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Our Humans

Can Do Canines staff posing in front of the Facility sign outside.

LEADERSHIP

  • Executive Director – Jeff Johnson – ext. 9116

DEVELOPMENT

  • Development Director – Sheila Ross – ext. 9182
  • Development Associate – Erin-Grace M.
  • Development Assistant – Kathy Broten – ext. 9152
  • Donor Relations Officer – Dorothy Grinolds – 763-200-1156
  • Event Producer – Melissa Herman – 763-200-4087

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION

  • Marketing and Communication Manager – Caren Hansen – 763-200-6151
  • Graphic Designer and Marketing Specialist – Robyn R.
  • Community Outreach Coordinator – Laurie Carlson – ext. 9113

VOLUNTEER

  • Volunteer Coordinator – Christine Popp

OPERATIONS

  • Director of Finance and Operations – Dan Garry
  • Receptionist and Administrative Assistant – Jodi Elkins – ext. 9114
  • Human Resources Coordinator – Emily Sheehan
  • Technology Manager – Peter Tatikian
  • Bookkeeper – Michelle G.
  • Facility Caretaker – Open

PROGRAMS/TRAINING

  • Director of Training – Julianne Larsen – ext. 9117
  • Breeding Coordinator – Karin Balgaard
  • Veterinary Technician – Hannah McCarthy
  • Veterinary Assistant – Marlo R.
  • Canine Nursery Attendant – Sarah F.
  • Canine Nursery Attendant – Amy K.
  • Canine Nursery Attendant – Tracie P.

Puppy Program

  • Puppy Program Manager – Lindy Luopa - 651-583-6187
  • Prison Program Coordinator - WI – Ramona E.
  • Puppy Program Instructor – Josie S.
  • Puppy Program Instructor – Meghan S.
  • Puppy Program Instructor – Tori T.
  • Puppy Program Assistant – Lindsey K.

Client Services & Training

  • Client Services and Training Manager – Shenna Lemche – 763-220-0466
  • Client Services Assistant – Cari Bishop – 763-614-5059
  • Graduate Services Coordinator – Open
  • Client Services Coordinator – Bethany G.
  • Client Services Coordinator – Jessica K.
  • Client Services Coordinator – Laura H.
  • Client Services Coordinator – Laura S.
  • Lead Program Trainer – Emily H.
  • Program Trainer – Emma N.
  • Program Trainer – Savannah H.
  • Program Trainer – Stacy S.

Kennel Staff

  • Kennel Manager – Katie Rickert
  • Assistant Kennel Manager – Sam Q.
  • Kennel Staff – Anna S.
  • Kennel Staff – Ara S.
  • Kennel Staff – Charlotte G.
  • Kennel Staff – Chelsea E.
  • Kennel Staff – Elsa W.
  • Kennel Staff – Jennifer W.
  • Kennel Staff – Lauren H.
  • Kennel Staff – Laurie S.
  • Kennel Staff – Pete G.
  • Kennel Staff – Rosangela S.

Executive Director – Jeff Johnson

Jeff began his career at Can Do Canines in 2020. He is a former Hennepin County Commissioner and state representative and is an employment attorney, formerly practicing at Cargill and at law firms in Minneapolis and Chicago. He founded Midwest Employment Resources, a firm providing training and investigation services to employers, and NorthStar Neighbor, a nonprofit organization matching volunteers with seniors and others in need of help during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jeff is the author of Boy Lessons: What I’ve Learned From my Sons and spent many years speaking throughout the country on management and human resources topics.

He graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, and Georgetown Law School in Washington, D.C. Jeff and his wife, Sondi, live in Plymouth with their sons, Thor and Rolf, and their English bulldog, Frosty.

Founder – Alan M. Peters

Alan M. Peters founded Can Do Canines in 1987 and served as executive director of the organization until retiring at the end of 2020. Under his leadership, the organization grew from an interesting idea to an industry-leading organization with 40 staff members.

Organizational achievements during his leadership:

  • Purchased and rebuilt a 25,000-square-foot, four-acre commercial property creating a permanent home for the organization, including kennels for a maximum of 50 dogs.
  • Completed a $4.4 million dollar capital campaign to pay for the project, creating a debt-free organization. The campaign included negotiating a $1 million dollar+ lead gift.
  • Qualified and maintained Can Do Canines as a fully accredited member of our trade association, Assistance Dogs International, beginning in 2007.
  • Awards to Can Do Canines under his leadership: Minnesota Council of Nonprofits—1992, the Minnesota State Council on Disability—1992, the Minnesota Corrections Association—2009, The Arc of Minnesota—2008, and the Commission of Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing Minnesotans—2009.

Can Do Canines Board of Directors

  • Ross Thorfinnson, President
  • Judy Sharken Simon, Vice President
  • Kathryn Hoy, Treasurer
  • Scott Thomas-Forss, Secretary
  • Gabbi Anderson
  • Andrew Brust
  • Beth Klingelhofer
  • Steven Novotny
  • Mitch Peterson
  • Connie Roerich
  • Rebeca Sharpe
  • Dianne Ward
  • Drew Wineland
  • Matt Woods