Taking the Lead

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.

In this episode, we talk with client Jeff Petersen, who came to Leader Dog for both orientation and mobility as well as a guide dog. He shares his experiences with blindness and how our programs have impacted his journey. 

In this episode, we chat with client Maria Kristic and cohost Timothy Cuneio about Meta Smart Glasses, exploring their pros and cons for users in the blind and low vision community. 

On this episode we talk with Avril Rinn a guide dog client who is working with her 3rd dog Louie and she serves as the secretary on the Leader Dog board. 

The hosts of the Taking the Lead podcast share about themselves for new listeners and Timothy shares his story with blindness. 

On this episode we talk with client Juanita Lillie who is the chair of our new alumni board about what the board is and how clients can get involved.

On this episode we talk with client Krista Webb on her experience with Leader Dog and her passion of wood burning.

In this episode we talk with Megan Jones, manager of canine care and welfare, about what her team does to care for and enrich the lives of our dogs in training.

In this episode we hear all about the facilities team and the work they do to keep the Leader Dog campus running smoothly.

On this episode we talk with Lauren and Greg who are puppy raisers for Leader Dogs for the Blind. They talk about how they got involved and why they continue to raise puppies.