Peggy Law
Founder & Executive Director; Director of Training
Peggy began service dog work at the Assistance Dog Institute in 1999. In pursuit of more specialized skills in animal training, Peggy enrolled in the Operant Conditioning Workshops in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She has attended the trainers’ workshop given by Ken Ramirez at the Shedd Aquarium as well as multiple “Clicker Expo” training workshops. She also worked with National Service Dogs in Ontario, Canada, to learn about training dogs to assist children with autism. Peggy is part of an international coalition of trainers working to improve and set standards for the emerging field of diabetic alert dog training.
Sally Day
Director of Development
Sally Barbee Day joined SDV in 2014 as Director of Development. A Charlottesville native and UVa graduate, she’s thrilled to combine her desire to help others with her lifelong love of dogs. Sally has experience in fundraising, events, marketing, and communications. Sally would love for SDV to have a permanent home and to be able to train more dogs each year to help those in need. She looks forward to meeting you and helping change lives one dog at a time.
Linda Farina
Trainer
Linda Farina is a pleasure to work with because she is perennially cheerful and trains with her whole heart. It’s one of the reasons all the dogs adore her and work so hard for her. She is kind and thoughtful to dog and person alike. Long ago, Linda raised a puppy for SDV and now leads the volunteer classes, always thinking of new and interesting things to do, orders supplies and is a vital member of the training staff.
Caroline Ross 
Office Administrator/Client Liaison
With a Masters in Library and Information Science and past work experience in private businesses and non-profit organizations, Caroline is well prepared to take on the role of Office Administrator and Client Liaison. She is excited to be part of a great organization whose mission is to help individuals with disabilities live full and engaged lives.
Sari Werner
Trainer/Volunteer Coordinator
her love and enthusiasm for animals in her job as a trainer. She has a degree in anthropology and enjoys using it to explore the incredible results from human/animal partnerships. Sari is energized by helping others use their own potential, which predisposes her to her other role as volunteer coordinator.Volunteers
In addition to our highly skilled staff, we rely on volunteers to raise and train our puppies. A number of volunteers help us with advanced training, follow-up client training, fundraising, and events.
Board of Directors
Peggy Law, Executive Director
Polly Tarbell, President
Holly R. Vradenburgh, Attorney, Secretary
David Buxton, M.D.
Beth Luzaich, DVM
Jan Oldenburg, Consultant
Cheryl Wetmore-Simpson, Educator
If you are interested in joining our board, please contact Peggy Law, .
Financial Information