Taking the Lead

Meet 10th grader Ella Corby and her mom, Anna Corby, as they share how five years of puppy raising with Leader Dog has shaped confidence, responsibility, and a passion for service. From balancing school, sports, and 4-H to saying goodbye to four incredible dogs, Ella offers a heartfelt look at the impact puppy raisers have on the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired. This inspiring conversation highlights the power of community, volunteerism, and how one young leader is making a difference, one puppy at a time.

Ronit Szczotka joins the podcast to share how her mother’s vision loss changed their family and led them to Leader Dog. She discusses navigating difficult emotions, finding humor and giving supporters permission to care for themselves, too. The conversation also explores how Leader Dog’s support groups connect loved ones at every stage of the journey.

In this episode of Taking the Lead, we sit down with Dr. Joshua Robinson, a leading low vision Doctor of Optometry at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, to explore how low vision rehabilitation helps people maintain independence and continue doing the things they love. From the growing impact of assistive technology and AI to the importance of connecting individuals with blindness and low vision resources, Dr. Robinson shares valuable insights for professionals, family members, and anyone navigating vision loss. Plus, hear why strong partnerships between healthcare providers and organizations like Leader Dog are helping more people discover the tools, training, and support they need to thrive.

In this episode of Taking the Lead, Leslie, Alyssa, and Timothy pull back the curtain on what it's really like to attend Orientation & Mobility or Guide Dog training at Leader Dog. From travel arrangements and campus life to individualized instruction, dining, and resident support, they walk listeners through every step of the experience and share reassuring insights for anyone considering training. Whether you're preparing for your first visit or simply curious about the journey, this episode highlights the supportive environment that helps clients build confidence, independence, and new skills.

In this episode of Taking the Lead, we sit down with Manny Puma, a psychology student, competitive goalball athlete, and Leader Dog client, to discuss his journey from lifelong cane user to guide dog handler and advocate for blind athletes. Manny shares how his experiences with Leader Dog, higher education, and adaptive sports have shaped his independence, confidence, and future goals, including growing the sport of goalball and pursuing a career in mental health counseling. Along the way, he offers valuable advice on staying active, building community, and embracing new opportunities as a person who is blind or low vision.

In this episode of Taking the Lead, Leslie, Alyssa, and Timothy sit down with Erica Bearden, Director of Human Resources at Leader Dog, to explore what makes the organization’s culture, hiring process, and mission so unique. Erica shares her journey to Leader Dog, discusses the qualities that help team members thrive, and highlights exciting initiatives such as dual certification opportunities that expand services for clients. The conversation offers an inside look at the passion, collaboration, and commitment that drive Leader Dog’s work and the people behind it.

Join us for a heartfelt summer short episode of Taking the Lead as we explore the life cycle of a Leader Dog, from puppy raiser to working guide and ultimately retirement. Tim shares his personal journey as he prepares for Glacier's retirement, offering an honest look at the emotions, decisions, and support that come with this important transition. It's a touching conversation about partnership, independence, and the lasting impact these remarkable dogs have on the people they serve.

This episode of Taking the Lead features Emily Sharp, a guide dog mobility instructor and program manager at Leader Dog, who shares her journey into the field and her current work supporting guide dog training and quality assurance. She highlights a recent collaborative harness study with university partners that explores how different harness designs impact guide dogs’ comfort, movement, and performance. The conversation emphasizes the importance of research, client feedback, and industry collaboration to improve outcomes for both guide dogs and the people they serve.

This episode of the Taking the Lead podcast highlights the critical work of advocacy and government relations to protect the rights of guide dog handlers. Featuring leaders from The Seeing Eye, the conversation explores common access challenges—especially rideshare discrimination—and the importance of education, legislation, and collaboration across organizations. The episode also offers practical insights and encouragement for individuals to confidently advocate for themselves while strengthening a broader, united voice within the disability community.

In this episode of Taking the Lead, hosts welcome President and CEO Melissa Weisse for an inside look at the exciting work happening at Leader Dogs for the Blind. Melissa shares updates on the organization’s strategic plan, including new pilot programs, the historic Alumni Board, and plans for campus renovations designed to enhance accessibility and client experience. The conversation highlights the power of collaboration, innovation, and client-centered growth as Leader Dog continues to evolve for the future.