Meet our team

    Jody Wilson

    General Manager

    Working for Mobility Dogs brings together my interest in disability issues, my academic work (Biological/Social Anthropology and Social Science for Public Health) and now, working with people whose reality is the lived experience of disability.

    Phone: (027) 700 7017

    Corinna Cooper

    Auckland Senior Trainer

    I’ve worked as a vet nurse, zookeeper and detector-dog handler, but Mobility Dogs brings together my love of dogs and people. I co-ordinate and support our puppy raisers, manage vet visits and support the training team. I feel privileged to be making a positive difference in people’s lives.

    Phone: (021) 241 4098

    Sarah Carley

    Trainer Auckland

    I have held a number of roles within the government sector, including biosecurity dog handling, engagement and frontline coaching/ training. I have an applied science background, majoring in animal management and welfare. I coordinate the ‘Puppies in Prison’ programme and support our dogs and clients with advanced training.

    Phone: (027) 700 7016

    Veronica Garcia Gil

    Senior Trainer Hamilton

    I started training dogs in 1994 and have been supporting Mobility Dogs since 2010 as a puppy raiser and as the Hamilton Coordinator. I have a Masters in Animal behaviour and am passionate about animal training, enrichment, and welfare. Now as a Senior Canine Handler, my desire to directly assist people with disabilities while following my passion for training dogs has become a reality.

    Phone: (027) 700 9656

    Grant Reid

    Southern Lakes Senior Trainer

    I have raised puppies for many years, and after retiring to New Zealand, I have continued this work with Mobility Dogs. I train the puppies, along with conducting monthly puppy meetings, train existing and new puppy raisers, and I also place fully-trained dogs with disabled clients. 

    Phone: 021 288 2660

    Gemma Overton

    Client Coordinator – Applicants

    I have been involved in the disability sector for 12 years both personally and professionally.  I have two wonderful daughters and my eldest daughter has Cerebral Palsy.  My passion is helping support individuals and whanau to navigate living with disability in NZ. I see this role as an extension of my previous experience as a Family Support Manager in the disability sector, combined with my love of animals.  I am so impressed by the Trust and its programmes so feel it is such a privilege to be a part of the team.

    Phone: 027 700 1721

    Maree Butler

    Client Coordinator

    I started volunteering at the Guide Dogs for the Blind Breeding Centre and quickly realised this was the right career change to make. I completed the Service Dog Instructor Certification at the Bergin University of Canine Studies in mid-2017, and I am delighted to be a part of the Mobility Dogs team in the role of Client Coordinator.

    Phone: (027) 700 2248

    Dianne Armstrong CBE, FFINZ

    Funding & Grants Coordinator

    I have worked in the charitable sector for many years and income generation for great causes is my passion.  I am a Fellow of the Fundraising Institute of NZ and involved with many groups working to support Management and Governance structures in charities. For many years I volunteered as a puppy walker and am always amazed at the amazing gift these animals bring with a wag to humans.

    Phone: 027 274 6545

    Penny White

    Social Media and Marketing

    I have worked in Marketing for my whole career and have also worked in the not-for-profit space for quite a while now. I love working for an organisation that is able to do something so meaningful for people who have a need. I am a long time dog lover and I love the whole ethos of Mobility Dogs.

    Phone: 0211 589 606