Mission
Partner people with disabilities with highly trained dogs to increase personal, social, and occupational independence.
Who We Are
Giving the gift of independence for more than 30 years.
Canine Support Teams develops service and facility dog teams through a mission-driven training model built on humane methods, real-world readiness, and long-term partnership.
Mission and Vision
Empower people with disabilities and community organizations through expertly trained dogs and long-term support.
Vision
A future where every qualified handler can access the support of a dependable canine partner.
Values
Inclusivity, excellence in training, and sustained support for clients, dogs, and community partners.
Assistance Dogs International Accredited
CST follows ADI standards to the highest degree, maintaining rigorous training, welfare, and placement practices for service and assistance dog teams.
What CST Dogs Are Trained To Do
Task training is customized for disability-related needs, daily routines, and safe public participation.
- Retrieve dropped items, medication kits, and essential daily objects
- Open and close doors, drawers, and accessible buttons
- Provide brace, balance, and mobility support with approved handling protocols
- Interrupt anxiety patterns and provide trained response support
- Support safe transitions in home, work, school, and public environments
How the Training Model Works
CST combines volunteer, institutional, and professional training to produce reliable long-term teams.
Puppy Foundation
Volunteer puppy raisers build socialization and core obedience in real-world environments for 14-18 months.
Advanced Development
Dogs progress through structured professional training, including the Prison Pup Program in select tracks.
Matching and Team Training
CST pairs handlers and dogs by goals, temperament, and support needs, followed by guided team training.
Placement and Follow-Up
Graduated teams receive post-placement support, recertification guidance, and ongoing relationship care.
Our Team
CST staff works across intake, training, operations, canine care, and community support to maintain high standards throughout every program phase.
Carol Roquemore
Executive Director and Founder
Founded CST in 1989 and continues to lead mission strategy, program standards, and long-term community partnerships.
- Mission leadership
- Program vision
- Community partnerships
Darryl Howard
Assistant Director
Supports organization-wide operations, team coordination, and cross-program implementation.
- Operations alignment
- Program support
- Organizational planning
Kate Brochu
Program Administrator
Coordinates program workflow, application routing, and client communication across intake pathways.
- Program administration
- Client workflow
- Documentation
Jo Ann Roettgen
Operations Manager
Oversees day-to-day logistics that keep training, kennel, and support functions running smoothly.
- Operational logistics
- Team coordination
- Facility support
Shara Butterworth
Training Director
Leads training methodology and quality assurance for canine readiness and handler outcomes.
- Training standards
- Canine development
- Placement readiness
Helena Strickland
Puppy Program Manager
Guides puppy raisers through foundational socialization and early-stage behavior development.
- Puppy raiser coaching
- Early socialization
- Behavior fundamentals
Olivia Hernandez
Canine Care Manager
Manages canine wellness and daily care systems that support safe, humane training progression.
- Canine welfare
- Care coordination
- Health support
Da'Von Patterson
Training Instructor
Provides direct instruction for handlers and trainers, including military-connected program support.
- Handler instruction
- Public access readiness
- PAWZ program support
Bailey Samson
Program Support Specialist
Supports program delivery through participant coordination, communication, and event readiness.
- Participant support
- Program operations
- Event coordination
Staff + Board Collaboration
CST leadership and board governance work together to maintain mission focus, ethical program operations, and high training standards.
This collaboration helps ensure that every donor contribution, volunteer commitment, and client placement supports long-term impact with accountability.
For leadership inquiries, contact cstmain@caninesupportteams.com.
Video Stories
CST impact is best understood through real stories from handlers, trainers, and community partners.
Boston Bruins and PAWZ for Wounded Veterans
CST team members and partners discuss the impact of the PAWZ for Wounded Vets initiative.
Canine Support Teams YouTube Channel
A current feature from the CST-affiliated channel and partnership ecosystem.
Why Families and Organizations Choose CST
A proven process, consistent standards, and multi-stage support help teams succeed well beyond placement day.
- Founded in 1989 with a long-term commitment to disability support and canine excellence.
- Training and placement standards prioritize temperament, humane methods, and public reliability.
- Puppy raiser, prison pup, and professional trainer collaboration creates durable placements.
- Every team receives follow-up guidance to sustain long-term success after graduation.
Learn more about partnership opportunities on our Get Involved page.
Ready to start?
Explore programs, begin an application, or contact our team for guidance.