Our Team
Shannon Preston
Executive Director
Shannon started her relationship with Service Dogs Alabama as a puppy-raiser, and her life has been filled with “Labrador Glitter” ever since.
“I am so excited to be part of such an amazing organization. We truly make a difference in so many lives EVERY DAY”
Shannon brings over 20 years of non-profit experience focused in strategy, management and fund development. As a nonprofit consultant, she has worked with hundreds of organizations and continues to teach and speak when her schedule allows. She, her husband Steve and her black labrador named Tallulah, call Fairhope, AL home when she is not on campus in Hope Hull.
Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole
- Roger Caras
Erin Norton
Volunteer Coordinator
A proud graduate of the University of Alabama, Erin transitioned from careers in sales and marketing to join Service Dogs Alabama in pursuit of a meaningful role that aligns with her passions—dogs, veterans, and children.
Married to a 68W in the Army, she juggles life with three amazing kids, two playful cats, and three lovable dogs. The favorite part of her job is witnessing the incredible bond between our service dogs and the people they empower.
As she always says…
A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself
- Josh Billings
Kayla Popplewell
Program & Facility Coordinator
Meet Kayla! She graduated from Tallassee High School, Class of 2014, and currently lives in the Tallassee area.
She and her partner have two dogs, Buster and Peppa, and three kitties, Hammy, Breen, and Birdie. Her background is in retail management, but she always wanted to work with animals. When she started with SDA, her passion for animals grew into the passion of purpose. She fully believes in our purpose to raise and train service dogs for recipients to regain their independence.
Her favorite thing about her job is being able to pass the dogs onto their recipients for the first time and see the instant connection and purpose of their training.
Be the person your dog thinks you are - C.J. Frick
Summer Rogowski
Program Manager
Born and raised in Pensacola, FL, Summer has always loved dogs, especially Labrador Retrievers. She began working with Service Dogs Alabama (SDA) in 2019 and became SDA’s Lead Trainer in 2021. She now serves as the ADI Accredited SDA Program Manager, overseeing the Puppy Raiser and Socializer programs.
Summer specializes in problem-solving and developing individualized training plans for dogs. You might also see her conducting Public Access Training or speaking at events to raise awareness about SDA. Known by some as the “dog whisperer,” she’s a strong support for volunteers raising and training future service dogs.
Outside of work, Summer and her partner Kaila enjoy being on the water—especially fishing—and attending dog-friendly events.
I want to work like a dog, doing what I was born to do with joy and purpose. I want to play like a dog, with total, jolly abandon
- Oprah Winfrey
Hannah Ellison
Trainer
Hannah graduated from Auburn University in 2023 as a wildlife biologist, where she also honed her skills in dog training and care by volunteering with Auburn’s detection canine breeding and training program.
She lives in Auburn with her ten year old lab Colonel, who is training and trialing in nosework and various dog sports for fun.
With over 10 years of experience working with dogs, she’s excited to continue advancing her knowledge of dog training at SDA, while helping dogs reach their potential and making a difference in the lives of people in need.
There is nothing truer in this world than the love of a good dog - Mira Grant
