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Our Humans

Dozens of people in red shirts outside in front of Can Do Canines sign

LEADERSHIP

  • Executive Director – Jeff Johnson – ext. 116

DEVELOPMENT

  • Development Director – Janet Cobus – ext. 153
  • Development Manager – Sheila Ross – ext. 182
  • Development and Communication Associate – (Open)
  • Development Assistant – Kathy Broten – ext. 152
  • Donor Relations Officer – Deb Tweten – ext. 154
  • Event Coordinator – Melissa Herman – ext. 115

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION

  • Marketing and Communication Manager – Caren Hansen – ext. 161
  • Marketing and Communication Specialist – Robyn R.

OPERATIONS

  • Director of Operations – Luke Matusovic – ext. 158
  • Administrative Assistant/Receptionist – Linda Wicklund – ext. 114
  • Technology Manager – Peter Tatikian – ext. 151
  • Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator – Laurie Carlson – ext. 113
  • Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator – Caitie McBride – ext. 120

PROGRAMS/TRAINING

  • Director of Training – Julianne Larsen – ext. 117
  • Prison Program Coordinator – Kaity McGinn – ext. 164
  • Prison Program Instructor – Dyan Larson
  • Breeding Coordinator – Karin Balgaard

Puppy Program

  • Training Manager – Shenna Lemche – ext. 165
  • Program Trainer – Emily H.
  • Program Trainer – Sharon G.
  • Program Trainer – Stacy S.
  • Puppy Program Instructor – Emily L.
  • Puppy Program Instructor – Lindy L.
  • Puppy Program Specialist – Casey O.

Client Services

  • Client Services Manager – Denise Yokom – ext. 122
  • Client Services Assistant – Cari Bishop – ext. 157
  • Client Services Coordinator – Elizabeth R.
  • Client Services Coordinator – Jenny B.
  • Client Services Coordinator – Jennifer G.

Kennel Staff

  • Kennel Manager – Katie Rickert
  • Assistant Kennel Manager – Pete Gellerup
  • Kennel Staff – Carolyn K.
  • Kennel Staff – Josie N.
  • Kennel Staff – Rebecca W.
  • Kennel Staff – Sam Q.

Executive Director – Jeff Johnson

Jeff began his career at Can Do Canines at the end of 2020.

As an active and mission driven community leader, Jeff has held numerous leadership positions at organizations including Northwest Twin Cities Young Life, Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County, and Governor’s Workforce Development Council. Jeff is the author of two books on positive family, personal and professional relationships.

In 2020, he collaborated to launch the nonprofit organization, “Northstar Neighbor,” which existed to spread a message of hope and compassion by serving our neighbors who are at higher risk of COVID-19 complications.

Jeff also has a long history of civic leadership. He served as a Minnesota State Representative, Hennepin County Commissioner and was twice a Gubernatorial Candidate for the State of Minnesota. Jeff is also the founder of Midwest Employment Resources, a law practice focused on human resource topics. He holds a JD degree from Georgetown University Law Center and is licensed to practice law in Minnesota and Illinois.

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. Can Do Canines has placed more than 750 fully trained, life-changing and life-saving assistance dogs into the community, all at no cost to their clients with disabilities.

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

  • Mitch Peterson, President
  • Dianne Ward, Vice President
  • Ross Thorfinnson, Jr., Treasurer
  • Ann Curme Shaw, Secretary
  • Andrew Brust
  • Kevin Florence
  • Scott Thomas-Forss
  • Elizabeth Grey
  • Kathryn Hoy
  • Sharon Hughes
  • Beth Klingelhofer
  • Steven Novotny
  • Connie Roehrich
  • Judy Sharken Simon