Board of Directors
Colton Johnson
Founder, Chair
Colton was born and raised in Colorado Springs, CO, and has been working with dogs his entire life. He has a deep love for this work and cherishes every moment spent with these wonderful creatures.
With over 22 years of professional dog training experience, Colton is dedicated to providing exceptional training and care for both you and your dog. His top priority is working with you to find the most effective training options and solutions at every level of his business, Under the Sun.
Dog training and care are not just a job for Colton but a true passion. He continually expands his education and training techniques, staying up-to-date with the industry's latest guidelines and literature. He actively attends and even presents at international training seminars to further enhance his knowledge and skills.
When Colton is not training and working closely with his clients and their dogs, he enjoys spending quality time with his family. He also participates in handling and competing at the national level with their own dogs.
Awards and recognitions:
Top Ranked Owner/Handler of all time
Top-ranked dog in the U.S. in 2014 and 2018
Breeder/owner/handler of winningest Old English Sheepdog of all time
2015 Westminster Kennel Club Breeder of the Year
2015 Santa Barbara Kennel Club Herding Group Breeder of the Year Finalist
2006 American Kennel Club Breeder of the Year
Heather Johnson
Founder, Board Member
Heather's connection with dogs runs deep, as her parents raised Bullmastiffs, and her family became heavily involved in the world of AKC purebred dogs.
Throughout her high school and college years, Heather gained practical experience by working at grooming facilities, boarding facilities, and various veterinarian clinics.
In 2000, fate led Heather to Colorado, where she traveled to evaluate a litter of Bullmastiffs. It was there that she met Colton, and their meeting marked the beginning of a wonderful journey together. They have been happily married for over 15 years and now have three beautiful children.
As a family, Heather, Colton, and their children are dedicated to raising Old English Sheepdogs under the Bugaboo prefix. They continue to carry on this passion alongside Heather's in-laws, Douglas and Michealanne.
Diana Wilson
Secretary
Diana Wilson, a stalwart figure in the realm of purebred dogs, boasts over 45 years of experience in exhibiting, breeding, and training dogs within the competitive dog show circuit. Having entered the world of junior handling at the tender age of 7, Diana achieved a notable milestone by finishing her first champion in conformation at the age of 13. Her profound love for dogs has been a constant throughout her journey.
With a dedicated focus on Dalmatians and Whippets, Diana has been actively involved in breeding and exhibiting these breeds for over 30 years. Her expertise extends beyond the show ring, as she served as a professional dog show handler for approximately 15 years, showcasing a diverse range of breeds. Furthermore, Diana dedicated almost a decade to the role of an AKC Executive Field Representative, collaborating extensively with exhibitors, judges, and club members.
In addition to her illustrious canine career, Diana brings a robust accounting background to the table. Currently serving as a Budget Analyst for the Department of Public Safety, she looks forward to leveraging her analytical and critical thinking skills in contributing to the Board of Sunrise Service Dogs. Committed to diligent learning and a meaningful contribution, Diana is poised to play an integral role in supporting the organization's mission.
Leadership
Laura Edwards
Executive Director
Laura Edwards joined Sunrise Service Dogs in January of 2022 with over twelve years of experience in the assistance dog field. Her expertise lies in innovative and visionary program development, process cultivation, and maximizing resources. In 2012, Edwards founded Disco’s Dogs, Inc., a Colorado-based nonprofit where she served as the Executive Director, placing dogs with children on the Autism spectrum and Intellectual Disabilities. In 2017, Disco’s Dogs merged with Freedom Service Dogs of Englewood, Colorado. At Freedom Service Dogs, Edwards served as the Director of Dog Operations, overseeing the organization’s Animal Health, Reproduction and Genetics, Puppy Development, and Training programs. Most notably, Laura was charged with solving the organization’s declining placement rate and, as a result, was instrumental in creating a purpose-bred breeding program of Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers. That work raised the placement rate with clients from 9% to over 40% to benefit individuals with varying disabilities across the United States.
Presentations, Accreditations, and Memberships
Assistance Dogs International (North America), Breeding Cooperative Steering Committee Member
Assistance Dogs International, Conference Speaker, 2018, 2019
International Association of Assistance Dog Partners, Resource Member, 2012-2017, 2022-2023
Veteran Ready Certified
Trust-Centered Training, Accredited Trainer
AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
Laura shares a life with her amazingly supportive husband of over 25 years, two vibrant teenagers who are her pride and joy, two Labrador Retrievers, and two cats. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree.
Brian Frevert
Vice-Chair
Brian retired on June 1, 2017, from RubinBrown LLP, a multi-regional CPA firm, where he held the position of equity partner. As a certified public accountant (CPA) and certified financial planner (CFP), Brian dedicated his expertise to assisting clients with tax and financial planning matters, spanning both individual and business domains.
Residing in Littleton, Colorado, alongside his wife Kay, family plays a significant role in their lives. In addition to being married for over 37 years, the couple are the proud parents to three children – John, Grant, and Emily – all of whom reside in the greater Denver area. They were are overjoyed with the recent addition of their first grandchild.
Brian's interests encompass hiking, biking, rafting, and lending his vocal talents to the Cherry Creek Chorale in Denver. A fervent traveler, he cherishes moments spent with family and friends. Brian is actively engaged in the community and is a member of the Rotary Club of Highlands Ranch.
His commitment to serving extends to various non-profit organizations, including recent roles as Production Manager for the Cherry Creek Chorale and Treasurer on the board of Freedom Service Dogs, Inc.
With a passion for helping others and seeing them reach their potential, Brian finds joy in working with people to improve themselves.
Douglas Johnson
Board Member
Doug Johnson is an esteemed figure in canine breeding and conformation, AKC judge, and advocate for the welfare and advancement of pure and purpose-bred dogs. Starting in 1972 with Old English Sheepdogs, Doug's commitment to ethical breeding practices and breed integrity has made a lasting impact on the dog world. He expanded his breeding repertoire to include Bouvier des Flandres in 1976, solidifying his reputation as a devoted breeder.
Renowned for his discerning eye and dedication to maintaining breed authenticity, he is sought-after as an AKC judge, garnering respect and admiration within the canine community.
Doug's contributions go beyond breeding and judging. He shares his knowledge by serving on various AKC committees, enriching the wider community of dog enthusiasts. As Vice-Chair, Doug generously advises Sunrise Service Dogs for the benefit of individuals with disabilities.
Awards and recognitions:
Devoted husband, father, and grandfather
2006 American Kennel Club Breeder of the Year
2016 Winkie Award Outstanding Breeder of the Year
American Kennel Club, Board Nominating Committee
Bouvier des Flandres Club of America, President, board member & Breed Guide Committee Member
Colorado Department of Agriculture, Pet Animals Care Facility Act Chair & Advisory Committee
Colorado Springs Kennel Club, AKC Delegate, President & board member
Delegate & Advisor, AKC Junior Showmanship Committee
Dog Federation of Colorado, President & board member
Old English Sheepdog Club of America, President, Board member, AKC parent club delegate & Illustrated Guide Committee
Tricia Elmer
Board Member
Tricia Elmer serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors at Sunrise Service Dogs. Tricia brings a wealth of experience in the field of special education as a teacher, director of special education, agency director, executive director, and most recently as an independent consultant coaching administrators in special education, conflict resolution, and mediation. She has been recognized as an outstanding contributor in the field of special education by the Iowa Council of Administrators of Special Education and served extensively on district task forces and state committees related to special education. Her education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Special Education as well as a Master of Arts in Special Education, both from Michigan State University. Tricia is an active volunteer and has also served as a board member for the New Mexico Children’s Foundation and on the Advisory Panel for the Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Charlie Raboin
Treasurer
Charlie Raboin is delighted to be a part of Sunrise Service Dogs, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to the organization. Having served in the Army as a cavalry scout and deploying twice to Iraq, Charlie retired as a disabled veteran. Post-military service, a pursuit of academic excellence led to the attainment of a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting, paving the way for a successful career in distribution operations with Johnson & Johnson.
A natural affinity for working with people has always been a hallmark of Charlie's abilities, engaging with diverse groups on a daily basis. Throughout both professional and personal endeavors, there has been a consistent commitment to occupying supportive, meaningful, and influential roles. The alignment of values with Sunrise Service Dogs presented an incredible opportunity for Charlie to continue working with wonderful individuals towards a substantive goal.
Identifying deeply with a segment of the population that SSD strives to serve and support, Charlie approaches the organization's mission on a profoundly personal level. With a desire to contribute skills, expertise, and experience, Charlie aims to play a crucial role in bridging the gap between those in need and the exceptional canines that Sunrise Service Dogs provides.