Our Team

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

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. 

Kimberly Bordonaro

Family Fundraising Coach

Kimberly has over 20 years of experience in marketing, public relations, and brand development for many diverse clients, including non-profits. Mom to Good Dog! Thunder! Kimberly helps Families fundraise by providing tools, coaching & motivation.

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.

Michele Rielly

Trainer & Dog Program Assistant

Michele has a Masters degree in Business Management from Tulane University. She started raising service dog puppies during her undergrad career at Miami University. Michele joined Good Dog! in 2017, she is a Trainer and Puppy Raiser Area Lead. Good Dog! number 6 is on the way!

Laura Sarvinski

Senior Trainer

A 4 time dog owner, Laura began working with dogs at age 14 and has a wealth of industry experience and wisdom. She has a Bachelors of
Science in Cynology from Bergin University of Canine Studies and has graduated 4 Good Dogs so far.

Christine Webb

Lead Trainer

Chris is a graduate from Bergin University of Canine Studies with an Associate of Science degree. She has experience as a Veterinary Tech and has a private training company in Las Vegas. Chris has been training Good Dogs for 8 years, she is now training her 18th, 19th and 20th Good Dog!

Brittney Micely

Trainer & Puppy Program Lead

Brittney is a 15-time dog owner who devoted her life to working with dogs when she was 11. She earned a degree in Animal Science/Pre-Vet Med from Cal State Fresno. Brittney joined Good Dog! in 2017 and serves as a Trainer, and Leads our Puppy Raiser programs. She has helped 8 Good Dogs graduate!

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.

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 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 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 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.

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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.