Our Team

We are people who trust in the transformative power of the human-canine bond, each offering our strengths to support children and families on this journey.

gooddog-hq-BuddyLauraHR61LauraSlyPreset.

Laura Sylvester

Founder, Executive Director

After seeing the impact a service dog made on her family Laura co-founded Good Dog! in 2011. Working with autism families for over 15 years Laura has a personal understanding of the challenges faced by special needs families. Laura has a B.A. from UCLA and is an Adjunct Instructor at BUCS.

Amanda Bryson

Family Services Director

Good Dog! Charlie's mom and service dog advocate. Amanda has a BS in Business Management from York College of Pennsylvania. In addition to her work at Good Dog, she is also a licensed teacher working as a special education paraprofessional with middle schoolers.

Rick Sylvester

Founder, Director Family Support

Rick combines his background in corporate training, dog handler knowledge and experience along with his degree in Psychology from SDSU to help him guide our families. Rick leads all GD!SC Family Support, Education and Team Training events. Rick is a 6-time dog owner.

Ashley Carroll

Trainer & Puppy Raiser Are Lead

Ashley started in the field of service dogs in 2002 as a puppy raiser for GDB. She raised for them for 11 years. She has a Bachelors in Criminology Forensic Behavior and an Associates degree from Bergin University of Canine Studies. In her spare time she does conformation showing with Vivian her Saint Bernard.

Chris Webb

Lead Trainer

Chris is a graduate from Bergin College of Canine Studies with an Associate of Science degree. She has experience as a Veterinary Tech. Asst. and has a private training company in Las Vegas. Chris has been training Good Dogs for 10 years, and trained over 20 Good Dogs!

National Team

Trainers, Puppy Raisers and Apprentice Trainers

Across the United States we have assembled a team of compassionate and talented individuals that dedicate themselves to our cause. We're blessed to have each and every one helping to build our pack. Interested in joining our team? Visit our Get Involved page.

Gene Alexander

Ph.D., Chairman & Treasurer

Dr. Alexander is Chief Technology Officer of Body Surface Translations, Inc. He previously taught in the Engineering School at Stanford and the Business School at Chapman U. He holds nine US patents and is a US Army veteran.

Victoria Cicalo

Board of Directors

Victoria is a graduate of University of California Los Angeles with a degree in Political Science. She is an entrepreneur and small business owner. As an animal lover she has owned 4 dogs and ...16-cats.

Quiara Smith

MOT OTR/L, Board Secretary

Quiara is a pediatric OT in private practice and works per diem with the pediatric population working at a hospital in Silicon Valley. With her facility dog Nelly by her side, she provides the benefits of animal assisted interventions for clients.

Christen Sirianni

Board of Directors

Christen graduated from California State University Chico with a degree in Liberal Studies. She is a mom to two boys -- one with autism -- and also mom to Good Dog! Hope.

Monique Germone

Ph.D., BCBA, Board of Directors

Dr. Germone is a clinical psychologist and assistant professor for the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Colorado and Children's Hospital Colorado. She is a 4-time dog owner.