Taking the Lead

What does it really mean to design a space that works for everyone? In this episode of Taking the Lead , architect Chris Downey shares how losing his sight changed the way he approaches architecture and why truly inclusive design goes far beyond meeting accessibility codes. Tune in to hear how thoughtful, multi-sensory design can create spaces that are not only accessible, but more intuitive and e...

Meet 10th grader Ella Corby and her mom, Anna Corby, as they share how five years of puppy raising with Leader Dog has shaped confidence, responsibility, and a passion for service. From balancing school, sports, and 4-H to saying goodbye to four incredible dogs, Ella offers a heartfelt look at the impact puppy raisers have on the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired. This inspiring c...

Ronit Szczotka joins the podcast to share how her mother’s vision loss changed their family and led them to Leader Dog. She discusses navigating difficult emotions, finding humor and giving supporters permission to care for themselves, too. The conversation also explores how Leader Dog’s support groups connect loved ones at every stage of the journey.

In this episode of Taking the Lead , we sit down with Dr. Joshua Robinson, a leading low vision Doctor of Optometry at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, to explore how low vision rehabilitation helps people maintain independence and continue doing the things they love. From the growing impact of assistive technology and AI to the importance of connecting individuals with blindness and low visi...

In this episode of Taking the Lead , Leslie, Alyssa, and Timothy pull back the curtain on what it's really like to attend Orientation & Mobility or Guide Dog training at Leader Dog. From travel arrangements and campus life to individualized instruction, dining, and resident support, they walk listeners through every step of the experience and share reassuring insights for anyone considering tr...

In this episode of Taking the Lead , we sit down with Manny Puma, a psychology student, competitive goalball athlete, and Leader Dog client, to discuss his journey from lifelong cane user to guide dog handler and advocate for blind athletes. Manny shares how his experiences with Leader Dog, higher education, and adaptive sports have shaped his independence, confidence, and future goals, including...

In this episode of Taking the Lead , Leslie, Alyssa, and Timothy sit down with Erica Bearden, Director of Human Resources at Leader Dog, to explore what makes the organization’s culture, hiring process, and mission so unique. Erica shares her journey to Leader Dog, discusses the qualities that help team members thrive, and highlights exciting initiatives such as dual certification opportunities th...

Join us for a heartfelt summer short episode of Taking the Lead as we explore the life cycle of a Leader Dog, from puppy raiser to working guide and ultimately retirement. Tim shares his personal journey as he prepares for Glacier's retirement, offering an honest look at the emotions, decisions, and support that come with this important transition. It's a touching conversation about partnership, i...

This episode of Taking the Lead features Emily Sharp, a guide dog mobility instructor and program manager at Leader Dog, who shares her journey into the field and her current work supporting guide dog training and quality assurance. She highlights a recent collaborative harness study with university partners that explores how different harness designs impact guide dogs’ comfort, movement, and perf...

This episode of the Taking the Lead podcast highlights the critical work of advocacy and government relations to protect the rights of guide dog handlers. Featuring leaders from The Seeing Eye, the conversation explores common access challenges—especially rideshare discrimination—and the importance of education, legislation, and collaboration across organizations. The episode also offers practical...

In this episode of Taking the Lead , hosts welcome President and CEO Melissa Weisse for an inside look at the exciting work happening at Leader Dogs for the Blind. Melissa shares updates on the organization’s strategic plan, including new pilot programs, the historic Alumni Board, and plans for campus renovations designed to enhance accessibility and client experience. The conversation highlights...

In this episode of Taking the Lead , the team sits down with Trisha to explore her journey through vision loss, independence, and personal growth. She shares how her experience with Leader Dog programs and especially her partnership with her guide dog Libby became one of the richest relationships in her life and shaped her confidence, mobility, and outlook. Together, they reflect on how connection...

In this episode of Taking the Lead, we sit down with Mackenzie Nichols, a devoted puppy raiser whose journey with Leader Dogs for the Blind began on a college campus and grew into a lasting impact. Mackenzie shares what it was like raising four future guide dogs while balancing college life, leading an on‑campus puppy raising program, and preparing for veterinary school along with the powerful con...

This episode of the Taking the Lead podcast features Leader Dog alum Dylan Nichols, who shares how Orientation & Mobility training and his guide dog supported his journey toward greater independence, including a two‑month road trip evaluating accessible cities before relocating. The conversation highlights real‑world accessibility, public transportation, travel with a guide dog, and the impact...

On this week’s episode of Taking the Lead , we’re going behind the scenes. We are joined by Andy Hernandez, our Client Experience Supervisor, whose work helps ensure that every person who comes to campus feels comfortable, supported, and ready to focus on what matters most—learning new skills for independent travel.

In this episode we talk with Leader Dog team member Monica who is working to implement the Behavior Checklist, a system designed to track and support our dogs’ behavior across their entire lifecycle, from puppy raising to on-campus training and breeding.

On this episode of Taking the Lead we talk with Margaret and Lisa who are co-raising a Future Leader Dog together. They share their experience as co-raisers and the unconventional way they met!

On this episode we talk with   Jeannine Penzone, is a certified orientation and mobility specialist and a certified vision rehabilitation therapist at Leader Dogs for the Blind to give us an update on the Unmet Needs survey.

On this episode we talk with Tony Stephens the Assistant Vice President of Communications at the American Foundation for the Blind. With over 30 years of experience in management and communications for the nonprofit sector, he has spearheaded advocacy for national organizations such as the American Council of the Blind and National Industries for the Blind.

On this episode we talk with Lynn Gautreaux served as the Director of Orientation and Mobility at the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired and the statewide Director of O&M and Visually Impaired Services for Louisiana until his retirement after 30 years of service. His first association with Leader Dog was as a guest orientation and mobility instructor in 2006 and lucky for us he keeps c...

It's the start of a new Taking the Lead season! On this episode we talk with cohost Timothy Cuneio who is on campus for brush up instruction of his O&M skills along with his instructor COMS Garret Waldie.

We sit down with Guide Dog Mobility Instructor Katie Wattles, who brings over 20 years of experience, to explain the art and science behind matching a client with the right guide dog.

On this episode we talk with client Luis Sanchez about his journey with blindness and receiving services at Leader Dog.

We take a closer look at what it truly means to be ready for a guide dog. 

On this episode we talk with Stephanie Enyart the Chief Public Policy and Research Officer at the American Foundation for the Blind.