By training service dogs and uniting communities, we:
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Leaders | Photographer | Board Members
- Jillian M. Ashton
- Denise “Dino” Sierp
- Sean Diamond
- Sandi Clark
- Brynne Johnson
- Julie Mathias
- Maureen “Moe” Kiley
Jillian grew up in the Pittsburgh area, moving to Indianapolis in 1996 to work for Alpha Gamma Delta International Headquarters. She decided to stay once she realized Indy had a lot to offer someone who wanted to make a difference in the community.
After serving as an ICAN volunteer and board member for over 10 years, Jillian became president in 2013.
Jillian has a heart for mission and a mind for business. She has developed a strong dedication to the nonprofit sector after serving in various fundraising and management roles at the American Heart Association, Community Health Network, and the Indy Chamber. Jillian also owned her own small business for a time, gaining confidence in financial planning.
Jillian is the Chairman of the Assistance Dog International (ADI) Education Committee, as well as a member of the ADI North American Board of Directors. She’s also on the board of directors for Indy Concerts for a Cause and an active member of Carmel’s Northview Church.
For questions about board relations, risk management, ICAN staff, donor relations, or culture, please contact Jillian.
Dino is our professional in events planning, communication, donor and sponsor support, and so much more. She loves dogs of all shapes, sizes, and colors, but her black Golden-Lab named Marj has a huge piece of her heart!
Dino has a bachelor’s degree in social work and over 40 years of event management experience. She began volunteering with ICAN in 2007, then helped us plan and coordinate our Decade of Dogs Celebration in 2012. Since then, Dino has been helping us serve the community as our Director of Development and Outreach.
For questions about donor relations, marketing, speaking requests, Tails to Tell, sponsorships, ICAN events, or media inquiries, please contact Dino.
Sean was introduced to dog training in November 2004 with ICAN. He went on to graduate from the Karen Pryor Training Academy (dog training) in 2009. During that time, he was also working towards his Social Work degree and received his Bachelors’s in Social Work (BSW) from Purdue University.
Sean has been involved with ICAN since 2004 in a variety of roles: a handler, volunteer, client, and staff member. While employed as Director of Rehabilitation Services for The Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Center in Gary, Indiana, he was blessed with an ICAN Facility Dog named Cubby.
In 2011, Sean left The Salvation Army, moved to Indianapolis, and worked in the Behavior Department of IndyHumane. He has also been a staff member of the Indy Mega Adoption Event for the past eight years overseeing the handling, behavior, and management of the dogs during these events.
In 2013, Sean was hired as Director of Training for ICAN and has been in that role since then. ‘’I have a job that is difficult not to love on a daily basis,’’ said Sean. ‘’There are so many fulfilling moments in ICAN and working with dogs. The daily tasks of working with and enjoying the company of man’s best friend, seeing the sense of accomplishment in the offender handlers eyes as the dogs’ progress, and they learn, not only skills but that they can succeed as individuals; and seeing the clients life change with the assistance of a service dog. What’s not to love?’’
Sean brings a unique and valuable perspective on ICAN’s mission to unleash abilities on both ends of the leash.
For questions regarding the prison program and training, please contact Sean.
Sandi has a big heart for our mission, and she brings years of patient care experience to ICAN with a focus on others — and now service dogs!
In 2010, Sandi got involved with ICAN as a breeder caretaker for a dog named Willow. Now she’s our Director of Client Success. If you’re interested in applying for a service dog, you’ll get to know her well!
For questions regarding service dog applications, public access evaluation, client/dog pairings, or refresher classes, please contact Sandi.
Brynne interned with ICAN in 2016 before receiving her bachelor’s degree in social work. She quickly fell in love with our mission for changing lives (and our dogs!) and started working for us a year later. Brynne received her MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2020, and she now serves our community as ICAN’s Operations Manager.
For questions about payables and receivables, donations and pledges, office management, “If These Dogs Could Talk” presentations — or if you have a question but don’t know who to ask — please contact Brynne.
While pursuing dual bachelor’s degrees in animal behavior and neuroscience at Indiana University, Julie heard a presentation about ICAN and instantly wanted to join our mission. She and a fellow classmate founded ICAN at IU, a student organization that focuses on assistance dog education, fundraising, and volunteer efforts to support ICAN.
Now as our Volunteer and Canine Coordinator, Julie works directly with our furloughers, trainers, and other wonderful volunteers.
For questions on becoming an ICAN furlougher or a general volunteer, please contact Julie.
In 2011, after watching a small puppy walk down the halls of Eli Lilly, Moe wanted to get involved with ICAN. She first joined us as a furlougher, then as a puppy raiser. Later, Moe deepened her commitment by becoming our Volunteer Furlough Coordinator.
Once Moe retired, she was able to devote more time to our breeding and puppy-raising programs. In 2020, she joined our staff as the Breeding and Puppy Development (Whelping) Coordinator.
“There is nothing like helping to bring a puppy into this world and, two years later, watching it walk across the graduation stage with its person,” Moe says. “It changes the life of that person forever.”
For questions regarding ICAN’s breeding program, the American Breeding Cooperative (ABC), or becoming a whelping host and sitter, please contact Moe.
Liz Kaye has volunteered for ICAN as a professional photographer since 2010. She is a graduate of Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara, California.
Her earlier career included being the Photo Resources Manager for Day Dream Publishing and a photo agent for several photographers. Her images have appeared in Dog Fancy (and on the cover), Cat Fancy, and in retail calendars published by Willow Creek Press, Browntrout, Mead, and Barnes & Noble.
Since 2013, Liz has worked as the photographer for IUPUI, where her primary role is to document life on campus with images from classrooms, student life, student events, portraits, and special assignments at the request of the Chancellor’s office. Her images are on websites, social media, and various print materials to market IUPUI. One of her photos appeared in The Washington Post. She was recently awarded 2nd Place in the People & Portrait category for the November 2020 competition with UPAA - University Photographers Association of America.
She is passionate about ICAN’s mission. ‘’One of the areas I love to photograph is the connection of how a handler, who trained the dog, can creatively adjust those skills to meet the needs of the client,’’ says Liz. “At some given moment, you sense a powerful connection happening between them and the dog, and it’s the magic of that moment that I hope my photography will convey to others.’’
Chairman
Alex Szarenski is a manager at Katz, Sapper, and Miller. He discovered ICAN and developed a passion for our mission, so he began his involvement by serving on our budget and finance committee.
According to Alex, “ICAN’s exceptional reputation is reflective of its success in providing people with disabilities an increased ability to live an enriched lifestyle while helping incarcerated individuals develop life skills that will be invaluable to their reintegration into society.”
Alex is humbled and honored to have the opportunity to serve as an ICAN board member.
Vice Chair
Heather Quigley-Allen serves as the Vice President of Customer Success for Salesforce.org. In her role, she leads a team dedicated to helping nonprofits and educational institutions deliver on their missions through technology.
Prior to working at Salesforce.org, Heather spent nine years as the Vice President of Marketing and Resource Development at Bosma Enterprises, a nonprofit serving people who are blind or visually impaired.
When she’s not at work, Heather enjoys traveling, training for her next triathlon, and spending time with her husband and pets.
Treasurer
Alex Ward is a CPA for Greenwalt CPAs in Indianapolis. He joined the firm in 2016 after graduating from Indiana Wesleyan University with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Alex is a member of Greenwalt’s Employee Benefit Plan Audits and Manufacturing and Distribution Services teams.
Alex serves on ICAN’s Budget and Finance Committee and on the Young Leaders Board for Joy’s House. He is also a member of the Indiana CPA Society and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Secretary
Debbie Johnson is a senior director in the commercial real estate industry. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and Media Studies from Purdue University.
Debbie loves ICAN and Golden Retrievers! She and her husband, Bruce, enjoy spending time with their beautiful Golden Retrievers, Hannah and Emma.
James is Vice President of Program Services at Bosma Enterprises, a nonprofit serving people who are blind or visually impaired. He has years of experience in program development, as well as working with individuals who have disabilities.
A member of NASW/LCSW, James also serves on the Mayor’s Advisory Council of Disability; the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired; and the Rehabilitation Commission.
David Bursten is the Director of Community Engagement for the Indiana Department of Corrections. He has 41 years of law enforcement experience; David served as a military police officer in the United States Army, as well as a city officer in Santa Monica, California.
David recently concluded a 36-year career with the Indiana State Police (ISP), where he worked as a road trooper, on the Governor’s Security Staff, and in the ISP Training Division. From 1995 to 2019, David performed public information-related assignments while holding the ranks of Trooper, Sergeant, and First Sergeant.
Over the course of his public information career, David has provided media relations training for public safety professionals starting their careers, for veteran and command level police personnel, and for private-sector professionals.
Marc Pellissier has been a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley for almost 15 years. He lives in Fishers with his wife, Ginnie, their son, and their two dogs.
The Pellissiers attended “If These Dogs Could Talk” and were hooked by our mission and the life-changing results our service dogs bring. Ginnie is a speech-language pathologist at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, and she applied for an ICAN facility dog to help her in her rehabilitation work with the kids. Millie soon joined their family and now works with Ginnie as a facility dog at Peyton Manning’s St. Vincent Pediatric Rehabilitation Center.
Marc went through handler training at the prison so he could play an active role in Millie’s journey. Since then, he has been an avid ICAN supporter and volunteer. Most recently, Marc organized two events through Morgan Stanley to support us and assisted in hosting tables at 2019’s Wine and Wags Fundraiser. Marc and Ginnie are firm believers in our mission of love on both ends of the leash.
Tom Stafford is a partner at Krieg DeVault, an Indianapolis law firm. His main practice area is in the design and implementation of Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and related ESOP Fiduciary issues.
Additionally, Tom advises clients on maintenance and compliance for qualified retirement plans (based on ERISA mandates), employee benefits, executive compensation, and health and wellness plans. He also helps clients navigate HIPAA privacy, security and nondiscrimination requirements, COBRA continuation coverage requirements, and Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandates.
Dr. Van Ryzin is an Emergency Medicine Staff Physician at the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs at Richard L. Roudebush Medical Center. She received her medical degree in Emergency Medicine Residency from the IU School of Medicine in June 2018. Dr. Van Ryzin also served as 1st Lieutenant with the Wisconsin Army National Guard for four years.
Dr. Van Ryzin conducted a pilot study at Riley Hospital for Children, where she explored the effect of a therapy dog-handler team on stress levels of pediatric patients and their families. She completed another study at Eskenazi Hospital, where she investigated stress reduction of Emergency Department staff through dog therapy; this can, in turn, improve patient-doctor communication and result in decreased medical error.
During her spare time, Dr. Van Ryzin enjoys travel, bird watching, soccer, dancing, piano, entomology, and swimming.
Beverly (Bev) Middaugh Bev is the Founder and President of Bright Ideas in Broad Ripple, which she started 38 years ago. Being a business owner has taught her about motivating and managing people, as well as building consensus among different cultures, ages, sexes, interests, and abilities.
Bev says that with ICAN, there are only winners: the handlers, the volunteers, the clients, and the dogs…..plus the families and friends of these groups! She envisions a bright future for these folks and understands the importance of each individual feeling valuable.When she’s not at work, Bev enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and being with her grand dog, Brody!
Karyn Nishimura Sneath is the Director of Education for the Society of Professional Journalists. She also owns Npower, a nonprofit-focused leadership and organizational development consulting practice. Through Npower, Karyn has served over 240 clients consisting of associations, foundations, fraternal organizations, professional societies, and universities. She likes to describe herself as a flexible (and fun) facilitator, a smart strategic planner, and a creative consultant.
Karyn volunteers extensively with the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), served on the board for two years, and was named a 2018 ASAE fellow. In addition, she served with ASAE’s Professional Development Section Council, Diversity & Inclusion Committee, and the annual ASAE Future Leaders Conference. Karyn is also a volunteer board member for The Shift Initiative, a nonprofit whose mission is to help people shift the way they think and speak about mental health.
Karyn has been married to her husband, Steve, since 1992. Both are thankful they bonded while working at Wichita State University in the early 1990s and playing on a recreational softball team together. Karyn is constantly learning from one of the most interesting and thoughtful female leaders: her teenage daughter, Skyler.
David Glenn has proudly spent his entire life in Indiana - graduating from North Central High School and attending Indiana University Bloomington (Go Hoosiers!). After college, he joined his dad to run the local toy company Kipp Brothers. In 2009, David purchased CoasterStone and brought back this historic Indiana company. Since then, David has continued to acquire companies to diversify his product offerings and remain a local employer.
When he’s not growing and managing companies across the county (and globally with international suppliers!), David enjoys spending time with his wife, Sara, and their four beautiful children. He also enjoys coaching his kids' soccer and basketball teams, and supporting whatever other activity they enjoy at that moment.
David currently serves on the IU Foundation Board of Associates and supports local organizations such as the Carmel Library Foundation, Carmel Clay Schools, Carmel Dads Club, Popsie's Pantry, Grace Care Center, and (of course) ICAN.
Courtney Arango is the manager of external and global corporate communications for Indianapolis Power & Light Company (IPL), which provides electric service to more than 500,000 customers throughout central Indiana. She also spent three years as Governor Holcomb’s communications director, assisting with his Next Level agenda — focusing on Hoosier infrastructure, economic development, public health, workforce and education, and delivering great government service.
Courtney is a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer who represents children in the Hendricks County Juvenile Court System. She is active in professional boards and organizations such as the Downtown Indy, Inc. marketing board, DevelopIndy board, and the Indiana Energy Association public affairs committee. She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America, International Association of Business Communicators, and the Economic Club of Indiana.
Courtney holds a certificate from the National Institute for Crisis Communications and a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communication from Marquette University. She is an Indianapolis native and lives with her husband and their dog in Hendricks County.
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