We are lucky to have experienced and dedicated specialists on staff

Kati Rule: Placement and Training Director

Kati is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) through Animal Behavior College. She has a BA in Psychology and a minor in Special Education, focusing on Autism. She is experienced in assessing and restructuring environments to maximize children’s developmental progress; prior positions include working for the State of Oregon providing training and in-home support for families with special needs. Her training and experience in positive behavior support and her ABA training makes Kati an extremely talented and effective placement and training director for ASDA.

Laurel Oliver-Gilmore: Program Administrator

Laurel began working with children with autism spectrum disorders in 2003. She received her Master’s Degree in Special Education, and has since worked in public schools as a special education teacher and autism consultant. She became involved with ASDA in 2008 as a volunteer in the puppy raiser program. Laurel has since increased her involvement with ASDA, and currently provides a variety of supports to the program. Laurel is also certified in Animal Assisted Therapy.

Kelly Sosa: Advanced Trainer

Kelly began volunteering for ASDA in middle school, and continued on to become a puppy raiser. Kelly completed ASDA’s Apprenticeship Program, and became an ASDA certified Advanced Trainer in June, 2011. Kelly is currently a student at Southern Oregon University, accompanied by an ASDA service dog in advanced training.

Lindsay Chavez: Advanced Trainer

Lindsay joined ASDA in 2008 as a volunteer puppy raiser. She completed ASDA’s Apprenticeship Program, and became an ASDA certified Advanced Trainer in June, 2011. Lindsay is currently studying special education as a student at Western Oregon University, accompanied daily by an ASDA service dog in advanced training.