Meet Halli James-Ogasawara, GDB's Newest Qualified Guide Dog Mobility Instructor
Monday September 23, 2024

It’s not often that you hear “guide dog mobility instructor” and “competitive roller derby player” to describe the same person, but boy do we have a treat for you! Meet Halli James-Ogasawara, GDB's newest qualified guide dog mobility instructor (GDMI). Halli recently completed GDB's guide dog instructor apprenticeship program, where she spent close to two years learning the art and craft of training guide dogs and instructing guide dog clients. And yes, in her spare time, Halli competes with a traveling roller derby team - a sport she fell in love with when she tried it out seven years ago.
Halli hails from Westfield, NJ and currently lives in Santa Rosa with her husband, Greg, and their pets: a black lab named Beth, a yellow lab/golden cross named Nayomi, and two cats - Mochi, a Siamese, and Sushi, a tuxedo. She's known from a young age that working with service dogs was something she wanted to pursue as a career.
"I’ve raised puppies for a few service dog organizations and have always been interested in the human/animal bond and how impactful it can be," Halli said. "After earning my degree in animal science from Rutgers University, I wanted to apply my education and skills in animal training and behavior in a way that would also assist people." She became a qualified service dog instructor, training dogs for people with physical and developmental disabilities, prior to coming to GDB.
"I was drawn to GDB because of the thorough client support we provide and the centering of client experience in the organization’s mission and values," she said. But of course, she also adores working with the dogs. "I love getting to know each dog’s personality and being a part of helping them find the right path for them, whatever that turns out to be."
In addition to roller derby, Halli enjoys reading and playing Dungeons and Dragons in her spare time.
Congratulations Halli!