Giving the Gift of Independence for more than 30 years
At Canine Support Teams, we believe true independence begins with connection. Through the power of expertly trained service dogs and a dedicated support system, we help individuals regain confidence, stability, and a renewed sense of purpose.
30+
Dogs Placed per Year
900+
Lives Changed
70+
Commands Learned by Our Dogs
What We Do
We train and place service dogs with individuals living with a wide range of physical and neurological disabilities, providing support that enhances independence, mobility, and daily living. Beyond assistance, these dogs offer companionship and serve as a powerful bridge to connection in everyday life.
CST's Service Dogs are Individually Trained to Perform Tasks Such As...
Walking with and beside a wheelchair or walker
Retrieving dropped items
Turning lights on and off
Opening and closing doors
Retrieving dropped items
Pressing elevator buttons
Pulling off socks and sweaters
Barking to alert for help in emergencies
Our
Method
All dogs accepted into the training program must pass health and temperament tests. These dogs are either specifically bred for service work and donated by private breeders or are rescued from various shelters and rescues.
CST is a service dog organization that adheres to the highest standards of training, behavior, temperament, and health. All of our trainers are committed to the humane treatment of our dogs at every level of training.
The dogs are raised for the first 14–16 months of their lives by volunteer Puppy Raisers, who provide the foundation of the puppies’ training and socialization. After the raiser turns in the dog, it then goes on to one of our Prison Dog Programs. For the next four to six months, the dogs are paired with an inmate trainer who works with them daily to successfully complete the rigorous training program. Upon completion of training, CST service dogs have learned a combination of more than 70 unique commands.
Our qualification standards for each dog are very high. The service dogs that complete our program and are placed with a disabled client are truly the elite of their field.
Board of Directors
Canine Support Teams is grateful to have the guidance and support of committed board members who all bring unique expertise and perspective to our program.
Brenda Martini O’loughlin
Brenda offers more than 35 years of executive leadership experience in strategic planning, healthcare, education, and real estate development. Her experience includes marketing and sales leadership in health care, organizational growth, leadership and strategic development in educational forums, and real estate development. Brenda is an entrepreneur and philanthropist and currently serves at Board a president for Canine Support teams.
A dedicated supporter of Canine Support Teams since 2006, she has served on the Board of Directors, participated as a puppy raiser, and has led the organization as Chairwoman since 2017. In her role, she provides strategic leadership that helps advance the organization's mission and long-term vision.
Carol Roquemore
Carol Roquemore is the founder of Canine Support Teams, a nonprofit dedicated to training and placing service dogs with people with disabilities. Now retired, she continues to serve on the Board of Directors of Canine Support Teams, where she brings decades of leadership, organizational insight, and unwavering commitment to the mission.
With a lifelong passion for dogs and a career shaped by service, Carol built her professional life around dog training, nonprofit management, fundraising, grant writing, and public speaking. Her work has consistently focused on helping people live with greater independence, dignity, and confidence.
Having experienced the effects of polio in childhood and post-polio complications later in life, Carol brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to her advocacy. Her perspective has been instrumental in guiding the growth of Canine Support Teams and strengthening its impact within the community.
Carol remains a respected voice in the service dog field and a valued board member whose experience and dedication continue to support the organization’s long-term goals.
Darryl Howard
Darryl Howard is an operations executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience in luxury property management, hospitality, and organizational operations. His expertise includes facilities management, guest services, team development, and building high-performing operational systems that deliver exceptional service and accountability. Beyond his professional career, Darryl has extensive experience leading international humanitarian initiatives and supporting local nonprofit organizations focused on homelessness and women-and-children services. His combination of operational excellence and service-driven leadership strengthens Canine Support Teams' commitment to delivering exceptional care to clients, volunteers, and service dogs.
Jeff Papows, Ph.D.
One of the software industry's most accomplished executives, Jeff Papows served as President and CEO of Lotus Development Corporation, leading the company through IBM's landmark $4.5 billion acquisition and helping establish Lotus Notes as the global standard for enterprise collaboration. Throughout a distinguished career spanning more than 35 years, he has led publicly traded technology companies, authored bestselling books, and brings exceptional expertise in corporate governance, strategic growth, and nonprofit leadership.years, he has led publicly traded technology companies, authored bestselling books, and brings exceptional expertise in corporate governance, strategic growth, and nonprofit leadership.
Nancy Powers
Founder of CorSolutions and a healthcare executive with more than 30 years of experience building and scaling innovative healthcare organizations. Her expertise in strategic growth, business development, and healthcare partnerships provides valuable leadership in advancing Canine Support Teams' mission.
Michael Cruciotti
Marketing strategist and Founder of MAC Sports International, Michael Cruciotti advises organizations on strategic growth, brand development, digital communications, and corporate partnerships. His expertise in nonprofit marketing, fundraising, strategic partnerships, and stakeholder engagement helps increase awareness, expand community support, and strengthen the long-term impact of Canine Support Teams.
Marguerite L Mount, CPA
Principal at Mercadien P.C. and Managing Director of The Mercadien Group, Marguerite Mount is a Certified Public Accountant with extensive expertise in tax strategy, estate and trust planning, family office services, and financial consulting. Her experience advising individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations provides exceptional financial stewardship and fiduciary oversight to Canine Support Teams.
Peter Kelly, Esq
Corporate Partner at Fox Rothschild LLP, Peter Kelly brings more than 20 years of experience advising businesses on corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, strategic transactions, and regulatory compliance. His expertise in corporate law, risk management, and organizational strategy provides valuable legal oversight and governance to Canine Support Teams.
Timothy J. Ireland, VMD
Dr. Tim Ireland is a veterinarian, entrepreneur, and Owner of Newtown Veterinary Hospital, bringing more than 30 years of experience in veterinary medicine, hospital leadership, and clinical operations. His expertise in animal health, organizational leadership, and operational excellence helps support Canine Support Teams' commitment to the highest standards of care for its service dogs and clients.
Ashley Reid
Owner of Colonial Business Services, Ashley Reid brings more than 15 years of expertise in accounting, tax strategy, financial planning, and business advisory services. Her experience helping businesses strengthen financial performance and maintain sound fiscal practices provides valuable financial oversight to Canine Support Teams.
✝Robert Steven Hicks
Accomplished sculptor, beloved friend, recipient of two CST service dogs, and longtime volunteer who will be forever missed.
CST Staff
At Canine Support Teams, we’re powered by a small but passionate team of individuals committed to making a difference. Each member brings unique skills and perspectives, united by our shared mission to enhance the quality of our clients’ lives. Together, we work tirelessly to care for, train, and place service animals for individuals with disabilities. Get to know the faces behind our efforts and discover why we’re so passionate about our mission. Join us in making a meaningful impact in an underserved community!
Darryl Howard
Position
CEO
Darryl Howard is an operations executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience in luxury property management, hospitality, and organizational operations. His expertise includes facilities management, guest services, team development, and building high-performing operational systems that deliver exceptional service and accountability. Beyond his professional career, Darryl has extensive experience leading international humanitarian initiatives and supporting local nonprofit organizations focused on homelessness and women-and-children services. His combination of operational excellence and service-driven leadership strengthens Canine Support Teams' commitment to delivering exceptional care to clients, volunteers, and service dogs.
Carol Roquemore
Position
Founder
Carol Roquemore is the founder of Canine Support Teams, a nonprofit dedicated to training and placing service dogs with people with disabilities. Now retired, she continues to serve on the Board of Directors of Canine Support Teams, where she brings decades of leadership, organizational insight, and unwavering commitment to the mission.
With a lifelong passion for dogs and a career shaped by service, Carol built her professional life around dog training, nonprofit management, fundraising, grant writing, and public speaking. Her work has consistently focused on helping people live with greater independence, dignity, and confidence.
Having experienced the effects of polio in childhood and post-polio complications later in life, Carol brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to her advocacy. Her perspective has been instrumental in guiding the growth of Canine Support Teams and strengthening its impact within the community.
Carol remains a respected voice in the service dog field and a valued board member whose experience and dedication continue to support the organization’s long-term goals.
Shara Butterworth
Position
Training Director
Service dog trainer for over 25 years, with an incredible passion for dogs.
Jo Ann Roettgen
Position
Operations Manager
Has been involved in the nonprofit and education community for nearly 30 years. Has degrees in Communication and Sociology, and is involved in research for prison programs and recidivism. She has been involved in animal rescue for more than 20 years, and is a huge lover of all animals.
Da’von Patterson
Position
Training Instructor
Loves winter, football, and enjoys teaching his sons how to train dogs.
Olivia Hernandez
Position
Canine Care Manager
Loves going on weekend hikes with my dog and love building bonds and caring for all the different dogs here at CST!
Bailey Samson
Position
Admin Assistant/Training Apprentice
Has a passion for animals, loves dogs, and always wanted to work with dogs in any way possible.
Kate Brochu
Position
Facility & Finance Manager
Assistant Town Clerk in a small town in Massachusetts for 22 years. Originally a volunteer puppy raiser, then office volunteer, until hired in 2019. Puppy raiser of 5 and foster of many.
CST FAQ
Have a question? Check out our frequently asked questions.
We are currently ADI Accredited and follow ADI’s standards to the highest degree.
If you are a veteran or civilian with a diagnosed disability that a dog can be specifically trained to do three or more tasks to mitigate the effects of your disability you are eligible for a service dog. This does NOT mean you will be guaranteed a dog.
Canine Support Teams does currently work with owner trained dogs. Please check out our outside certification program for further information.
We do not train guide dogs for the deaf or blind.
At this time, we do not train medical alert dogs, but we can train handlers to teach medical response to their dogs.
CST prides itself in matching the right dogs with the right clients based on a variety of factors, including needs, capabilities, temperament, disability, and task work. CST’s professional trainers will personally work with clients to assess and identify the best match based on the client’s needs and lifestyle as well as the capabilities of the dog.
We will place poodles and doodles with people that have allergies, but we will never guarantee someone will not be allergic.
Yes, for a full description of our services for veterans, please visit our PAWZ for Wounded Veterans page.
Applying for a service dog is easy; simply complete our service dog application.
We pride ourselves on placing a service dog within a year of receipt of application. However, wait time can be up to two years.
Veterans receive a service dog at no cost. In most cases, the program requires travel to CST for two weeks of Team Training at our expansive Murrieta facility. Travel, lodging, meals, and activities are the responsibility of the applicant. In special cases, if traveling to Murrieta is not possible for a client, alternative arrangements may be considered at the sole discretion of CST.
Annual re-certification is required, $150/year. (All fees are waived for veterans.)
The application fee is waived for veterans, and veterans receive a service dog at no cost through our Pawz for Wounded Veterans program.
CST Info
Location
Main Office
(951) 301-3625
cstmain@caninesupportteams.org
Physical Address:
24480 Jenny Lane, Murrieta, CA 92562
Mailing Address
Po Box 75, Murrieta, CA 92564
501(c)3 Info
Tax ID 33-0434821