About Us
Coastal’s Story
This organization was founded by disabled women who have been through this process themselves. We wanted to start something that could help those going through the journey of getting a service dog. The majority of our Coastal team have had their lives greatly improved by their own service dogs, and want to help others. With our training experience and dedication to learning, we strive to create a personalized experience that can help others in the disabled community. We created a program designed to guide not only the dog but the handler to success!
Savannah (she/her)
Head Trainer & AKC Evaluator
MARYLAND (MD)
After years of doctor’s visits and prescription medication that left me with worse side effects
than my original symptoms, I became inspired
when I saw a service dog performing life-saving
tasks online. From a young age, I’ve always spent more time working with my animals instead of
going to the movies with my friends. I found
many amazing trainers and friends that I was
lucky enough to shadow under for several years
while learning many different training styles that
gave me the hands-on experience I needed. I
soon realized that training dogs came naturally
to me, after titling my own dogs and client dogs in obedience and trick dog venues. I want to inspire
and give people the same independence and freedom I was able to get through my own
service dog. I continue to learn and grow, earning
my AKC evaluator title and continuing my
education in dog training by shadowing other professionals and working with an intensive
scent work program.
Meg (she/her)
Service Dog Trainer & AKC Evaluator
MICHIGAN (MI)
After struggling with POTS and EDS at 18, I
came across the idea of utilizing a service
dog from a YouTube video. During my
research online, I came across lots of
information that became overwhelming. I
didn’t know what was right and what was
wrong–leading to my first service dog. The independence she was able to provide me
was life-changing, but due to so much misinformation, she had to retire early. Funnily enough, I ended up being diagnosed with
Type 1 Diabetes at 20–leading to an entirely
new service dog with all new tasks. After shadowing under multiple different trainers
and three years of hands-on experience with service dogs, I hold an AKC Evaluator
Certificate and am working towards my
IAABC and CCPDT-KA. I want people to have
the help and knowledge from a hands-on and present trainer whether that be their first or
fifth service dog. With so much
misinformation out there, it can be hard to
know what’s right and what’s wrong–
especially with something as life-changing as
a service dog.
Shira (she/her)
Operations Specialist
My passion is making life accessible for all.
As part of the Operations team, I will be one of
your first points of contact as you join the
Coastal family. I have over 6 years of
administrative and advising experience and hold
a Master of Public Policy degree, specializing in Education and Disability Policy, from the
University of Maryland, College Park. I look
forward to assisting you in this new adventure!
Meg (she/her)
Service Dog Trainer &
AKC Evaluator
My passion is making life accessible for all.
As part of the Operations team, I will be one of your first points of contact as you join the Coastal family. I have over 6 years of administrative and advising experience and hold a Master of Public Policy degree, specializing in Education and Disability Policy, from the University of Maryland, College Park. I look forward to assisting you in this new adventure!
Dan (he/him)
Chief Operations Officer
Even though I am mostly behind the scenes
helping out, I love coming out to watch training sessions. I am a Graduate from Towson
University and have my BS in Marketing. I have always had a love for dogs and am excited to be
able to help Coastal grow! Seeing the
development of the dogs and people is truly
inspiring, and together we will see how great an impact we can make.
Meet Our Supporters
Meet The Team
Our team consists of experienced
trainers, and dedicated support staff—all united by a shared commitment to empowering others. We bring diverse expertise and a common goal: to help
you live more confidently with the assistance of a reliable, task-trained service dog.
Our Approach
We take a personalized approach to service dog training, starting with understanding the unique challenges and goals of each client. Our
rigorous training programs are designed to ensure that every service dog
is equipped with the specific skills needed to mitigate their owner’s
disabilities. From initial consultation to lifelong support, we are dedicated
to the success of both our clients and their service dogs.
Our Values
We take a personalized approach to service dog training, starting with understanding the unique challenges and goals of each client. Our
rigorous training programs are designed to ensure that every service dog
is equipped with the specific skills needed to mitigate their owner’s
disabilities. From initial consultation to lifelong support, we are dedicated
to the success of both our clients and their service dogs.
- Empathy: We prioritize understanding and compassion in everything
we do. - Excellence: We are committed to the highest standards of training
and care. - Partnership: We view our relationships with clients as collaborative
and ongoing. - Integrity: We operate with honesty and transparency in all aspects of
our work
Join Us
Whether you’re seeking a service dog or looking to support our mission, we invite you to join us on this journey.
Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.
