Our Board of Directors
Board Members:
Helen Mendelsohn - President & Lead Trainer
Helen joined the Affordable Service Dog Training by Top Dog board in 2014. She is currently serving as President of the Board and Training Director. Helen moved to Tucson from New York in 1973. She has an Associate’s degree from PCC and attended the U of A. She worked as an EMT for an ambulance company, a Process Planner Estimator for a private company and a Corrections Officer for the State of Arizona. She became disabled in 1993 and was lucky enough to find Affordable Service Dog Training by Top Dog in 2008. Helen trained her service dog, a German Shepherd named Hope. They were certified as Team #105 in 2010. Relying on her long experience raising and training German Shepherds, she has served as an Affordable Service Dog Training by Affordable Service Dog Training by Top Dog Evaluator for Certification, Certification Chairman, Class Instructor, and a Demonstration Team with Hope. She enjoys embroidery, visiting friends, and playing with her dogs.
Helen joined the Affordable Service Dog Training by Top Dog board in 2014. She is currently serving as President of the Board and Training Director. Helen moved to Tucson from New York in 1973. She has an Associate’s degree from PCC and attended the U of A. She worked as an EMT for an ambulance company, a Process Planner Estimator for a private company and a Corrections Officer for the State of Arizona. She became disabled in 1993 and was lucky enough to find Affordable Service Dog Training by Top Dog in 2008. Helen trained her service dog, a German Shepherd named Hope. They were certified as Team #105 in 2010. Relying on her long experience raising and training German Shepherds, she has served as an Affordable Service Dog Training by Affordable Service Dog Training by Top Dog Evaluator for Certification, Certification Chairman, Class Instructor, and a Demonstration Team with Hope. She enjoys embroidery, visiting friends, and playing with her dogs.
Bette Immel - Vice President
Born in Queens, New York, Bette watched her parents give back to the community. Her various relocations, as an adult, included Tucson, Oak Park, California, and back to Sahuarita, Arizona. These moves provided her opportunities to dispense her own “give back” attitude. During her life, Bette always had dogs, cats, and even an Arabian mare. Her passion for animals and youth, and her deep seeded desire to contribute time and effort, led her to “like” organizations. Bette has pitched in, using her talents and experience as a former journalist for 25 years, to help at number of organization. Her efforts include Special Equestrian Riding Therapy, where her abilities doubled both the client and volunteer base, while she also worked with the horses and disabled clients as an equine therapy assistant. Bette’s aspiration also led her to work with the youth and animals for her local 4H organization, where she developed and led the first-ever Literature Project for 4H youth to improve their writing skills. Each participate in this project took First Place that year at the Ventura County Fair. The curriculum she developed, and handouts she’d designed, were replicated at both the county and state levels. Additionally, Bette led the Veterinary Science Project for 4H. Bette’s strong leadership qualities have piloted her drive. In her new Sahuarita community she started a Book Club, a social group for the communities 55 plus residents, she named the Highland Hippies, and successfully ran the Neighborhood Watch program. Bette also served on the HOA Leadership committee, and re-designed and wrote the community’s newsletter. Here at Affordable Service Dog Training by Top Dog, Bette also re-designed the organization’s newsletter for which she edits and writes. Her goal is to promote the organization, bolster its name recognition, search out Grants, and design, update, and write for Affordable Service Dog Training by Top Dogs pamphlets and training materials. Disabled herself, Bette is grateful for the opportunity to work with Affordable Service Dog Training by Top Dog.
Born in Queens, New York, Bette watched her parents give back to the community. Her various relocations, as an adult, included Tucson, Oak Park, California, and back to Sahuarita, Arizona. These moves provided her opportunities to dispense her own “give back” attitude. During her life, Bette always had dogs, cats, and even an Arabian mare. Her passion for animals and youth, and her deep seeded desire to contribute time and effort, led her to “like” organizations. Bette has pitched in, using her talents and experience as a former journalist for 25 years, to help at number of organization. Her efforts include Special Equestrian Riding Therapy, where her abilities doubled both the client and volunteer base, while she also worked with the horses and disabled clients as an equine therapy assistant. Bette’s aspiration also led her to work with the youth and animals for her local 4H organization, where she developed and led the first-ever Literature Project for 4H youth to improve their writing skills. Each participate in this project took First Place that year at the Ventura County Fair. The curriculum she developed, and handouts she’d designed, were replicated at both the county and state levels. Additionally, Bette led the Veterinary Science Project for 4H. Bette’s strong leadership qualities have piloted her drive. In her new Sahuarita community she started a Book Club, a social group for the communities 55 plus residents, she named the Highland Hippies, and successfully ran the Neighborhood Watch program. Bette also served on the HOA Leadership committee, and re-designed and wrote the community’s newsletter. Here at Affordable Service Dog Training by Top Dog, Bette also re-designed the organization’s newsletter for which she edits and writes. Her goal is to promote the organization, bolster its name recognition, search out Grants, and design, update, and write for Affordable Service Dog Training by Top Dogs pamphlets and training materials. Disabled herself, Bette is grateful for the opportunity to work with Affordable Service Dog Training by Top Dog.
Leo Enfield - Treasurer
Leo has been on the Affordable Service Dog Training by Top Dog Board since 1994. Leo’s expertise in electronics and computer technology was instrumental in getting Affordable Service Dog Training by Top Dogs office up and running. He still consults whenever there is a management-information system problem. Leo generously donates his time, talents and resources to Affordable Service Dog Training by Top Dog in spite of his full-time employment with the University of Arizona’s College of Engineering. Since 1991, Leo has done everything from providing general maintenance to assisting in development of the Volunteer class. As a Training Assistant (TA), Leo has one Certified Team to his credit.
Leo has been on the Affordable Service Dog Training by Top Dog Board since 1994. Leo’s expertise in electronics and computer technology was instrumental in getting Affordable Service Dog Training by Top Dogs office up and running. He still consults whenever there is a management-information system problem. Leo generously donates his time, talents and resources to Affordable Service Dog Training by Top Dog in spite of his full-time employment with the University of Arizona’s College of Engineering. Since 1991, Leo has done everything from providing general maintenance to assisting in development of the Volunteer class. As a Training Assistant (TA), Leo has one Certified Team to his credit.
Joshua Beal - Director
Joshua has been associated with Affordable Service Dog Training by Top Dog since 2011. He grew up in Spokane, Washington and moved to Tucson in 2008. He worked as a crew lead installing natural gas distribution pipeline for businesses and residences. He also worked installing for Direct TV and cox. In September 2010, Josh had a motorcycle accident leaving him a paraplegic with a traumatic brain injury. He wanted to keep his beloved pet Rottweiler Damion. That is when he became involved in Affordable Service Dog Training by Top Dog, they were an answer to a prayer. Joshua and Damion are Affordable Service Dog Training by Top Dog team number 120, certified in 2012. Josh joined the Affordable Service Dog Training by Top Dog board members in 2014, he wanted to help Affordable Service Dog Training by Top Dog in any way he could. Josh and Damion have demonstrated many times how a service dog can help in everyday life. Josh has now trained his second Rottweiler, Vettel. They are Team 145, certified in 2016.
Joshua has been associated with Affordable Service Dog Training by Top Dog since 2011. He grew up in Spokane, Washington and moved to Tucson in 2008. He worked as a crew lead installing natural gas distribution pipeline for businesses and residences. He also worked installing for Direct TV and cox. In September 2010, Josh had a motorcycle accident leaving him a paraplegic with a traumatic brain injury. He wanted to keep his beloved pet Rottweiler Damion. That is when he became involved in Affordable Service Dog Training by Top Dog, they were an answer to a prayer. Joshua and Damion are Affordable Service Dog Training by Top Dog team number 120, certified in 2012. Josh joined the Affordable Service Dog Training by Top Dog board members in 2014, he wanted to help Affordable Service Dog Training by Top Dog in any way he could. Josh and Damion have demonstrated many times how a service dog can help in everyday life. Josh has now trained his second Rottweiler, Vettel. They are Team 145, certified in 2016.
Judy Mendelsohn - Director
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Judy first worked for Chase Manhattan Bank and then later as the assistant manager in the accounting department of a wholesale meat company. In 1972, she moved to Tucson. Utilizing her accounting background, Judy worked for the largest building company in Tucson, and subsequently a local accounting firm. After taking some time off, she worked for a 501c non-profit organization. Her personal life was centered on her German shepherd dogs, which she raised and showed for 28 years. During that time, Judy learned how to run dog shows and matches. Additionally, she did all of the financials for the German Shepherd Dog Club of America Futurity System, which consisted of 9 separate futurities per year. She held this position for 5 years, ending in 2012. Judy currently sits on the Board of Directors as bookkeeper, and her 30 years of accounting experience is invaluable to the organization.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Judy first worked for Chase Manhattan Bank and then later as the assistant manager in the accounting department of a wholesale meat company. In 1972, she moved to Tucson. Utilizing her accounting background, Judy worked for the largest building company in Tucson, and subsequently a local accounting firm. After taking some time off, she worked for a 501c non-profit organization. Her personal life was centered on her German shepherd dogs, which she raised and showed for 28 years. During that time, Judy learned how to run dog shows and matches. Additionally, she did all of the financials for the German Shepherd Dog Club of America Futurity System, which consisted of 9 separate futurities per year. She held this position for 5 years, ending in 2012. Judy currently sits on the Board of Directors as bookkeeper, and her 30 years of accounting experience is invaluable to the organization.
Tim O’Leary - Director
Tim and his wife Joyce Ann relocated to Arizona in 2001, leaving behind New England, where they had lived for many years. Tim’s background was in Education and Sales & Marketing. He was a College Department Chairman, President of the Faculty Association and taught several courses in the History Department. He also had an extensive career with several Fortune 500 Companies. Following his retirement in 2001, he joined Long Realty Company as a Senior Housing Specialist where he first became aware of Affordable Service Dog Training by Top Dog. Tim retired from Long Realty in 2012. Second retirement, last one! Tim is committed to Affordable Service Dog Training by Top Dog, its mission, and is proud to be associated with an extraordinary group of staff, volunteers, and Board Members.
Tim and his wife Joyce Ann relocated to Arizona in 2001, leaving behind New England, where they had lived for many years. Tim’s background was in Education and Sales & Marketing. He was a College Department Chairman, President of the Faculty Association and taught several courses in the History Department. He also had an extensive career with several Fortune 500 Companies. Following his retirement in 2001, he joined Long Realty Company as a Senior Housing Specialist where he first became aware of Affordable Service Dog Training by Top Dog. Tim retired from Long Realty in 2012. Second retirement, last one! Tim is committed to Affordable Service Dog Training by Top Dog, its mission, and is proud to be associated with an extraordinary group of staff, volunteers, and Board Members.
Keith Robert Hardy - Director
Born: June 21, 1952 Philadelphia, PA
Education: BA in Theatre Arts, Gettysburg, PA - 1975
MDiv, Lutheran Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, PA – 1979
Currently serving Abounding Grace (ELCA), 2450 S Kolb Rd, Tucson, AZ 85710
Ordained Lutheran pastor (ELCA) serving since 1979 at congregations in Bensalem, PA, San Juan, PR, Westminster, MD, Baltimore, MD and Tucson, AZ.
Have worked with various church committees at the synodical level and have served on Synod Council and as Conference Dean. Started an after-school tutoring program for primarily African refugee children here in Tucson which ran for 8 years. Currently serving on the board of the Terra del Sol Neighborhood Association and the Site Council for Wheeler Elementary School.
38 years of writing and delivering weekly sermons, monologues and dramas.
Have also written applications for grants.
Married to Lynda Hardy since 2013.
Did obedience training with a German Shepherd for 10 years.
Speaks English, Spanish, some German.
Plays guitar, sings.
Born: June 21, 1952 Philadelphia, PA
Education: BA in Theatre Arts, Gettysburg, PA - 1975
MDiv, Lutheran Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, PA – 1979
Currently serving Abounding Grace (ELCA), 2450 S Kolb Rd, Tucson, AZ 85710
Ordained Lutheran pastor (ELCA) serving since 1979 at congregations in Bensalem, PA, San Juan, PR, Westminster, MD, Baltimore, MD and Tucson, AZ.
Have worked with various church committees at the synodical level and have served on Synod Council and as Conference Dean. Started an after-school tutoring program for primarily African refugee children here in Tucson which ran for 8 years. Currently serving on the board of the Terra del Sol Neighborhood Association and the Site Council for Wheeler Elementary School.
38 years of writing and delivering weekly sermons, monologues and dramas.
Have also written applications for grants.
Married to Lynda Hardy since 2013.
Did obedience training with a German Shepherd for 10 years.
Speaks English, Spanish, some German.
Plays guitar, sings.
