Meet The Team

Maureen has worked in the Assistance Dog industry for over 20 years. She was born and raised in Seattle, and graduated from Seattle University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. As a CPA, she combines a strong business background with a Masters of Science in Canine Studies. She has been invited to share her innovative training methods at conferences in Europe, Asia, South America, and the US. Her devotion to helping people with disabilities has resulted in tens of thousands of people whose lives have been impacted by Assistance Dogs.

Will graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He has been working in the Assistance Dog industry for over 20 years. Together, he and Maureen grew Assistance Dogs of Hawaii into one the most successful providers of Assistance Dogs in the country. Will oversees all of the facilities and construction projects. Described as the backbone of the organization, his work behind the scenes of the organization keeps all daily activities running smoothly.

Sharon  received her Recreational Therapy Degree from the University of Colorado Boulder. After living in Colorado for 15 years, she moved to Maui. She has had a wide and varied career and brings many different skills to ADH.  Sharon has been with Assistance Dogs of Hawaii for over 15 years and has worked in all aspects of the program. She is inspired daily by our graduates who have overcome immense challenges yet they remain positive and put 110% into their lives.

Marsha has been on Maui for over 35 years. She traveled to Hawaii after graduating from the University of Colorado with a degree in Tourism & Recreation. She began her career with Assistance Dogs of Hawaii as a volunteer and soon became our Office Manager. She has been keeping all of us organized ever since. She is very dedicated to ADH and is always willing to go that extra mile to help someone.

Emily joined Assistance Dogs Northwest and Assistance Dogs of Hawaii in 2021 as part of our intern program. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal and Nutritional Sciences with a minor in Equine Studies from West Virginia University. Her dedication to the program is evident in her daily work at ADH. She is currently our ADH Dog Trainer and coordinates all of the training for our Assistance dogs on campus, in addition to our puppy raising families.

Maia was born and raised on Maui and first got involved with ADH as a young volunteer. Today, she brings that early passion full circle in her role as an Apprentice Trainer, working with both advanced dogs and young puppies. Maia earned her degree in Psychology from Oregon State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Having grown up around animals - her parents are both retired veterinarians - she brings a deep understanding and natural connection into her work. We're grateful for Maia's positive spirit and strong dedication to the ADH mission.

Erin O’Kief serves as the Development Director for Assistance Dogs of Hawaii, bringing more than 10 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, grant writing, donor engagement, and community partnerships. She is passionate about connecting people with nonprofits that make a meaningful impact. Born and raised on Maui, Erin earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communication with a minor in English from the University of California, Santa Barbara. After graduation, she taught English in Japan before returning home, where she has dedicated her career to supporting local nonprofit organizations and advancing causes that strengthen the community. Outside of work, Erin enjoys exploring and going on adventures with her family. You can reach Erin at erin@assistancedogshawaii.org.

Born and raised on Maui, Malia brings a diverse background and a heart for service to the Assistance Dogs of Hawaii team. Malia combines a Master’s degree in Education focused on Assistive Technology, with years of experience in event planning, business management, and even pet sitting! Malia’s passion for helping others and love of animals shines through in everything she does. Malia's bright smile and positive can-do attitude makes her a perfect match for the ADH team!

Growing up on the East Coast, Katie Julian earned her bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and began her career at a rehabilitation hospital, working with individuals recovering from spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, strokes, and amputations.

Katie’s journey with ADH began as a volunteer Hospital Facility Dog Handler for 13 years, where her passion for the program quickly grew. She later became a Puppy Raiser and, three years ago, joined the ADH staff part-time as the Oʻahu Program Manager. Today, Katie supports Oʻahu graduate teams through training and follow-up services, helps manage the Puppies in Training program, assists prospective clients and facility placements, and participates in community outreach and crisis response events across Oʻahu. Her unique combination of clinical experience as a recreational therapist and hands-on experience as a facility dog handler makes her a valuable resource and dedicated advocate for ADH teams and the community.