North Central Training Center

Serving Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Western Pennsylvania

Canine Companions North Central Region has been enhancing the lives of children, adults and veterans with disabilities since 1987. The North Central Regional Training Center, located just outside of Columbus in New Albany, OH,  serves 13 and a half states. The region also serves our graduate teams living in eastern Canada.A girl hugs a yellow lab in a blue service dog vest while on a slide.

2022 was a record breaking year for the North Central Region. We are truly grateful to our clients, volunteers, donors and staff for moving our mission forward in the following ways:

  • An impressive 61 new teams were placed throughout the North Central Region in 2022.
  • Currently, 484 active graduate teams reside in the region. 
  • Over 98% of graduate placements are successful.
  • Currently, 183 Canine Companions puppies are being raised across the North Central Region.
  • Close to 600 volunteers helped share the story of Canine Companions across the North Central region.
  • DogFest North Central 2022 was a record breaking success, raising over $446,000. This event engaged volunteers and donors across the region for a day full of celebration.
  • We shared our mission with more than 134 million people in more than 301 media stories across the region in 2022.
  • Received six new proclamations celebrating National Service Dog Month in our region. 

North Central Region Staff:
Emily Bell, Executive Director | Meredith Harrison, Community Events Coordinator | Matt Levering, Senior Development Director |  Melissa McCracken, Volunteer Coordinator | Bethany Simms, Development Associate | Nancy Whetstone, Development Director, Donor & Corporate Engagement | Emily Oliver, Public Relations & Marketing Coordinator

Adrena Spreacker, Program Director| Eric Fatka, Graduate Program Manager/Senior Instructor | Erin Rich, Applicant Program Manager/Instructor | Suzanne Sliclen, Puppy Program Manager/Senior Instructor | Auggie Garcia, Facilities Manager | Trisha Wilhelm, Caretaker |  Devin Ortiz, Training Manager | Tonya Halford, Senior Instructor | Colleen McBride, Instructor | Sophia DaCunha, Apprentice Instructor | Nina Hoeppner, Puppy Program Assistant | Zach Frye, Apprentice Instructor | Natalie Koeritzer, Apprentice Instructor | Jenn Smith, Apprentice Instructor | Sara Miller, Kennel Supervisor | Renae Gerchow, Apprentice Instructor

North Central Region Board of Directors:
Mike Cvengros, President | Todd Bailey | Tom Clements | Kevin Cullen, Colonel, USAF |  Nancy Goldsmith | Mike Jarvis | Carolyn Hrach |  Lisa Morgan | Nancy Riggs | Rex Riggs, DVM | Peter Schwab | Ron Wuerth | John Sabo | Chad Utrup | Paulette Burks | Nicole Bainbridge  

Contact us for information about tours, presentations and more