Executive Director

Shannon Preston

Shannon started her relationship with Service Dogs Alabama as a puppy-raiser, and her life has been filled with “Labrador Glitter” ever since.

“I am so excited to be part of such an amazing organization. We truly make a difference in so many lives EVERY DAY”

Shannon brings over 20 years of non-profit experience focused in strategy, management and fund development. As a nonprofit consultant, she has worked with hundreds of organizations and continues to teach and speak when her schedule allows. She, her husband Steve and her black labrador named Tallulah, call Fairhope, AL home when she is not on campus in Hope Hull.

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole - Roger Caras

Program Director

Ashley Taylor

An Alabama native, Ashley has worked as a Veterinary Technician, has volunteered with various breed rescues and shelters, and has shown various dog breeds in American Kennel Club Conformation Shows. 

In 2009, Ashley began working with Dogs On Call, a therapy dog organization, as a trainer and tester. In 2010, she helped co-found the K-9s 4 Kids Service Dog program and became Head Trainer and Evaluator. She now heads the canine training over approximately 50 inmates for the SDA prison training program.

Ashley enjoys implementing the most up to date A.D.I. standards and loves to research the latest sensory inclusive techniques to constantly improve SDA!

Facility Director

Paige Pritchett

Paige has been a member of the SDA team since April of 2018. She began her career with the organization as the Kennel Manager and, through her hard work and dedication, progressed to the position of Facility Director. 

Her extensive experience as a Veterinary Technician for 13 years, coupled with her passion for animals and helping people, made Service Dogs Alabama the perfect place for her. Her commitment to the organization and her love for animals has made SDA not just a job, but a place she truly calls home. 

The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too. - Samuel Butler

Program Manager

Summer Rogowski

Born and raised in Pensacola, FL, Summer has a life-long love of dogs, especially Labrador Retrievers.

She began working with Service Dogs Alabama in 2019. She moved to Montgomery, becoming SDA’s Lead Trainer in 2021 and currently serves as the ADI Accredited SDA Program Manager. She oversees both the Puppy Raiser and Socializer programs.

Most days you can find Summer problem-solving and creating individualized training plans for dogs as they are nearing the end of their training. You may also spot Summer around the state working on Public Access Training with future service dogs and speaking at events to educate folks about SDA and the work we do. She is a great support to all of our volunteers that help us raise and train our future heroes, and some even call her the “dog whisperer”….

When she isn’t working with SDA, she and her partner Kaila enjoy being on the water (especially fishing), and she loves any event where they can take a dog along.  

I want to work like a dog, doing what I was born to do with joy and purpose. I want to play like a dog, with total, jolly abandon - Oprah Winfrey

Volunteer Coordinator

Erin Norton

A proud graduate of the University of Alabama, Erin transitioned from careers in sales and marketing to join Service Dogs Alabama in pursuit of a meaningful role that aligns with her passions—dogs, veterans, and children.

Married to a 68W in the Army, she juggles life with three amazing kids, two playful cats, and three lovable dogs.  The favorite part of her job is witnessing the incredible bond between our service dogs and the people they empower.

As she always says…

A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself - Josh Billings

Program & Facility Coordinator

Kaylar Popplewell

Meet Kayla! She graduated from Tallassee High School, Class of 2014, and currently lives in the Tallassee area.

She and her partner have two dogs, Buster and Peppa, and three kitties, Hammy, Breen, and Birdie. Her background is in retail management, but she always wanted to work with animals. When she started with SDA, her passion for animals grew into the passion of purpose. She fully believes in our purpose to raise and train service dogs for recipients to regain their independence.

Her favorite thing about her job is being able to pass the dogs onto their recipients for the first time and see the instant connection and purpose of their training.

Be the person your dog thinks you are - C.J. Frick

Trainer

Hannah Ellison

Hannah graduated from Auburn University in 2023 as a wildlife biologist, where she also honed her skills in dog training and care by volunteering with Auburn’s detection canine breeding and training program.

She lives in Auburn with her ten year old lab Colonel, who is training and trialing in nosework and various dog sports for fun.

With over 10 years of experience working with dogs, she’s excited to continue advancing her knowledge of dog training at SDA, while helping dogs reach their potential and making a difference in the lives of people in need.

There is nothing truer in this world than the love of a good dog - Mira Grant

Service Dogs Alabama does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.

Service Dogs Alabama is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.