Trainers
We are proud to introduce the following individuals who oversee the training of our dogs, volunteers and clients.
Brenda – Director of Training
Oct 2015 – Present
Brenda is responsible for coordinating the training of the Journey Together Clients and dogs. She is the primary point of contact for Oshkosh Correctional Institution, and has worked with the dog program there since 2012. Brenda leads the training for the offenders at OSCI. Brenda is a lifelong dog enthusiast with extensive experience teaching dog training to the public. She is a certified member of the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors, a Canine Good Citizen and AKC Temperament Test Evaluator and a Certified Dog Parkour Instructor.
Shari - Dog Trainer / Socializer Coordinator
Oct 2015 – Present
Shari instructs the offenders and each Journey dog as they take part in training classes weekly at OSCI. She also assists on outings with volunteers that help enhance training. These outings provide opportunities for the dogs to experience different surroundings and situations.
Alissa - Dog Trainer
Oct 2015 – Present
Alissa has been working with service dogs in training since 2014. She instructs the offenders and each Journey dog as they take part in training classes weekly at OSCI. Alissa helps clients learn the skills needed to graduate with their service dog. She does the design work for Journey Together and our special events.
In Memory of:
Cindy - Dog Trainer
Oct 2015 – June 2022
It’s with a heavy heart that Journey has lost one of its founding members and trainers, Cindy. Cindy was passionate about training dogs to help others. She was a reliable trainer of community volunteers and inmates at the Oshkosh Correctional Institution. Cindy had a special fondness for puppies and many of the Journey puppies benefited from time in her home with her family and dogs. One of the last puppies she worked with was Magic who has graduated and is working as a Facility Dog with the Oshkosh Police Department. Cindy’s extensive experience and willingness to share her knowledge is deeply missed by the Journey Together Service Dog Community