Get to know our team

As Duo’s CEO, Dawn has the overall responsibility for implementation of Duo’s mission, including leading team and community engagement efforts and collaboration with Duo’s Board of Directors. Dawn also serves as a handler for Duo’s Ambassador Dog, Evie.

Beth helps in the success of Duo’s overall operation by overseeing business planning, human resources, administration, IT and website support. Beth is also responsible for the financial management of the organization, and serves as an Assistance Dog International assessor.

Crissy oversees ‘all things canine’ including whelping, training and overall canine health throughout our Breeding and Assistance Dog programs. She leads the Assistance Dog training team while also working closely with our Program Social Worker to help identify potential matches, then support them moving forward until the dog retires. She is the primary handler for Duo Ambassador Dog, Evie.

Sara oversees Duo’s fundraising efforts with corporate, individual, major gift, and planned giving supporters, who together account for 90% of the organization’s annual budget. Under her leadership, Duo continues to grow and strengthen community relationships. Sara serves as a handler for Duo Ambassador Dog, Evie.

Tracy leads Duo’s Touch Therapy™ and Obedience programs and trainers, along with overseeing processes and systems related to Touch Therapy volunteers and facilities. Tracy also oversees the programmatic/client aspects of our Assistance Dog program.

Veronica manages the grant proposal process for Duo including advising Duo leadership on grant opportunities, foundation leadership relationship building, industry research, in addition to grant writing, submission, and reporting.

Chelsea works with Duo dogs in the Assistance Dog program from birth to placement and beyond. Chelsea assists with the whelping process and weekly classes for Volunteer Puppy Raisers. Once in Advanced Training, she assesses each dog’s strengths to help determine their placement match. She also assists with team training and post placement check-ins with new teams.

Gary oversees all aspects of kennel operations including management of kennel staff, and all canine care including feeding, monitoring, and kennel enrichment for Duo program dogs that live on-site during their advanced training. Gary also ensures that our kennel meets ADI standards.

Jeff works with Duo dogs in the Assistance Dog program from birth to placement and beyond. Jeff assists with the whelping process and weekly classes for Volunteer Puppy Raisers. Once in Advanced Training, he assesses each dog’s strengths to help determine their placement match. He also assists with team training and post placement check-ins with new teams.

Jennifer is responsible for the daily care and monitoring of Duo’s dogs that live on-site during their advanced training. In addition, she helps facilitate kennel enrichment twice daily where volunteers come in and play with the dogs. Jennifer also ensures that our kennel meets ADI standards.

Julie is responsible for the administrative management of the Assistance Dog program, including managing volunteer schedules for Whelper Helpers and Puppy Sitters, and scheduling Volunteer Puppy Raiser classes for Duo’s 50 dogs in various stages of training. Julie also manages the maintenance of dog records in accordance with ADI standards.

Kathryn is responsible for the daily care and monitoring of Duo’s dogs that live on-site during their advanced training. In addition, she helps facilitate kennel enrichment twice daily where volunteers come in and play with the dogs. Kathryn also ensures that our kennel meets ADI standards.

Melanie serves as the main contact for prospective clients throughout the process of inquiry, selection, application, training, and placement with a Duo Assistance or Facility Dog. Once certified as a team, Melanie and the trainers monitor the progress during the first months of placement before moving to annual recertifications throughout their 8-year partnership with Duo. Melanie also provides mental health support to Duo Touch Therapy™ teams.

Ross works with Duo dogs in the Assistance Dog program from birth to placement and beyond. Ross assists with the whelping process and weekly classes for Volunteer Puppy Raisers. Once in Advanced Training, he assesses each dog’s strengths to help determine their placement match. He also assists with team training and post placement check-ins with new teams.

Heather works in the development and facilitation of the Duo Touch Therapy™ and Obedience programs. Heather is a continual support point for our 300 active Duo Touch Therapy™ Teams that recertify on an annual basis. Heather uses a knowledge-based assessment to help prospective Touch Therapy™ teams reach their goals while in prerequisite classes.

James works in the development and facilitation of the Duo Touch Therapy™ and Obedience programs contributing to program curriculum as well as promoting consistency across Duo Touch Therapy and Obedience coursework. He is a continual support point for our active Duo Touch Therapy™ Teams that recertify on an annual basis. James uses a knowledge-based assessment to help prospective Touch Therapy™ teams reach their goals while in prerequisite classes.

The Program Coordinator is responsible for the administrative management of the Duo Touch Therapy™ and Obedience programs including managing vaccination records for all dogs in both programs, acting as a point of contact for our 300 active Duo Touch Therapy™ Teams and supporting them through onboarding at their identified Touch Facilities. They also help support the coordination of many community events.

Kathy oversees all aspects of the volunteer program including recruitment, training, recognition, and record keeping of Duo’s volunteers and ambassadors. Kathy also works with the creation and distribution of various communications and publications.

Kirby is responsible for maintaining accurate accounting records, recording donations, and general reporting. Kirby also provides financial and data intensive survey results to support in the grant writing and impact reporting process.

Laura manages the Duo reception area, fielding inquiries and greeting visitors while handling various administrative tasks and special projects. Laura also assists in facility management and ensuring the Duo team has the proper tools they need to complete their jobs daily.

Erin leads the planning and execution of Duo’s three major fundraising events. She also manages Duo’s social media presence, organizational communications, and works closely with Duo’s Chief Development Officer.

Jason is the Board Chair of Duo Dogs. In his professional career he leads portfolio & project management for Edward Jones, founded SolutionForge LLC, and previously served as a Boeing senior executive, directing major efforts in program management, ethics, and supply chain across the global defense enterprise. Jason is an Eisenhower Fellow focused on veteran support and transition, with field study in Israel and Australia. A United States Marine Corps artillery officer and combat veteran, he holds a mechanical engineering degree from the U.S. Naval Academy and an MBA in strategy and finance from the University of Notre Dame.

Mike originally joined the Board of Duo in 2008 serving on the Finance Committee, Treasurer, and as Vice President. Mike is a certified public accountant and certified internal auditor with Stanley Black & Decker. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Birmingham City University (England) and a master’s degree in international business from the University of Birmingham (England). In his spare time Mike follows the St Louis Blues and the England rugby team.

Bob Eike retired from Century Credit Union as president and CEO after a 33 year career, which is longer than any other past president for the credit union. Bob, and his wife Christie have been long time volunteers for Duo. They’ve served as volunteer puppy raisers for 4 pups and Christie is an active Duo Touch Therapy Volunteer. Most recently, Bob and Christie raised Duo Dog Coleman who now serves as a facility dog for The Children’s Place. Bob’s roles on the Duo Board of Directors include serving on the finance committee and as Duo’s Board Treasurer.

Andrea began her career in healthcare as a registered nurse and spent several years in operations leadership roles before shifting her expertise into Human Resources. With 20+ years’ experience with organizations such as Stanley Black & Decker, Perficient, BJC, and Express Scripts, Andrea helps support Duo’s team HR initiatives. She’s been on Duo’s Board of Directors since 2018 and held roles such as Board Chair and Secretary.

Beatrice is the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Tech Electronics in St. Lous, MO. Licensed in New York and Missouri, she’s spent her career in the areas of compliance and legal guidance in both private and public sectors. She’s an active member of Association of Corporate Counsel – St. Louis Chapter, and is a founding board member of the lawyers’ group at the Missouri Athletic Club. She is the recipient of the ALM “Women Influence & Power in Law Award”, the Missouri Lawyers Media “In-House Counsel Award”, and the St. Louis Business Journal “Corporate Counsel Award”. Beatrice provides legal expertise to the Duo organization.

Dan grew up in San Antonio, TX, then later moved to St. Louis where he attended John Burroughs School and Washington University where he played baseball and football. During his professional career he served as President of Brunswick Corporation’s fiberglass fishing board division which included 600 employees domestically and in Europe. After retirement, Dan has been an active Duo volunteer on-site by helping whelp puppies and providing enrichment for Duo’s advanced training dogs. Dan has been a volunteer puppy raiser for several Duo puppies in addition to providing a great home for a Duo breeding dog.

Darleen Harmon is the founder of Huntleigh Golden Retrievers and began showing dogs in 1984. She is an active member of both the Golden Retriever Club of Greater St. Louis and the Golden Retriever Club of America. As a dedicated breeder, Darleen focuses on breed temperament, longevity, and overall breed integrity. Her program has produced many AKC champions in conformation, agility, tracking, obedience and hunting. Several of Darleen’s Goldens are Duo Touch Therapy dogs. A retiree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Darleen lives in Alhambra, Illinois, with her husband, Thad.

Debbie Caplin has been actively involved with the Duo Dogs organization since 2011 when she and Sookie (her first Touch Therapy dog) were certified for Acute Care as well as the Paws for Reading programs. She graduated from the University of Denver and, after her years spent working as a primary school teacher, has been actively involved in numerous not-for-profit activities. These include her current Board positions at the APA as well as at the Saint Louis Zoo. She also has had a longstanding relationship with the Gateway to Hope breast cancer program and is the Aesthetics’ Center coordinator at Parkcrest Plastic Surgery. Debbie is active in Duo’s Touch Therapy Program today for cancer patients at the St. Louis Children’s Hospital as well as the Missouri Baptist Cancer Center. She was also a 2020 recipient of the St. Louis Women of Achievement award.

Dr. Boillat attended the University of Missouri Columbia, receiving a BS in agriculture and doctorate of veterinary medicine. He is currently a Veterinarian at the Pacific Animal Hospital. Although he loves all aspects of his career, his specific interests in his profession include surgery, reproductive and sports medicine. Dr. Boillat joined the Board of Directors in 2014 and provides significant expertise and support to Duo’s breeding and canine healthcare initiatives. He is a lover of Golden retrievers, having trained them and competed with them in agility, obedience, tracking, and hunt work. When he is not practicing medicine, he attends St. Louis Blues hockey games, as well as participating in various outdoor activities and horticulture.

Elyse Manterfield brings over 13 years of experience at Edward Jones, where she focuses on enterprise capability building, organizational change management, and community impact. Her career spans financial services, healthcare, the nonprofit sector, and secondary education, giving her a cross-sector perspective on building and evolving resilient organizations. Elyse and her husband Mike are avid dog lovers and have been volunteer puppy raisers and sitters since 2015, as well as providing a loving home for a retired Duo breeding girl.

Jon serves as Family Office Portfolio Manager with Bentley Management Group, LLC. He founded In Vitro Scientific Projects where he developed a patented roller bottle for mass cell culture propagation for industrial vaccine manufacturing. He has over 25 years of experience with commercial real estate and manages 500+ acre farm which includes crops, livestock and USDA conservation area in addition to being a Missouri licensed health/life insurance agent. Jon has been on the board of directors since 2025 and serves on both the Development and Facilities committees. His wife Sallie has been active with the Duo Touch Therapy program for many years. Jon has been on the board of directors with Duo Dogs since 2025 and serves on both the Development and Facilities committees. His wife Sallie has been active with the Touch Therapy program for ten plus years with her Golden Retrievers, Finley first and now with Huckelberry in training.

Kristen Burger joins the Duo Dogs Board of Directors with an extensive background in corporate engagement, philanthropy, and nonprofit development. Throughout her career, she has held leadership roles in fundraising and community engagement with organizations including the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation, and Guardian Angel Settlement Association. She also brings valuable private-sector experience from her time with Procter & Gamble. Since 2023, Kristen has served as a Duo Touch Therapy™ volunteer, originally alongside Winston and now with Tim, bringing comfort and connection to individuals throughout the community. Her commitment to Duo Dogs extends to her volunteer leadership as well. Together with her husband, Gary, she co-chaired the 2025 Duo Dogs Fetching Affair Gala and continues to play an active role on the gala planning committee.

Libby is an accomplished professional in the areas of leadership, culture engagement, management, sales & marketing, strategic planning and business building. She has spent 30 years of her career in the media industry, including serving as St. Louis Market President for IHeart Media. Libby is currently the Director of Marketing for the City Museum. Libby has served on the Gala and Development committees as well as being a Duo Touch Therapy Volunteer and Whelper Helper. Her previous volunteer service includes: SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation, Saint Louis Zoo, Ursuline Academy and Quincy, Illinois Area Chamber of Commerce. Libby and her husband Bill are active in the Immaculate Conception Church community in Columbia, IL.

Margot Monser’s connection to Duo Dogs began after meeting a Duo Touch Therapy™ Team during a visit to Siteman Cancer Center. Inspired by the impact she witnessed, she and her beloved dog, Regis, became a Duo Touch Therapy™ Team just a few years later. Since then, Margot has become deeply involved in the organization’s mission. She and her husband, Ed, have served as dedicated Volunteer Puppy Raisers. Their commitment extends to philanthropy as well. They co-chaired Duo Dogs’ Fetching Affair in 2023 and have remained active members of the gala committee each year since. Margot is a passionate advocate for Duo Dogs, generously sharing the organization’s mission throughout the community and serving as an exceptional ambassador. Professionally, she works in accounting with the McMahon Group. Outside of work, she is dedicated to coaching field hockey for underserved youth, reflecting her longstanding commitment to service and mentorship.

Mark Kodner holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Missouri–Columbia and a Juris Doctor from Saint Louis University. He enjoyed a distinguished legal career as an attorney with Kodner Watkins Law Firm before retiring several years ago. Mark has a strong history of community and nonprofit leadership. His past board service includes the Jewish Community Center of St. Louis, where he was elected Vice President, the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation, and Triad Bank. He also served as President of Westwood Country Club, where he remains an active member. Mark resides in St. Louis, Missouri, with his wife, Nancy, and their Duo Dog, Coco. He is a passionate and dedicated advocate for Duo Dogs and their mission.

Melanie Henderson, MA, LPC, has worked in the mental health field for the past 30 years across a variety of settings. She holds an LPC (licensed professional counselor) in three states: Missouri, Texas, and Florida. She began her work primarily with children, adolescents, and their families in crisis. She currently works for a group practice in St. Peters, MO, providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families who struggle with severe depression, anxiety, and traumatic events. She enjoys spending time with her family and two fur babies. Her husband, Jason; her 20-year-old daughter, Hannah, who wrestles for Oklahoma State University; and her 15-year-old daughter, Hadley, who enjoys horseback riding and piano, are the joys of her life. She is excited to share her passion for mental health with the Duo Dog organization!

Molly serves as Managing Partner for Gershman Commercial Real Estate, one of the largest and longest-standing independently owned commercial real estate firms in the St. Louis area, with over 6 million square feet under management. She leads the daily operation of the firm, oversees all Property Services departments, and is responsible for employee recruitment and development. Molly participates in Duo’s Kennel Enrichment Program and Board committees such as Gala, Programs, and Facilities. Molly and her husband Scott live in Sunset Hills with their two teenage children and their energetic Black Lab puppy, Leo.

Rob had a career at McDonnell-Douglas/Boeing in St. Louis, later retiring to spend more time as a Duo Touch Therapy Volunteer. Rob and his wife Janet have participated in Touch Therapy visits at nursing homes, hospitals, schools, and special events. They also have participated in Paws for Reading, at several local area elementary schools and have visited hospice patients, and were active in Duo’s Response Dog Program. They love visiting St. Louis Children’s Hospital, providing visits and comfort for patients, staff, and family members originally visiting as a Duo Touch Therapy team and since transitioning to other volunteer types. Rob is passionate about his family, the outdoors, and loves spending time at their family cabin in the Missouri Ozarks. They live in Kirkwood and have 3 children and 3 granddaughters.

Sally served as the Director of Eliot Chapel Nursery School for 25 years, and has been highly involved with The Magic House and Ready Readers since inception. Sally has been an active Duo Touch Therapy™ handler for many years, starting with her first Certified Touch Dog was Yadi, and later Louie, who are both beautiful black Standard Poodles. Sally’s Touch Therapy visits with her poodles included Missouri Baptist Infusion Center and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. She is active at The Wednesday Club of St Louis and spends her free time with her husband Perry, her 2 sons and daughters-in-law and 5 grandchildren.

Ty Witten serves as the Vice President of Commercial LTO for North America and Australia/New Zealand at Bayer Crop Science. With over 21 years of leadership experience within the organization, Ty employs a scientific approach to identify and capitalize on business opportunities that enhance agricultural practices and support customers. Ty co-owns a successful Veterinary Hospital and Rehabilitation Center with his wife, Dr. Tiffani Witten, a St. Charles-based facility dedicated to providing high-quality medical care and customized approach to pet rehabilitation. Ty earned his Ph.D. in Plant Physiology from Texas A&M University and now resides in Dardenne Prairie, MO with his wife, Tiffani, and their daughters, Taylor and Teagyn.