meet the members of our team

Sue Richison

Owner

Sue is the owner of Dawgs in Motion and now the sister company Dawgs at Work. Presently and for the past 15 years, she has been a 4-H animal project leader responsible for creating many new activities in the 4-H program.

She believes in giving back, recognizing the symbiotic relationship between success and social responsibility. She and her team actively engage in educational initiatives, empowering our community with knowledge and skills to thrive. Moreover, we adhere to science-backed methods, ensuring that innovation is grounded in research and empirical evidence. By integrating these principals into our company and our training we not only drive our business forward but also contribute meaningfully to the advancement of our community and mental health awareness.

Amanda Zavadil (Mandie)

Executive Director & Lead Trainer

Mandie is the lead trainer at Dawgs in Motion & Dawgs at Work and is also a mentor trainer for Animal Behavior College. She is certified in many areas including canine communication, nutrition, psychology, hydrotherapy, massage therapy, obedience and behavioral training, mentor training for future trainers, grooming, Pet CPR, and handling of working dogs. She is also certified with the American Kennel club for instructing and evaluating: All levels of CGC, All levels of Trick Dog, and Fit Dog. Mandie is a firm believer in using up to date, science based training using L.I.M.A (Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive) methods. She routinely takes continuing education courses including courses in pharmacological interventions, separation anxiety, dog-human aggression, dog-dog aggression, shelter dog training, and additional obedience training courses.

Mandie believes passionately in the transformative power of specially trained dogs to enhance mental health in the community. With an unwavering commitment to serving others, she and her team harness the unique abilities of these remarkable dogs to uplift individuals facing challenges. Through compassionate support she strives to foster emotional well-being and resilience to all those that she, the team, and the dogs assist. She also recognizes the profound significance of this work for the dogs themselves, viewing it as a means of providing purposeful and fulfilling lives for these extraordinary companions.

Wayne Schueller

Program Advisor

Wayne plays a pivotal role in our company’s administration and advisory, serving as the key point of contact between charity groups and our outreach programs. His dedication and organizational skills ensure seamless connections, fostering meaningful collaborations that amplify our impact within the community.

Wayne’s adeptness in navigating diverse networks enables us to cultivate lasting relationships, effectively aligning our goals and endeavors with those in the community. Wayne is dedicated to assisting those in need of financial assistance through coaching to help secure placement of these highly trained assistance dogs. He is committed to bridging gaps and fostering mutual understanding of social and educational responsibility propelling us towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.