ABOUT PADS
Mission
PADS supports people with disabilities and community care providers by partnering them with certified assistance dogs.
Vision
Be YOU. With Us.
PADS is committed to equality across race, gender, age, religion, identity, ability and experience. We invite you to bring your whole self to our team, helping us to change lives, one dog —and person—at a time.
Values
Respect | We hold in high esteem those who support our mission with their time, their money, or their actions. We are kind to our dogs and always consider their dignity and health.
Accountability | We exhibit a high level of care and conduct when considering or taking action.
Integrity | We are sincere and genuine when we consider or take action.
Trust | We appreciate those who place their confidence in us, and we act in ways to maintain that level of faith in our mission.
Transparency | We conduct ourselves openly and consider stakeholders and the community as our partners in the fulfillment of our mission.
PROUD TO BE CANADA’S 1ST FULLY ACCREDITED ASSISTANCE DOG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
PADS achieved full accreditation from Assistance Dogs International (ADI) in 2002. ADI is the international body that sets standards for assistance dog training, placement and client care. ADI has a comprehensive accreditation system and members have to be regularly assessed to ensure they meet the high standards expected of assistance dog programs. We strive to meet or exceed the standards and ethics developed by the ADI Standards and Ethics Committee.
Keryn Turner
Manager
Service Dog Programs
Libby Mathew
Manager
Finance & Administration
Chelsea Baird
Manager
Puppy Program
Jacob Rogers
Manager
Client Care
Kaylie Foster
Manager
Breeding & Medical
Margaret Hicks
Manager
AFD & PTSD Dog Program
Jane Short
Manager
Community Development
Meredith Areskoug
Acting Manager
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Laura Watson (LAKE Errock, British Columbia)
Chair
Laura Watson brings extensive governance experience from local to national boards, with a strong background in strategic planning and organizational development. She currently serves as High-Performance Pursuit Lead at Own the Podium, where she supports Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic coaches and technical leaders in their pursuit of excellence. A lifelong learner, Laura earned a Masters degree as a graduate of the University of British Columbia and the Sauder School of Business, and combines academic expertise with hands-on leadership to strengthen systems and people alike.
Laura is passionate about creating environments where people can thrive and brings this same commitment to her work with PADS. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys time outdoors, golf, swimming, and life with her ridiculous Bernese Mountain Dog, Murphy.
Kristy James (North Vancouver, British Columbia)
Vice Chair
Kristy James is the President & CEO at Burnaby Hospital Foundation.
She is an experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & health care industry. Skilled in Planned Giving, Nonprofit Organizations, Capital Campaigns, Event Management, and Volunteer Management. Strong business development professional graduated from British Columbia Institute of Technology / BCIT.
Lisa Hoglund (Delta, British Columbia)
Secretary
Lisa Hoglund is the CEO of Delta Hospital and Community Health Foundation. With over 20 years in the non-profit sector, she has led impactful community engagement and development initiatives, driving major milestones for the Foundation. Her previous roles at BC Women’s Hospital Foundation and Boys and Girls Clubs of South Coast BC built her expertise in fundraising, strategic planning, and donor relations.
Lisa’s commitment to advancing healthcare in Delta continues to strengthen donor partnerships and address critical needs. She earned her Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation in 2021 and was honored with the King Charles Coronation Medal in 2024 for her leadership and service.
She is honoured to be on the PADS Board of Directors as the organization builds its capacity to serve people with disabilities and community care providers.
Brenda Lee (Vancouver, British Columbia)
TREASURER
Brenda Lee is a Chartered Professional Accountant with an MBA and over 20 years of combined experience in accounting and IT. She began her career at KPMG and later served as Director of Finance at ContainerWest Manufacturing, where she led financial strategy and tech modernization. Now a financial consultant, Brenda blends accounting expertise with tech knowledge to deliver integrated solutions.
A dedicated volunteer, she’s supported tax clinics, marine rescue efforts, and CPA education initiatives. Brenda enjoys outdoor adventures, training her miniature schnauzer, and contributing to causes that promote community wellbeing.
Howard Blank (Vancouver, British Columbia)
DIRECTOR AT LARGE
Howard Blank has a distinguished background in entertainment, media, and the nonprofit sector. He is the founder and CEO of Point-Blank Entertainment Ltd. and has helped raise over $1 billion for charities across North America. He serves on numerous public boards in BC and acts as ambassador for organizations including ZLC Financial, White Spot Restaurants, and the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC.
Howard is a recipient of multiple honours, including the Queen’s Jubilee Medal, BC Community Achievement Medal, and the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteerism. He was recently awarded the King’s Coronation Medal and named to BIV’s Top 500 Executives.
Debbie Carver (Calgary, Alberta)
DIRECTOR AT LARGE
Debbie Carver brings over 25 years of expertise in corporate communications and investor relations, working with public, private, and nonprofit organizations across Calgary. She is currently part of Graham Construction’s Investor Relations Team, supporting their employee ownership program.
A graduate of the University of Calgary with a Business Management Certificate, Debbie is a long-standing member of the Canadian Investor Relations Institute. She also has 35+ years of volunteer leadership with Cystic Fibrosis Canada and serves on the Calgary Stampede Promotion Committee.
Outside of work, Debbie enjoys travel, wine tasting, and time with her rescue pup, Frankie.