About Us
Our organization's history is one of dedication, passion, and community. Over the
years, we have grown from a small initiative to a recognized Assistance Dogs International (ADI) accredited non-profit. Our unique approach involves volunteer puppy raisers who socialize and tailor training programs to meet the individual needs of the recipient.
We have no formal training facilities; instead, our dogs-in-training live in the homes of our loyal and committed band of puppy raisers. By training in public settings, our puppies learn to ignore distractions—preparation for focusing on their future handler.
We are a grassroots 501(c)3 non-profit corporation and the only accredited service dog training organization on the island of Oahu, Hawaii.
Our Mission
Hawaii Fi-Do Service Dogs helps to build independence and quality of life for children
and adults with mobility disabilities in Hawaii by providing them with quality trained assistance dogs and by sharing awareness of service dogs to the community.
In 2008 we were Internationally Accredited under Assistance Dogs International, Inc. and our volunteer community has built Hawaii Fi-Do from the ground up. We have no formal training facilities; instead, our dogs-in-training live in the homes of our loyal and committed band of puppy raisers. By training in public settings, our puppies learn to ignore distractions—preparation for focusing on their future handler.
Volunteer Opportunities
While we train our dogs, we work with our community to raise public awareness about service dog teams. And, we offer compassionate and educational programming in schools, eldercare facilities, on-base, and with US Veterans wherever they live in the islands. Our funding comes mainly from generous individuals, businesses, and local human services grants such as Aloha United Way, and Friends of Hawaii Charities.
Community Outreach Programs
Susan Luehrs- Founder
Hawaii Fi-Do was founded in 2000 by Susan Luehrs, who was trained at the Assistance Dog Institute in Santa Rosa, California.
Susan had great success using dogs to aid her in her previous profession as a special-education teacher at Kahuku High School. She noticed that when dogs were around, kids who were reserved opened up and became much more engaged. It was Susan’s love for dogs and desire to help people with disabilities that lead to her founding Hawaii Fi-Do. As lead trainer, Susan works daily with all our puppy raisers.
KATELYN - Executive Director
Katelyn Tauaʻa is the executive director of Hawaiʻi Fi-Do Service Dogs and a longtime volunteer with the organization. She has been part of Hawaiʻi Fi-Do since 2018, supporting the mission in many ways, including fostering a retired service dog during the final two years of its life and providing comfort and companionship through its golden years.
An Army veteran, Katelyn joined Hawaiʻi Fi-Do to give back to fellow veterans, strengthen the local community, and support individuals of all ages, from keiki to kūpuna. She is a passionate mental health advocate with a strong commitment to nonprofit work and community impact. Katelyn holds a Master’s in Business for Veterans from the University of Southern California and brings experience in human resources, community engagement, and caregiving. Originally from Southern California, she is proud to call Hawaiʻi home and is dedicated to growing Hawaiʻi Fi-Do’s impact across the state.
MARY ANN - Program Director
Mary-Ann Fernandes is an animal behavior professional with deep experience in shelter work, behavior consultations, and humane training practices. She has spent years supporting dogs and cats with behavioral challenges while guiding families, staff, and volunteers through practical, compassionate solutions. Her work includes leading innovative programs that pair shelter dogs with veterans and incarcerated individuals, conducting behavior evaluations, and training teams at scale.
In addition to her animal welfare background, Mary-Ann brings senior-level experience in operations, risk management, and program leadership, giving her a rare ability to balance empathy with structure. She is Fear Free certified, a specialized training certification to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) in pets during veterinary visits and other care, to create a more positive experience for animals and owners. She is also a published animal behavior writer. Based in Hawaiʻi. Mary-Ann is known for her steady leadership, thoughtful problem-solving, and deep respect for both animals and the people who care for them.
BRITT - Lead Dog Trainer
Brittany Hutchinson is an animal care specialist and professional dog trainer with a calm, compassionate approach to helping dogs and their people succeed together. She has extensive experience working in daycares, training facilities, and private settings, using positive reinforcement to support basic obedience, behavior modification, and confidence-building. Her background includes working with service and detection dogs, as well as mentoring aspiring trainers.
As the owner of Mana Dog Training, Brittany blends hands-on training with thoughtful client education, marketing, and community outreach. With a creative background and a deep respect for the human–animal bond, she brings patience, clarity, and genuine care to every relationship. Based in Hawaiʻi, she is dedicated to creating safe, supportive environments where dogs can thrive.
JEN - Administrative Support
Jen Shimasaki is an administrative professional with a strong background in school operations, community support, and family-centered environments. She brings years of experience working in educational settings, supporting students, staff, and families through organized, dependable, and people-first administrative support. Her work includes managing high-volume communications, maintaining accurate records, and providing daily operational support in fast-paced school environments.
Jen also has a long history of volunteer service, including supporting military families through event coordination and behind-the-scenes logistics. Known for her reliability, attention to detail, and calm presence, she takes pride in creating smooth systems that allow organizations and communities to thrive.
OFFICERS
Dara Fukuhara- Marketing/Public relations
Chair
Susan Leuhrs - ADI Certified Dog Trainer (Founder)
Vice Chair
Susan Tamashiro- Retired Educator
Secretary
Charles Cardinal- Retired U.S. Army
Treasurer
AT LARGE MEMBERS
Jodie Miller- ADI Certified Dog Trainer
Jim Kennedy- Retired Hawaii Fi-Do Executive Director
Vickie Kennedy- Disability Advocate / Guide Dog User
Benjamin Bryce- Active Military
Board of Directors
Sandi Meehan- Retired IL Specialist
Karen Bernstein- Attorney
Advisory Board
