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There have been some significant and innovative changes in the Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs Training and Client Services team over the past few months.
The entire Training team now comprises Instructors. This ensures that all those who are training dogs are also training clients, both with their new dogs and in field-work, on a regular basis. By doing this, Instructors can best understand the constantly evolving needs of our clients, and the impact of their work on our client base.
Heading up the team is Chief Instructor Patrick Glines. Originally from the US, Patrick brings over 22 years of experience to his role having previously worked with Guide Dogs for the Blind in Oregon and the Guide Dog Federation for the Blind. Patrick, both an Assessor for the IGDF and a dual-trained O&M. He oversees the training and instruction of all staff, and is the principal driver of the innovative changes happening at Seeing Eye Dogs.
Senior instructor Caitlin Smith also hails from America and brings 10 years of experience from Guide Dogs for the Blind in the US. Caitlin also spent a year with Guide Dogs of America in Los Angeles and has experience as a puppy raiser. She is using her energy, knowledge and expertise to educate our three new Trainee Instructors; Emma Hales, Jenny Humeniuk and Carly Gregorich. Under Caitlin’s guidance, the team, including seasoned instructors Kylie Gersh and Stephanie Karevska, as well as newly qualified SED Instructor Brooke Anderson, is working hard to implement some new training techniques based around positive reinforcement. With this new focus, we are creating stronger initiative and engagement with our Seeing Eye Dogs, ultimately providing first-class dogs for our client.
10-year veteran member of the SED Instructor team Lester Chraim, leads client services at Seeing Eye Dogs. Lester started out as a Trainee Instructor in New Zealand before returning home to Brazil where he worked as an Instructor with Hellen Keller Guide Dog School and IRIS. Lester also most recently held the role as interim Puppy Development Manager.
Joining in early 2018, Letisha Watson (Teish), heads up our NDIS service engagement. Teish was recruited for her knowledge and experience with the NDIS and works with our clients to help them navigate the ever-changing waters. A passion for client service drives Teish to ensure that clients get everything they from Seeing Eye Dogs. Our clients are now able to receive more service hours than ever before with Teish advocating by their side.
Our newest recruit, seasoned Instructor Yoav Ortov is from Israel where he spent five years working for the Israeli Guide Dog Centre, training both dogs and Instructors. He has also spent six months in Oregon working with Guide Dogs for the Blind. Yoav’s experience will help with the production of world-class dogs and instruction for a top- notch client experience.