Leader Dog Alumni Board

Juanita has been a proud client of Leader Dogs for the Blind since 2008, experiencing firsthand the transformative power of the organization’s programs and community. She considers her Leader family – including staff, clients and volunteers – to be among the most important relationships in her life.

Working in the federal government and with a Master of Arts (MA) degree, Juanita brings both academic knowledge and lived experience to their advocacy work.  

Juanita joined the Alumni Board eager to help in mentoring, event planning, fundraising and development, advocacy, digital outreach, program initiation and team leadership. She is passionate about using these abilities to create meaningful change and support others in the community. 

Juanita also enjoys traveling with Leader Dog Resi, exploring new destinations and broadening their perspective on the world. 

Jeff has been among the highest profile representatives of Leader Dogs for the Blind since receiving Leader Dog Gracie in July of 2012.  Despite being diagnosed with an inherited form of juvenile macular degeneration in his early twenties which ultimately caused his blindness, Jeff enjoyed a successful managerial career in the paramedic industry for more than 20 years. 

In 2011, Jeff attended Leader Dog for orientation & mobility services. A year later, and after becoming proficient with his white cane, Jeff returned to receive his Leader Dog Gracie, who worked at Jeff’s side for nearly 10 years. 

Gracie retired in early 2021 and handed the harness on to Dove, who continues to help Jeff once again live the amazing life he always has. 

Jeff is an avid snow skier, a passionate ice hockey player, travels extensively and has discovered a love for wilderness backpacking.  Jeff resides in a Michigan lakefront home with his wife, Linda, where they spend summers boating, jet skiing, water skiing, and enjoying other lake activities. 

Jeff joined the Alumni Board looking to help other Leader Dog graduates through mentoring, event planning, fundraising, advocacy and public speaking. He looks forward to using his unique skills of connecting and communicating with others to grow this new community. 

Three-time Paralympic and Boston Marathon champion, Stuart has never allowed challenges to define his limits. Stuart transitioned from being a teacher to working in the federal government creating accessibility standards for people living with disabilities, where he developed a deep expertise in accessibility policy.  

Stuart’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, combined with his experience as an athlete and coach, has given him comprehensive knowledge of both mental and physical health, understanding the unique considerations facing individuals with disabilities. 

Passionate about Leader Dogs for the Blind’s mission and the transformative impact of guide dog partnerships, Stuart embraced this opportunity in the Alumni Board at Leader Dog. His heart is for people, and he is eager to come alongside Leader Dog to help enhance our vital mission. 

As an Alumni Board member, Stuart is particularly interested in contributing through mentoring fellow alumni, advocacy, fundraising and event planning to strengthen the Leader Dog community. 

“Love, kindness, and serving others can make a difference; Making a difference starts with you.”

Program Completed: O&M and Guide Dog

Leader Dog Graduate Since: 2015

Location: Georgia

“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” – Edith Wharton

Program Completed: O&M and Guide Dog

Leader Dog Graduate Since: 2016

Location: Wisconsin