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Board Member Highlight: Leader Dog Alumni Serving on our Board
Paul Teranes, Avril Rinn & Debbie Dayton
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Paul Teranes & Leader Dog "Duke"
- Years on Board of Trustees: 10.5
- Profession: circuit court judge (retired), board member for the Greater Detroit Agency for the Blind and Visually Impaired
- Leader Dog User: 49.5 years
- Avril Rinn & Leader Dog "Bismarck"
- Years on Board of Trustees: 1.5
- Profession: IT support, computer & assistive technologies instructor, life coach, freelance writer & web design
- Leader Dog User: 2.5 years
- Debbie Dayton & Leader Dog "Patrick"
- Years on Board of Trustees: 2.5
- Profession: office manager (retired), president of Westland Lions Club
- Leader Dog User: 6.5 years
Why do you want/continue to be on the Board of Trustees?
Teranes: I wanted to give something back to LD and to participate in the good work that they do. I find the work very interesting, especially being a part of the Program Services Committee which deals with the constant efforts of LD to improve and expand their programs.
Rinn: I find it interesting and a way for me to make a contribution to LD. My trips to Michigan really put me in touch with LD students and all the exciting things LD is doing besides dog guide training.
Dayton: I know what it means to have this independence and what a blessing this is and I want to help other people enjoy this blessing. I enjoy being on the Philanthropy Committee because I love raising funds to keep these programs going.
Do you feel being a LD user gives you a different perspective than other board members?
Teranes: I believe being a LD user does give me a different perspective because I have had the LD experience of going through the training and using a dog. This gives me a greater insight into the operation of the school and better knowledge of the programs. This knowledge helps when making decisions as a board member.
Rinn: I'm not sure being a graduate gives me a different perspective, but having a visual impairment does. I think having LD users on the board is important because we understand first hand how having a dog can improve your life. Having nongraduates on the board is crucial; to be honest, many of these people bring a wealth of expertise that most people who are blind do not have. I also think that variety is important.
Dayton: Most definitely. We are a reminder of what the purpose of LD is we are a reality check and I can bring that to the board. I see things from a different viewpoint, I meet people everyday that want to know about LD and once learning about it want to donate. Being on the board and being abreast of what is happening at LD helps me when I talk to people in everyday life. I have more information to relate to the community.
What are you looking forward to for the future of LD?
Teranes: I am looking forward to the development and expansion of new programs, particularly in technology such as the Trekker program and the teaching of technical skills to the visually impaired so they can gain employment.
Rinn: I am thrilled that LD is now allowing younger students to acquire dog guides. I also think the Trekker program is amazing and I'm especially pleased about AMP and hope all of these programs continue to grow and expand. I think proper mobility skills are essential.
Dayton: I'm looking forward to continuing on with the leading edge approach that LD has adopted. I love that the school is so innovative and willing to jump in with new programs that other schools are thinking about but haven't acted on.