Resources to Learn, Connect and Grow

Leslie Hoskins is a certified orientation & mobility specialist (COMS) and the outreach services and community engagement manager at Leader Dogs for the Blind. She joined the O&M team in March of 2014 and worked as the camp director and a COMS for six years before she transitioned to her new role of outreach services in January of 2020. Leslie has presented at numerous conferences within the blindness and low vision field on topics such as Guide Dog Readiness, Incorporating GPS into O&M and Camps for Teens with Visual Impairments. Leslie attended Western Michigan University where she graduated with her Bachelor of Science in speech-language pathology and audiology and a Master of Arts in orientation and mobility. Leslie enjoys spending time with her husband, two children and dog Mila. She likes to go boating, golfing and be around those she loves.

Alyssa Otis is the outreach specialist at Leader Dog and has spent more than a decade helping people gain independence through guide dog mobility. She joined Leader Dog after earning her degree in psychology and American Sign Language from Central Michigan University and never looked back. As a longtime Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, Alyssa has trained hundreds of dogs and helped create successful guide dog teams across the U.S., Canada, and Spain. She also loves mentoring new instructors, collaborating with orientation and mobility professionals, and sharing behind‑the‑scenes stories about guide dog training, partnership, and the real‑life impact these teams have every day. When she’s not working, Alyssa enjoys camping, getting outdoors, and spending time with her family and friends.

Timothy Cuneio was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa when he was 12 years old. Throughout his life, he has continued to be proactive and never let his visual impairment define him or hold him back. He worked for many years for an optical company, making glasses and helping others see better while his vision continued to deteriorate. In 2018 he found Leaded Dogs for the Blind and has since completed the Orientation & Mobility and Guide Dog programs. Timothy is now a Leader Dog ambassador and shares his story with people across the country. He resides in Winder, GA with Leader Dog Glacier.