It's not every day that you find someone whose career path started when they were 9 years old, but meet Amanda Jones, GDB's newest guide dog mobility instructor (GDMI). Amanda's favorite part of her job is getting to do something that she has worked toward since she was a child. She started by raising guide dog puppies - 11, to be exact - and then pursued education and work experience to compliment her end goal. She received a bachelor's degree in Biology from Boston College, then a master's degree in orientation and mobility from California State University, Los Angeles. Amanda then worked as an orientation and mobility instructor at a school district in the Los Angeles area before coming to GDB. She recently completed her three-year GDMI apprenticeship, which involved hands-on, practical experience in training both our clients and our dogs, as well as an academic course of study.
Amanda is originally from Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., but now makes her home in Sebastopol, Calif., with her husband, Prentice, and their two pet GDB career change dogs - yellow Lab Supreme, and Golden Retriever Tybalt. Her hobbies include swimming, leatherwork, dog sports, and hiking.
Congratulations, Amanda, on realizing your lifelong goal!
