Meet Our Executive Team!

Faculty Co-Advisor
Dr. Emily Bray
She/Her
Dr. Emily Bray is an Assistant Professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Arizona, where she directs the BRAY Lab (Behavioral Research Across Years Lab). She has been conducting research with Canine Companions since 2011.

Faculty Co-Advisor
Dr. Kerri Rodriguez
She/Her
Dr. Kerri Rodriguez is an Assistant Professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Arizona, where she directs the HAB Lab (Human-Animal Bond Lab). She has been collaborating on research with Canine Companions since 2013.

President
Ayesha Rodrigues
She/Her
Ayesha Rodrigues is a senior at the University of Arizona majoring in Veterinary Science. She joined Collar Scholars to be a part of training the Canine Companions puppies and to further educate our community on the important role of service dogs!

Vice President
Jenna Bryant
She/Her
Jenna Bryant is a senior at the University of Arizona majoring in Psychology with a minor in Criminology. She joined Collar Scholars to help facilitate opportunities for students to get involved with puppies and the community and spread disability awareness!

Secretary
Kiera Leskovar
She/Her
Kiera Leskovar is a senior at the University of Arizona majoring in Physiology and with minors in EMS and Biochemistry. She joined Collar Scholars to make an impact on others' lives and encourage involvement both with puppies and in the greater community!

Treasurer
Lourdes Sarmiento
She/Her
Lourdes Sarmiento is a junior at the University of Arizona majoring in Accounting. She joined Collar Scholars to help support Canine Companions’ mission and help raise awareness surrounding service dogs and people with disabilities!

Volunteer / Outreach Coordinator
Caitlin Hirabayashi
They/Them
Caitlin Hirabayashi is a junior at the University of Arizona majoring in Veterinary Science with a minor in German Studies. They joined Collar Scholars to help spread awareness on the service dog industry and disability etiquette!

Social Media Coordinator
Jeremiah Shankar
He/Him
Jeremiah Shankar is a junior at the University of Arizona majoring in Molecular & Cellular Biology with minors in Biochemistry & Neuroscience. He joined Collar Scholars to become more involved in the Canine Companions community!

Puppy Raiser Chair
Rylie Hatcher
She/Her
Rylie Hatcher is a senior at the University of Arizona majoring in History with minors in ISTA and Business Administration. She joined Collar Scholars to become more involved in the service dog and Canine Companions communities and help educate others!

Puppy Sitter Chair
Anisa Shedd
She/Her
Anisa Shedd is a sophomore at the University of Arizona majoring in PPEL with a dual minor in French and Psychology. She joined Collar Scholars because she worked with animals her whole life and is so excited to share her passion with our members!

Fundraising Chair
Ally Markowitz
She/They
Ally Markowitz is a sophomore at the University of Arizona majoring in Veterinary Science. She joined Collar Scholars to increase awareness of what service dogs do and how they can improve the lives of the people they serve!