Name: PANEL: Trained for This: How ADI Programs Prepare Facility Dogs for Justice Work
Start: 2026-10-07T14:00:00-0700
End: 2026-10-07T14:55:00-0700

PANEL: Trained for This: How ADI Programs Prepare Facility Dogs for Justice Work

Wednesday October 7, 2026 2:00pm - 2:55pm PDT

Coal Harbour Ballroom

Trained for This: How ADI-Accredited Programs Prepare Facility Dogs for Justice Work A panel moderated by Kim Gramlich, Justice Facility Dogs Canada
Panelists: Rochelle Barber, Director, NSD· Geneviève Deschênes, Canine Instructor & Training Coordinator MIRA Foundation · Courtney Starr, Head Instructor, Lions Foundation for the Blind · Jacob Rodgers, Senior Manager Client Care, PADS · Cat Barrette, Apprentice Trainer, PADS

It all begins before a puppy takes its first steps. Intentional breeding — selecting the right lineage, temperament, and drive from the very start — is the foundation upon which every exceptional facility dog is built. This panel — comprised of representatives from three of North America's leading ADI-accredited placing organizations — will pull back the curtain on what it truly takes to prepare a dog for the unique demands of justice work.
Moderated by Kim Gramlich, President of Justice Facility Dogs Canada and a handler herself, the conversation will follow the arc of a facility dog's development: from intentional breeding and early socialization, through the specialized training that prepares dogs for courtrooms, forensic interviews, and crisis settings, to what placing organizations look for when partnering with a new program. Panelists will also speak to the realities of supply, the growing demand for qualified dogs, and how accredited programs are working to meet the need.
This session is designed to be a conversation — not just a presentation. Attendees are encouraged to bring their questions, and dedicated time will be reserved for open Q&A with the panelists. Come with your questions — this is your chance to hear directly from the organizations behind the dogs.

Speakers

Rochelle Barber

Director, National Service Dogs (NSD)

Rochelle Barber is the Director of People and Programs at National Service Dogs, bringing a background in social work and the past 10 years of experience in the service and facility dog field. In her role, Rochelle provides leadership across programs and training teams, and oversees... Read More →

Catherine Barrette

Apprentice Trainer, Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS)

Geneviève Deschênes

Canine Instructor + Training Coordinator, MIRA Foundation

I have been a Dog Trainer and Guide Dog Mobility Instructor since 2014 with a diverse background working not only with dogs, but also with people, horses, and even camels.

Throughout my career at Fondation Mira, I have had the privilege of learning from several master dog trainers and developing my expertise through a variety of specialized training programs. My experience includes training autism assistance dogs for children, service dogs for individuals... Read More →

Kim Gramlich

Victim Services Program Coordinator, Delta Police

Kimberley Gramlich
Program Coordinator, Delta Police Victim Services | Founder, Justice Facility Dogs Canada
Kimberley Gramlich has spent over 25 years with the Delta Police Department's Victim Services program in British Columbia, where she now serves as Program Coordinator. In 2017, she founded Justice Facility Dogs Canada to support the growth of facility dog programs across Canadian... Read More →

Courtney Starr

Head Instructor - Autism Assistance Dog Guide Program and Facility Support Dog Program, Lions Foundation of Canada/ Dog Guides

Jacob Rodgers

Senior Manager, Client Care, Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS)

Jacob Rodgers
Senior Manager, Client Care, Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS)
Jacob Rodgers is the Senior Manager of Client Care at Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS) in Burnaby, BC, where he oversees client services for the organization's assistance dog programs. He brings a background in psychology and mental health care, having trained as a Cognitive... Read More →

Wednesday October 7, 2026 2:00pm - 2:55pm PDT
Coal Harbour Ballroom

Panel Discussion

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2026 International Courthouse Dogs Conference

Rochelle Barber

Catherine Barrette

Geneviève Deschênes

Kim Gramlich

Courtney Starr

Jacob Rodgers

Attendees (14)

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2026 International Courthouse Dogs Conference

Rochelle Barber

Catherine Barrette

Geneviève Deschênes

Kim Gramlich

Courtney Starr

Jacob Rodgers

Attendees (14)

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