meet the board

Executive Committee

Miriam W. Peterman, M.H.S. Board Chair
is a nurse with 49 years of experience. Miriam returned to the classroom to earn her Master's Degree in Human Services and has assisted in the start-up of several non-profit agencies over the years. She has extensive experience in working with individuals with disabilities and brings not only her business expertise and management experience to the Foundation, but her passion for her work and compassion for the individuals she serves.

CJ Betancourt MD, Executive Director
is a retired physician and a service dog team member. She has lived with physical disabilities since 1973. She has 34 years of experience in the medical field including the practice of medicine, medical directorship, research, statistical analysis, database design and education. She also reads Braille and will be our Braille material editor. CJ is actively involved in setting up the Puppy Raising and Canine Safety Programs.  

Kathe Neyer, RN, BA, Vice-Chair
is a retired nurse, with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. She has over 22 years of experience in training and evaluating therapy and service dogs. She previously served as a public access tester and evaluator for a local service dog training program. Kathe is serving as the Director of the Service Dog Certification Program.

Judith M. Lopes-Koressel, Board Treasurer
is an experienced banking professional with 36 years of experience with Bank of America. She has an extensive background in banking management, risk analysis, and team leadership. Judy has several dogs of her own and has a belief in the cause of the Foundation. Judy brings her banking and financial expertise.

Jamie Mabery, Board Secretary
Is the Chief of Victim Services for the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, and has a strong background in management and crisis intervention. Jamie has been an advocate for crime victims and is skilled in formulating new and innovative approaches to providing services for citizens in need of services. Jamie will be assisting the Foundation in working on the development of formalized curriculum for the Puppy Raising Partnership Program.

Regular Board Members

Rachel Cunningham, MSW
Brings approximately 20 years of experience as a medical social worker with her to the Foundation. Rachel has worked extensively with individuals with disabilities who are experiencing financial difficulties. She is knowledgeable and compassionate. Rachel will be assisting the Foundation in examining financial criteria for assistance and helping us to direct individuals with outstanding needs to appropriate community resources.

Scott McCoy JD
has been an attorney for 11 years.  His background includes 2 years of service with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and he is currently in private practice and specializes in land use law.  Scott serves as legal counsel for the FSDS.  He serves on the Board of Directors for Fighter Country Partnership, and is an appointee of the Arizona Supreme Court on the Supreme Court Committee on Examinations. 

Robbie Draghi, RN
Has been a nurse for 34 years with an extensive background in nursing administration and management. She has a wealth of experience in working with individuals with disabilities. In addition to this, Robbie has been involved with the therapy dog community. Robbie trained and certified her dog, Ryder, as a Canine Good Citizen with the American Kennel Club. She and Ryder then successfully trained and certified as a therapy dog team. Her background in management and experience in canine training make her a valuable asset to the Foundation.