Meet the Board of Directors

Teri Meadows with Emma and Murdock (who thinks he is a lap dog)

Teri Meadows  TDInc. President  1992 to present date
It has been my honor to serve as the president for TDInc. I feel that I have been with TDInc. for so long that it is my second family and a great responsibility for me!

Just a bit about myself… I met Ann & Jack Butrick (TDInc. founders) many years ago in 1984 at an obedience trial held in Cheyenne, Wyoming. I was there competing with two of my American Pit Bull Terriers, Rocky and Humbug. Rocky was such a clown (as usual) that everyone gathered around while we were in the ring to watch. Ann fell in love with his smiling and gentle face, and asked if I had ever considered doing pet therapy with him. She said that he would be wonderful at it.  At that time, I did not know of any national organizations that would accept his breed for this line of work. The Butricks were with Therapy Dogs International at the time and with their encouragement and guidance, I applied and tested with Therapy Dogs International and was accepted. Later, I applied with several of my other American Pit Bull Terriers. I was honored when Jack and Ann started Therapy Dogs Incorporated in 1990 and asked me to serve as TDInc.’s  vice president. I eagerly accepted. I became the TDInc. President at the passing of our beloved Jack Butrick in 1992.  Beginning with his ideas and over the years with the support of a dedicated board of directors and membership, we have taken his dreams and continued to be a premier pet therapy organization. I want to personally thank the wonderful membership, Tester/Observers, and the board of directors of Therapy Dogs Inc. for their steadfast dedication and endless work.

Over the years, I have had 11 registered  therapy dogs. At present I am owned and loved by two dogs, Murdock who is 14 years old and Emma who is 12 years old. Both are English Staffordshire Bull Terriers and registered TDInc. therapy dogs. When not doing pet therapy visits or other doggie activities, including obedience, conformation and agility, I am surrounded by nature while living in the beautiful, peaceful mountains of Colorado.

Thank you for your continued support of TDInc. and all you do with your special dogs!

Jane with Will

Jane Hirsch - Vice President

I grew up in Charleston, South Carolina, an avid animal lover and serious tennis player.  Tennis took me to Florida for college.  After several stints on the tennis circuit, I returned to Orlando where I remained for 22 years, playing and coaching.  After three bouts with melanoma cancer from 1996 to 1998, I acquired an Australian Shepherd puppy, named him Rafter after Aussie tennis star Patrick Rafter, and cut back on my court and sun time.

In 1999, I moved back to Charleston.  My life revolved around Rafter’s schedule and I was devastated when, at the age of two, he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma.  Though given only 18 months, he lived a miraculous seven healthy years before succumbing to the return of osteosarcoma on Christmas Eve, 2008, eight days before his tenth birthday.  During those seven years he visited nursing homes, children’s camps and respites, an oncology practice, and our favorites: the Children’s Hospitals in Charleston and Augusta, GA.

Rafter’s passing left a huge hole in my heart, but I’ll continue my two passions – therapy work through TDInc., and raising awareness of and funds for canine cancer research.  Over the past seven years Rafter’s work has generated more than $94,000.00 for canine cancer research. 
Presently, I work with my young Aussie, Will, visiting two pediatric mental health facilities and an oncology practice. 

Many thanks to all of our TDInc. family of volunteers!

Sheryll with Riley, Bonnie (sitting up), Isabelle, Durango (sitting up), Daisy in lap

Sheryll Barker - Treasurer/Secretary

Hi, I’m Sheryll Barker and I’ve had seven dogs registered with Therapy Dogs Inc. over the past eighteen years. I began with Therapy Dogs Inc. in Albuquerque, NM.    My husband and I, four dogs, and one cockatoo moved to Dallas eleven years ago.  In 2003, I co-founded Heart of Texas Therapy Dogs.  My “partners” and I generally do four to seven therapy visits a week.

Over the years, I have been blessed to work with six TDInc. registered Collies and one Border Collie mix.   All of my dogs have gone through formal obedience, and I have competed in AKC novice, open and utility, as well as rally.  In 2003, my husband decided to get into the act and became registered with TDInc. with his female Collie. 

I have a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences and did lab research for 17 years.  I began putting together the TDInc. Zoonotics page several years ago.  While I am not currently working at the bench, I find my training very useful when working with infectious disease or risk management staff.

Besides working with Heart of Texas Therapy Dogs, we are also very involved in Collie rescue in the Dallas/Ft Worth area.  We have been a part of rescuing and/or fostering over 100 Collies over the past nine years.   Four of my five present dogs are rescues.

Dede with Quince, Elke and Cole

Dede Brownstein - Director

With Quince's 12th birthday approaching, I felt compelled to make some decisions about whether to retire him from pet therapy.  He had become steadily weaker in the rear, had difficulty going up and down the car ramp, and was generally unsteady to the point of slipping and even occasionally falling on slick surfaces.  So it was with a great deal of sadness that I made the decision to retire him.  He currently acts as our official front door greeter and takes advantage of being petted and loved by us and by visitors to our home.

Cole, my five year old, has been busy competing in obedience trials and earned his UDX, his OM1 and several High in Trial and High Combined ribbons this year.  We are looking forward to the National Obedience Invitational in Florida in December.  He continues to demonstrate his talents at our weekly ownership program at the juvenile detention center and often visits with kids and gives them rides in his approved cart at special events.

Elke, nearly two, is in competitive obedience classes and is starting to show more in conformation.  She is taking over Quince's job of visiting at the Heart Hospital and is going to try her paw at the reading program as well.

I am very proud of all of my kids!

Carroll with Sage, Spice, Scotch, Trey, Flash, Uni, and Denali

Carroll Colasardo - Director

Greetings from Arizona!  I’m looking forward to my third year of serving on the board.  I love being involved in all aspects of dog therapy.  I live in Mesa, Arizona, with seven Shelties (all registered with TDInc.), and a very understanding family! I grew up in Phoenix, graduated from the University of Arizona in Tucson, and taught for many years in Tempe.

I experienced the benefits of dog therapy first hand in 2001 when I was a patient at a hospital in Mesa.  Two TDInc. teams paid me a wonderful visit.  I was so impressed with the whole idea of dog therapy that I joined TDInc. in 2002 with my first Sheltie, Spice.  We’ve been volunteering weekly at Banner Desert Medical Center ever since.  In addition to Spice, my Sheltie teams now include Sage, Scotch, Uni, Denali, Flash and Trey.

I became a Gabriel’s Angels volunteer in 2006 with my Sheltie, Uno, delivering healing pet therapy to abused, neglected and at-risk children. The Shelties and I also visit a school for children with special needs.  In addition, we attend community events to promote the benefits of dog therapy and bring awareness to programs that are in need of members.

In 2006, I became a Tester/Observer for TDInc. I love meeting new people and dogs, and hearing back how much they enjoy their many adventures. 

I’ve been involved over the years in conformation, obedience, agility, and my favorite:  canine freestyle.  All our Shelties have their CGC titles.  We are active in the Mid-Arizona Shetland Sheepdog Club and host “puppy matches” a couple of times a year to help get the puppies and younger dogs ready for shows.

Dog therapy has opened a fascinating chapter of my life!  I enjoy working with the TDInc. Board to promote dog therapy, and to help others gain the immeasurable benefits with which I have been blessed.

Kelsey with Eddie

Kelsey Gilmore-Futeral - Director

Hey y’all!  My family and I live just outside of Charleston, South Carolina.  I moved to Charleston from South Dakota in 2003 to competitively ride horses in college.  Once I landed in the Lowcountry, there was no leaving for me!  Eddie, my Great Pyrenees/Golden mix and therapy partner, and I met in 2006 and have been participating in pet therapy since 2007.  Eddie came from a Golden Retriever rescue organization, and I volunteered to foster him.  After he chewed apart several text books, more than one remote, some clothing, and began eying my shoe collection, I met a family who was hoping to adopt Eddie.  When it looked like he might, in fact, find a family that would put up with his craziness, I just couldn’t let him go.  I became a foster-flunky mere weeks after inviting those large, hairy paws into my house.

My passion for large dogs began in fourth grade when my family purchased a Newfoundland puppy.  My parents slowly accumulated large dogs and now, when we visit their acreage in South Dakota, we also enjoy the company of their two Great Pyrs and two Newfs.  My passion for small dogs began when I met my husband, Stephan, and his daughter, Maddie, who introduced me to their Yorkie mix, Bailey.  Now, a Pekingese (Jasper) and a flat-coat pound-puppy (Murphy) later, we are a happy ‘little’ family.  My passion for all animals began early in life, and in my spare time I focus my energy on animal rescue, animal welfare laws, and vegan cooking.  Stephan and I also practice law together.

Eddie, Stephan and I regularly visit an assisted living facility where Eddie is a local rock star and loves the attention.  We also attend annual walks for causes such as autism and multiple sclerosis.  Jasper is our next therapy hopeful, and he is working on his people skills on a daily basis at our law firm in the ‘canine’ resources department.

Thank you all for sharing your wonderful fur-children with people in need!

Ben on my lap, Cody on my right side, and Jenny in the back

Peggy Grookett - Director

Greetings from the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania!
I am the proud owner of two Beagles, Ben and Cody, and my new little girl, Jenny, the Labrador pup. They share our home with my husband, Jim, and me.

Cody was registered with TDInc. 10 years ago, just a little over his first birthday.
Ben was registered about seven years ago, once he settled into our home after a short stay in the rescue kennel.  Both Cody and Ben take turns visiting Abington Hospital, Lafayette Redeemer Assisted Living and Rydal Park Nursing Home.  Cody and I also visit a handicapped man in his home.  Ben is my tester dog for new teams wanting to join TDInc.

Cody and I participate in obedience trials and enjoy rally events.  Ben stays home to keep my bed warm!  The newest edition, Jenny, is a therapy dog in training.  Hopefully, she will pass the test and observations when she reaches the minimum age of one.

I am honored to serve on your board of directors and look forward to help grow this wonderful organization!

Mia with Karis and Gabby

Mia Hill - Director

Greetings from sunny Florida!

My name is Maria Hill and I live in Oviedo, FL. I am loved by two Golden Retrievers, both registered with Therapy Dogs Inc. As one of the newest board members I thought I would tell you a little about my beloved Golden Retrievers.

Eight years ago, I fell in love with a litter of adorable bundles of fur. I chose a little female and named her Gabrielle, or “Gabby.” Six days after bringing Gabby home, the breeder called with some sad news; one of the males placed with another family had been severely abused.  My heart broke, and I knew immediately I had to rescue this little guy.  Together, with Gabby by his side, the healing process began. In the months that followed Karis healed and grew to become a very healthy, handsome Golden Retriever.  Six months later I entered Karis in a competition. Imagine my excitement when Karis won first place! We spent the next few years competing in shows, earning multiple titles and championships!

Both pups have been through obedience courses and have their Canine Good Citizen titles. Since receiving our registration with Therapy Dogs Inc. six years ago, our visits include nursing homes, a hospital for children, including the PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit), neurology, orthopedic, oncology and cardiac care units. We have presented pet therapy demonstrations for school children and advisory councils. Gabby and I are participating in a new pet therapy program at a hospital for women and babies in Orlando, and are very proud to be on the ground floor of developing their pet visitation program.

It is an honor to be a small part of this wonderful organization where I am able to participate in an activity that I thoroughly enjoy with my best canine friends! 

Marilyn with Pande, Sassy and Rosie

Marilyn Hulme  - Director

The past year has been good for me as a TDInc. Board member. We had too many cases on the Grievance and Ethics Committee, but I consider one case as too many. On a positive note, there were no insurance claims.

Rosie is now a registered therapy dog and what a gem! She brings smiles to everyone because she is convinced she is adorable and it’s all about her! Sassy is now thirteen and still going strong, although I am shortening her visits. When I feel she can no longer handle visiting, I will retire her, as her well-being is my primary concern. Pande, the middle child, continues to go to her adult daycare facility. 

On a personal note, it was a wonderful year for my “crazy little beagles.” I ventured into the world of canine freestyle (CFF). Pande achieved her Level II title with two second place finishes. I am also doing K-9 Nosework with her and what a joy to see a dog do what it was bred to do! Rosie is being shown in rally, and with two more qualifying scores, she will have her Rally Excellent title. She is also working in freestyle.

Stacy with Samson

Stacy Plummer - Director

Hello to everyone from the Pacific Northwest, specifically the beautiful state of Oregon where I live with my wife Brandy and seven active children.  As one of the newest members of TDInc.’s Board of Directors and the only male member, I feel especially fortunate for the opportunity to work with a great group of people who hold the same passions about dogs as I do.

I have been working and training dogs, both purebred and mixed breeds, for the past twenty-two years. I became a TDInc. member in March 2003 and in July 2004 became a Tester/Observer.  I also co-founded a local therapy group where my own dog and I enjoyed the experience of visiting hospitals, nursing homes, local centers for abused children, daycare, elementary schools and our local juvenile detention center.  In addition to therapy work, I am the founder of the Northwest Mastiff Breeds Rescue and I also a volunteer with other rescue organizations.   I have also established a Canine Crisis Response Team working with the local county school district.

I retired my therapy dog approximately a year ago and shortly after that faced losing him as he came to the end of a full life.  I look forward to finding another companion dog soon.

I thoroughly enjoy the experiences I have had with my dog volunteering in the community and my time as a Tester/Observer.  I look forward to many years ahead serving on the board and working with therapy dogs in the community.

Melissa with Gina

Melissa Saul - Director

Greetings from Atlanta, Georgia!  I am the proud mom and the official chauffeur for Gina and Annie, two wonderful black, English Labrador Retrievers.  I started doing pet therapy work in 2004 with my first registered dog, Cassie.  Cassie’s memory lives on forever, and Gina, Annie and I are challenged every day to carry out her legacy. 

Gina and I are regulars at our local nursing homes, hospitals (pediatrics, oncology and the cardiac intensive care unit), women’s shelters and many schools, libraries and bookstores.  Annie is still in training to be a therapy dog – I hope to get her registered later this year. 

In 2006, I became interested in the Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.)® program, and not long thereafter the Georgia chapter of READing Paws® was born.  When I’m not visiting or reading with Gina, or training with Annie, I work full time at my paying job.  I am very fortunate to work for a company that is committed to the community and encourages participation in volunteer activities and community services. 

I feel privileged to be a part of Therapy Dogs Incorporated and am grateful for the opportunities this organization has bestowed upon me over the years.  I look forward to the upcoming year and to the opportunity to serve you.

Marlene with Slider

Marlene Stachowiak - Director

In 1991, I became a member of TDInc. and, soon after, a T/O. Promoting canine assisted therapy is a passion of mine.  I love hearing and reading about the therapy experiences of others.  Each team is unique!

I admit that I cannot tell you what breeds or mixes are best.  I have had Pharaoh Hounds, Miniature Schnauzers, Greyhounds and Boxers. Together we have had many adventures such as kayaking the lakes and streams of Georgia and South Carolina and living in Europe and Central American. We have competed in a number of venues and events such as obedience, lure coursing, tracking and have shown dogs to breed championships. What breeds or mixes make the best therapy dog?  It is the dog with the huge heart who has a bond with its handler and a desire to be with humans.

Through the years, my companion dogs and I have given services in prisons, detention centers, reading programs, and the Wounded Warrior Programs at the VA and military hospitals.  We visit Children’s Medical Center of Georgia as well as various children’s camps, schools and special programs.

Please accept my thanks to all of you for sharing your WONDERFUL dogs!