Working Like Dogs

On this episode of Working Like Dogs on Pet Life Radio, Marcie and her loyal service dog, Fenway, sit down with Chris Diefenthaler, Executive Director of Assistance Dogs International (ADI). As the leading authority in the development of standards for the assistance dog industry, ADI is a global coalition of nonprofit organizations that raise, train, and place assistance dogs. Chris shares insights about ADI’s rigorous accreditation process, its critical role in shaping industry best practices, and highlights from the groundbreaking Paws for Access report. Tune in to learn how ADI is working to ensure that individuals with disabilities have safe, reliable access to expertly trained assistance dogs around the world.

Listen to Episode #196 Now:

BIO:

Chris Diefenthaler is a visionary leader with over 28 years’ experience and a proven track record in nonprofit leadership, financial management, strategic planning, operations manager, program development and implementation, and community collaboration. For the past 8 years, she has led Assistance Dogs International (ADI) through tremendous membership growth and program development to be the leading authority in the assistance dog industry. From her experience of managing a variety of nonprofit organizations, she has a strong understanding of the issues and challenges facing nonprofit organizations.   Her strengths include visionary planning, engaging in and collaborating with industry partners and stakeholders, recruiting dedicated volunteers and coaching staff to obtain results.  Previously, Chris was the deputy director for the Wood County Emergency Manager Agency, and the director of the Wood County American Red Cross leading a dedicated core of volunteers in disaster services, education, and blood drive services.

Chris and her husband have two adult daughters and five grandchildren.  They have a black lab, Tori that has a wonderful, sweet temperament and an ornery orange tabby cat, Scout.  Chris enjoys outdoor activities playing tennis, Pickleball, biking and walking at local Metroparks.  

Transcript: