BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Lydia conceived of the idea for the Survivor's Companion when she had just gotten certified as a professional dog trainer, and realized that there currently weren't any organizations in the country that train PTSD service dogs specifically for abuse survivors. In addition to running the Survivor's Companion, she also owns Maiden of Canines in Indianapolis, a for-profit dog training business that specializes in rescued dogs. Now with 10 years of dog training experience and a background in victim advocacy and clinical psychology, she aims to blow the doors wide open for survivors seeking the service dogs they need, and use her success and knowledge to help young trainers who want to make a difference in the world.

My professional background is primarily in post-award grant management with additional experience in grant writing and pre-award management. I have written applications and managed grants at the local, state, and federal level. Currently, I primarily work with for-profit grant recipients in the health and human services sector. I began my professional career by working for a local domestic violence organization that specializes in addressing safe housing needs for survivors of domestic violence. I loved working with the Indy CoC to provide much-needed services and support to survivors. This work is very close to my heart, and I'm excited to serve the Survivor's Companion Board! I hope to see the organization grow and thrive so more survivors can benefit from this work.

Jessica has a long history in Philanthropy and has graced the board of both local and national organizations - and we couldn't be more excited to have her as our Fundraising Officer. She's drawn to Survivor's Companion by our unique mission, and has a way of inspiring all of those around her! In this role, Jess is responsible for maintaining our fundraising processes, contacting donors, and doing the tiresome work of keeping our financial spreadsheets updated. With nearly 100% of our organization funded by individual donors, we couldn't do what we do without Jess! 

Seth never grew up with dogs, but as an adult has come to find that he has a deep connection to them. As a freelance designer and marketing consultant, Seth is our Board's Content Officer - meaning he's responsible for running our social media campaigns. Working together with Lydia, they develop almost all the content you see of ours online. In his free time, Seth loves playing pickleball, eating an acai bowl, and petting dogs. He's excited to use his expertise as a member of our Board of Directors, and is hirable if you'd like to talk to him about open positions!

Lea is thrilled to join the Board of Directors of Survivor's Companion, where she will contribute her lifelong passion for animals to help further the mission of pairing trained companion canines with survivors. With a deep belief in the power of the human-animal bond, she is excited about the transformative impact these relationships can have—creating a space where both the animals and people involved thrive together. Lea is dedicated to strengthening the organization and expanding its reach, ensuring that more survivors have the opportunity to experience the support, companionship, and healing that these incredible animals offer.

Shelby Jurca graduated from Texas Tech University with a BA in Advertising and a minor in Psychology in 2017. She has always had the goal to use her skills and degree to help end human trafficking and help survivors. Shelby feels her best when she is helping others and making people smile. Her creative mind brings a lot to the table for Survivor's Companion, but the most important thing is her heart for the mission.

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As Communication's Officer, Shelby is responsible for responding to all emails that come to the organization, or sending them to the appropriate team member. When you contact us, she's likely who you'll speak to first!

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