At Domino Service Dogs (DSD), our leadership reflects our mission. We are a disability-led organization, meaning our team is comprised of professionals who possess elite technical expertise in nonprofit management, finance, and advocacy—balanced with the "lived experience" of being current service dog handlers and graduate parents.
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.
Michael Neal | He/HimBoard 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.
Tim Gordon, CPA | He/HimBoard Member | Treasurer
Professional Background Tim Gordon is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a founding owner of LDGR Accounting Services. Since entering the accounting world in 2009, Tim has built a career centered on precision, focusing his expertise on income taxes for individuals, real estate investors, and small businesses. A graduate of Brigham Young University with a Masters of Accountancy, Tim moved to Colorado in 2009 and has since become a trusted financial voice for local business owners. As Treasurer, he brings an institutional level of fiscal transparency and rigorous oversight to Domino Service Dogs, ensuring every donor dollar is managed with the highest level of professional integrity.
The Personal Connection Tim’s dedication to DSD is rooted in his own family's journey. Tim and his wife, Amy, joined the DSD community in 2020 to train a poodle for their son, Finley. Before the arrival of his service dog, Finley struggled with sleep and sensory regulation; today, thanks to the "Domino Effect," those barriers have been replaced by stability and rest. Having walked the path from applicant to graduate parent, Tim provides a vital "lived-experience" perspective to our leadership. He is committed to ensuring other families can access the same life-changing independence that transformed his own home.
Dawn Russell | She/HerBoard 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 | Community Partner
Professional Background Beau Allen is a dedicated Colorado entrepreneur and owner of Performance Auto and founder of 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.
Executive LeadershipWhen you look at a traditional service dog agency, you usually see two things: a 5-year waiting list and a $35,000 - $65,000 price tag.
When Barbara’s daughter, Caitlin, needed a service dog to help navigate life in a wheelchair, those weren't just numbers. They were a brick wall. Traditional programs slammed the door, citing rigid age limits and impossible costs.
But mothers don’t accept walls.
Refusing to let a broken system dictate her daughter’s freedom, Barbara took matters into her own hands. She spent two grueling, dedicated years training Caitlin’s first service dog—a 95-pound Great Pyrenees named Badger.
The result? Absolute freedom. Badger didn't just pull Caitlin's wheelchair or assist with floor transfers; she gave her her life back.
Following in the legendary pawsteps of Badger came Talia Freedom Crusader, Caitlin’s second service dog and a profound force in her journey toward ultimate independence. 
If Badger laid the groundwork for mobility, Talia was the one who truly taught Caitlin how to fly. With an intuitive bond that transcended standard service work, Talia provided Caitlin with an unmatched sense of liberation, confidence, and limitless potential. She didn't just assist Caitlin in navigating the physical world; Talia elevated her spirit, breaking down the final emotional and societal barriers to let Caitlin's independence take full flight.
She looked around and saw thousands of other families trapped behind those same exact walls. So, in 2013, she founded Domino Service Dogs (DSD) to completely disrupt the industry. She created an affordable, inclusive "owner-trainer" model based on a simple, radical belief: Independence should be a right, not a luxury.
To back up her passion, Barbara became a powerhouse in the industry:
CPDT-KA, Service Dog Training through Service Dogs Inc., TAGteach Professional, Clicker Expo New York: Blending cutting-edge canine science with advanced coaching to empower human handlers to train their own dogs.
Service Animal Law Expert: Fighting on the legal frontlines to consult on statewide disability legislation and protect handler rights.
Following Caitlin’s passing, DSD transformed from a vital mission into an enduring legacy. Today, every single dog that graduates from Domino Service Dogs is a living tribute to Caitlin’s fierce, barrier-breaking spirit.
Through The Caitlin Tyra Brady Fund, Barbara ensures that financial hardship will never stand in the way of autonomy. Because at DSD, we aren't just training dogs. We are breaking down walls—just like Caitlin did.
