Valerie has literally grown up with the Hearing Dog program. As a child, she helped her mother, Hearing Dog program founder Martha Foss, train dogs at IHDI. A graduate of Thornton High School (Colorado), she attended Front Range Community College majoring in accounting. She officially joined the program in 1988 as the director of training. In addition to her responsibilities with applicant screening, daily training and hearing dog placements, she developed IHDI’s training manual that documents training procedures and policies. Valerie has traveled to Japan and Norway to aid in the start of similar programs. In 2007 she was named “Woman of the Year” by St. Mary’s Episcopal Church for her work with International Hearing Dog, Inc.

Valerie is currently the President and Executive Director and is responsible for the daily operations of the program as well as reporting to is Board of Directors. She works closely with the training department to ensure IHDI’s Hearing Dogs achieve a high standard of excellence and meet the needs of the recipients. Under Foss-Brugger’s direction, in 2007 International Hearing Dog surpassed the 1,000 mark in hearing dog placements. Foss-Brugger is also responsible for IHDI’s fund-raising efforts and educational awareness activities.

With a Bachelor of Arts in Radio Communications and more than ten years of experience working in veterinary clinics across Colorado, Bob was an obvious choice for IHDI. In his 16th year, his diverse background has enabled him to take on a variety of responsibilities at IHDI. In addition to his work as a placement counselor bringing hearing dogs to their new owners, he is also the primary spokesperson for the organization. Bob and his demonstration dog, “Cami” travel to many demonstrations and conventions across the country each year to speak about IHDI. During these demonstrations and conventions, hearing and hearing-impaired individuals are shown how and what Hearing Dogs do for those with hearing loss.

Andrea (Andy) Paul joined IHDI in 1997 as a certified vet tech. She received her Associates Degree from Denver’s Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology. She is now responsible for dog selection, daily training which includes sound response, general obedience, socialization and custom training, and the health and behavior of 50-60 Hearing Dogs in-training each year. Andy happily parents three dogs and two cats.

Cindy has been with IHDI for six years and has the wonderful responsibility of caring for every Hearing Dog-in-training. She assists Andrea with training sessions, makes sure all the resources needed to care for and train the dogs are available at all times, and maintains the kennel. She is the proud mother of teen Destiny and English Bulldog, “Milo.”

Larry handles all the financial reports, pays the bills and prepares the annual audit. Larry has been with IHDI for nearly five years and is the proud owner of “Asia,” a Hearing Dog.

Kelly graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Technical Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations in May, 2010 and has been with IHDI for over a year. With a background in non-profit development and a love of animals, he is a natural fit for the organization. Kelly handles everything from community relations and social media to fundraising and marketing. He is glad to be the owner of a Beagle puppy named “Copper.”

Terry began her career with IHDI in 1992 and has served as an administrative assistant, newsletter editor, Board secretary and grant writer. She is a Metropolitan State College of Denver graduate with a degree in Communications.

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Ryan is a recent addition to IHDI. He attended University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire where he studied Public Relations and web design. Ryan takes care of all the administrative needs of the organization and makes sure the office is running smoothly. If you’re interested in volunteering with our organization, Ryan is the guy to talk to! He’s a Colorado transplant and is currently enjoying living life a mile high with his Schnodle, “Shady Sadie.”