Board Member / Chair
Professional Background
Ian Engle serves as the Executive Director of the Northwest Colorado Center for Independence (NWCCI), based in Steamboat Springs. With decades of experience in the Independent Living movement, Ian is a fierce advocate for the civil rights of people with disabilities. His work focuses on rural advocacy, ensuring that individuals across the Western Slope and beyond have the resources, peer support, and systemic advocacy needed to live self-directed lives.
The Personal Connection Ian’s philosophy is rooted in the "nothing about us without us" principle. As a leader in the Colorado disability community, he understands that independence is not just a goal—it is a fundamental right. Ian joined the Domino Service Dogs community to help bridge the gap between high-level advocacy and the tangible, life-changing impact of a service dog partnership. He is dedicated to ensuring that DSD continues to break down the barriers that prevent Coloradans from accessing the tools they need to navigate their world with dignity.
Board Member / Co-Chair
Professional Background Michael Neal is a seasoned leader in the Colorado disability advocacy landscape, currently serving as the Executive Director of the Center for People With Disabilities (CPWD). With a career spanning decades, Michael has been a driving force in the Independent Living movement, working to ensure that people with disabilities have the resources, housing, and support systems necessary to lead self-determined lives. His expertise lies in navigating the complex intersections of policy, community health, and individual rights.
The Personal Connection For Michael, advocacy isn't just a career; it’s a commitment to community. He understands that for many, a service dog is the missing piece of the independence puzzle. By serving on the board of Domino Service Dogs, Michael brings a wealth of knowledge in systemic advocacy and a deep passion for removing the financial and social hurdles that stand in the way of dog ownership. He is dedicated to the "Domino Effect"—the idea that when one barrier falls, a world of possibility opens up for a fellow Coloradan.
your current donors give and what personal attachment they have to your mission. If your audience is potential clients (people to help), think about the situations they find themselves in and what concerns they have when they come to you for assistance. Talk to them at their level, not above it. Don't create artificial barriers by formalizing your language.
Board Member / Community Advocate
Professional Background Dawn Russell is a cornerstone of the Colorado disability rights movement. As a long-time advocate with the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition (CCDC) and a prominent voice in ADAPT, Dawn has spent her life on the front lines of social justice. Her work is rooted in the belief that people with disabilities belong in the community, not in institutions. From legislative advocacy to direct action, Dawn has been instrumental in shaping policies that protect the civil rights and personal freedoms of Coloradans with disabilities.
The Personal Connection Dawn knows that true independence is earned through courage and community. She joined Domino Service Dogs because she recognizes that a service dog is more than a companion—it is a tool for liberation. Dawn brings a lifetime of "lived experience" to the board, ensuring that DSD stays true to its mission of protecting dignity and restoring independence. She is a passionate believer that every individual should have the support they need to navigate their world on their own terms, and she works to ensure that no barrier is too high for a DSD team to overcome.
Board Member / Treasurer
Professional Background Tim Gordon is a respected leader in the Colorado media and communications landscape, bringing over three decades of experience in broadcasting and community engagement to the Domino Service Dogs board. As a veteran of the Denver news industry, Tim has a unique talent for storytelling and a deep understanding of how to connect people with the resources they need. His professional background helps DSD amplify its message and reach families across the Front Range who are searching for independence.
The Personal Connection Tim’s commitment to DSD is deeply personal—he has seen the "Domino Effect" transform his own home. His son is a graduate of the DSD program, and Tim has witnessed firsthand how the bond with a service dog can break down barriers to participation and restore a sense of confidence and autonomy. Having navigated the journey from applicant to graduate parent, Tim brings an essential "lived-experience" perspective to our leadership. He is dedicated to ensuring that other families have the same opportunity to see their loved ones thrive through the power of a service dog partnership.
Board Member / Community Advocate
Professional Background Dawn Russell is a cornerstone of the Colorado disability rights movement. As a long-time advocate with the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition (CCDC) and a prominent voice in ADAPT, Dawn has spent her life on the front lines of social justice. Her work is rooted in the belief that people with disabilities belong in the community, not in institutions. From legislative advocacy to direct action, Dawn has been instrumental in shaping policies that protect the civil rights and personal freedoms of Coloradans with disabilities.
The Personal Connection Dawn knows that true independence is earned through courage and community. She joined Domino Service Dogs because she recognizes that a service dog is more than a companion—it is a tool for liberation. Dawn brings a lifetime of "lived experience" to the board, ensuring that DSD stays true to its mission of protecting dignity and restoring independence. She is a passionate believer that every individual should have the support they need to navigate their world on their own terms, and she works to ensure that no barrier is too high for a DSD team to overcome.
Since Beau Allen is the owner of both Performance Auto and Charity Garage, his bio is even more powerful. It demonstrates a direct, practical commitment to nonprofit work and community service.
Here is the updated bio for Beau Allen, incorporating his dual roles:
Board Member / Community Partner
Professional Background Beau Allen is a dedicated Colorado entrepreneur and the owner of Performance Auto and Charity Garage. While Performance Auto is known for its high-quality service and integrity, Charity Garage represents Beau’s innovative approach to philanthropy—using the automotive industry as a vehicle to support local nonprofits. As a business leader, Beau brings expertise in operations, strategic networking, and community-driven business models to the Domino Service Dogs board.
The Personal Connection Beau’s work is rooted in the belief that businesses have a responsibility to lift up the communities they serve. He was drawn to Domino Service Dogs because of our "This Work Is Personal" mission and our focus on restoring dignity through independence. Through his work at Charity Garage, Beau has seen firsthand the power of community-funded support, and he is passionate about applying that same "Domino Effect" to help our owner-trainers. He is committed to ensuring that financial barriers never stand in the way of a life-changing service dog partnership for our Colorado neighbors.
