Meet our people
Meet the team
Meet the board
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
Hamilton Senior Trainer
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
Senior Trainer Southern Lakes
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. 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 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
Marketing Manager
With expertise in Marketing and a passion for not-for-profit work, I find immense fulfillment in the meaningful impact Mobility Dogs has on those in need. As a lifelong dog lover, the ethos of transforming lives through specially trained canines resonates deeply.
Phone: 0211 589 606
The Board has overall governance and accountability for Mobility Dogs, and is responsible for our strategic direction and key policies.
Kathy Peake – BVSc, DVCSc, DLDT
CHAIR
Deputy Chair
Karen Elliott – BSc Molecular Biology
Trustees
Robyn Scott-Vincent
Suzie Mudge – MHSc, PhD
Troy Kennedy – CA
Gregory Shanahan – LLM (Hons)