okabayashi is an accredited dog trainer who combines her 11 years of experience as a school teacher and home school mom with her love of dogs. In addition to conducting both private and group dog training sessions, Wendi spends many hours a week donating her time and talent to train service dogs.  She enjoys speaking to community groups about the important role service dogs play in the lives of people with disabilities and serves as Community Education Coordinator for Paw Pals.  She and Summer, a golden retriever, work as a therapy team at a school that serves the special needs of autistic children. 

Honorary Board of Directors:

Dr. Marty Becker -- veterinarian, author and educator -- was named the "2002 Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year" by the Delta Society and the American Veterinary Medical Association. He is the popular veterinary contributor to ABC-TV's "Good Morning America." Visit his website at: www.DrMartyBecker.com

Bea Goldblatt has been breeding and exhibiting Golden Retrievers for over 50 years. Her kennel name of Goldleaves, registered, is known and respected nationwide and has produced a host of National Champion retrievers. Bea is the breeder of two of our Paw Pals puppies, Summer and Bonnie, which are just the latest two of the many dogs Bea has donated to many service dog organizations. Her renowned expertise is a superior asset and we are honored to have her guidance in our Golden Retriever breeding program.

John Rogerson, founder and principle lecturer at the Northern Centre for Canine Behavior in England, is credited with pioneering many training techniques that are considered standard practice in both behavior therapy and training. He is a wildly popular lecturer worldwide and the author of seven books.  John serves on many boards and is a consultant to a host of organizations including the Companion Animal Welfare Council; Guide Dogs for the Blind; Central Scottish Police Dogs; U.S. Air Force Dogs Section; Hearing Dogs for the Deaf; Dog Aid; The National Canine Defense League; The Blue Cross; College of Veterinary Medicine at University of Illinois; College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University; Southampton University; and The National Kennel Club in India.  He recently was appointed to the animal welfare council committee, which advises Parliament on issues relating to companion animals in the United Kingdom. John is a founding member of the Association of Pet Behavior Counselors.