Board of directors
All Love on a Leash® members are volunteers, including the Love on a Leash® Board of Directors. Any current member, may nominate a certified Love on a Leash® member regardless of location.
Officers
Vincent Cupo
President
It was with great enthusiasm that I joined Love on a Leash® back in October of 2019. When Greta, my English Labrador, isn’t visiting schools, Wounded Warrior at Camp Pendleton, or the VA, she’s relaxing on our family room couch in front of the TV. In my short time with LOAL, I led the North San Diego County chapter, until I joined the National Board as VP in 2021. I’m honored to take the helm of LOAL in 2024 as it grows into a larger pet therapy presence nationwide.
Margaret Eggers
Vice President
I came to pet therapy years ago because I adopted, and grew to love a wonderful but damaged rescue schnauzer named Weston. A little gray dog with a big heart brought me into pet therapy and Love on a Leash®. I have been serving on the Board of Love on a Leash® since 2009, for the last decade as President, and now look forward to supporting Vince as LOAL moves into its third decade.
Susie Blake
Secretary / Membership Chair
I have been an active volunteer with Love on a Leash® since 2005, beginning with my black Labrador Retriever, Joey, who passed away in 2016. I then continued visits with my Long-Haired Dachshund, Lily, and my Golden Retriever, Duke. Today, I continue to honor their legacies through my visits with my MaltiPoo, Launi.
Janet Herron
Treasurer
Murphy’s favorite visits are with veterans, college students, and to the libraries where kids can read to him. He loves all the attention he gets and I love seeing the difference we can make together as a therapy team. I joined the Board of Directors in 2017.
Board Members
Sue Subkow
Chapters Coordinator
I have been volunteering with Love on a Leash® since 2009. I am the Mom to five Golden Retrievers and am certified for pet therapy with four of them, Charlie, Beau, Kaia, and Grace. I became involved with Love on a Leash® after seeing how much joy the animals bring to the people they visit. I am the Chapter Leader for the San Diego Central Chapter and have served on the Board of Directors since 2013.
Julie Hernandez
Seeing the smiles that happen during a visit with my pups warms my heart, and I love to bring my dogs to those that need a minute or two to love on a furry friend. Whether visiting senior citizens, college students, individuals in drug and alcohol treatment or kids with special needs, the enjoyment of seeing my dogs sharing their love with others is only second to the joy spread across the faces of those we visit. I’ve served on the Board of Directors since 2016.
Beth Hulsart
Emily and I have been visiting with Love On A Leash® for 3 years and love every encounter. Emily is now a 7 year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who enjoys all the attention her soulful big-eyed look brings her way. I am a retired educator who finds the greatest rewards volunteering and sharing my best pal with those whom we get to visit.
Deb Lee
I have been volunteering with LOAL since 2016. First with my GSD Indy and now also with my GSD Raven. I love to see how much joy therapy dogs create when visiting. We do a lot of visits at schools and always make sure to visit with the staff, too. They are also very happy to see us.
Theresa Schwarz
I have been happily volunteering with Love on a Leash® since 2016 with my dog Koeppen. From the day she came home, I knew she had what it takes to be a therapy dog. We love all the visits we do but especially those we visit with special needs. Seeing all the smiles and happiness my girl brings has been incredibly rewarding. We love being a LOAL team! I am the chapter leader for our Long Island (NY) chapter, and joined the Board in early 2023.
Ana Cianciola
My 6-year-old Frenchie, Dexter, and I have been volunteering with Love On A Leash® for two years. Dexter, a medical-alert Service Dog, also serves as a Therapy Dog, bringing comfort to Marines and the community. I am married for 34 years, cherishing my two grown children and my volunteering adventures!