Our Team
We are people believing and trusting in the power of the human-canine bond; each devoting our unique gifts to the cause of making life better for others in need.
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 Bergin University. Interviews by Laura.
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. Our families are overjoyed to have Kimberly on their fundraising teams and so are we.
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 B.S. in Cynology from Bergin University of Canine Studies and has graduated 4 Good Dogs so far.
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Rick Sylvester
Founder, Director Family Support
Rick leads all GD!SC Family Support, Education and Team Training events. His background in corporate training and degree in Psychology from SDSU help him guide our families. Rick is a 6-time dog owner.
Samantha Quackenbush
Lead Trainer
With 10 years experience in dog training and an A.S. in Assistance Dog Education degree from Bergin University of Canine Studies, Sam oversees our dog training program at GD!SC. Sam has trained 7 working Good Dogs.
Brittney Micely
Trainer & Regional Team Leader
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 and is now the Area Lead for Puppy Raiser programs.
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Laura Douglas
Associate Director
With a M.Ed. in Special Education and a Psychology degree from Duke, Laura found her passion for service dogs as a classroom teacher. She then pursued an A.S. in Assistance Dog Education from Bergin University of Canine Studies.
Christine Webb
Senior Trainer
Chris is a graduate from Bergin University of Canine Studies with an Associate of Science degree. She has experience as a Veterinary Tech, has a private training company in Las Vegas. Chris has graduated 16 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.
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.
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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.
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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.

OUR ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Phil Schneider
Former CFO & Chairman of the Board for YMCA San Diego County
The Drake Center for Veterinary Care
Specializes in the treating pets like family
Julie Sando
Founder of Autistically Inclined and Co-Creator of Natural Play Therapy
Geoffrey P. Radoff, M.D.
Specializes in the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder


OUR CORE VALUES
The Four Legs We Stand On
Competency – We are reliable, intelligent, successful
Authenticity – We are sincere, honest, transparent
Resiliency – We are adaptable, resolute, strong
Empathy – We are inclusive and care beyond measure