Sonya Ward
Sonya Ward was born in Germany and raised in Europe. She has traveled extensively, visiting all but one continent and an innate interest in culture and history. She has a German and American college degree majoring in business and marketing. Sonya has a lifelong love for dogs and has been training Veterans with PTSD and their dogs since 2015. She has and is continuing to attend workshops and training classes as well as immersing herself in material pertaining to Veterans, dogs and PTSD. It was due to the support and interest of the Veterans in the area that Sonya decided to start Ibi Semper Training, Inc and she is looking very much forward to working and training Veterans and First Responders in the Capital District.
Shelley Dame - Board Member
Shelley Dame is a Hudson Valley Community College graduate in Business Administration and went on to receive her paralegal degree from National Paralegal Studies Program. She has a lifelong love for dogs and other animals and has been a dog trainer since 2017, training her own Golden Retriever as therapy dog. In 2018 Shelley founded and opened the very successful dog boarding business “All About Dawgs, LLC”. Besides being a Board member, Shelley is an active volunteer at IBI Semper Training and is very excited to be working with veterans and their dogs.
Stephen Onley - Board Member
Stephen Onley served in the US Army from 2008 to 2015 as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. Stephen deployed to Afghanistan in 2009, where he served alongside various special operations groups and foreign militaries. Currently, Stephen is completing his Bachelor's degree in Mathematics at Indiana University. On top of his academic pursuits, he actively engages in volunteer work with organizations, such as Stride Adaptive Sports and Ibi Semper Service Dog Training. Stephen's dedication to helping veterans is clear through his involvement with many charities, where he has contributed to raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for noble causes. Stephen is currently working at Hudson Valley Community College in the Veterans Resource & Outreach Center. In his role as Assistant Director of Veteran Resources and Outreach, he extends his support and guidance to fellow veterans, ensuring they receive the assistance and resources they deserve. With his strong military background, academic achievements, and profound commitment to making a positive impact, Stephen Onley exemplifies a genuine leader and advocate for veterans' well-being.
Amy Zappia - Board Member
Amy Zappia is a U.S. Navy Veteran and a graduate of the Ibi Semper Training program with her Service Dog Barnabas. She has traveled extensively and was stationed State side as well as overseas. Amy lived in Greece, Pakistan and the UK. She enjoys helping IST at outreach and educational events, enjoys art, gardening and being with her family and three dogs.
Jean Gannon - Fundraising Committee Chair
Jean Gannon grew up in Brooklyn and Newburgh, New York, and has lived in the City of Albany since December 2000. Jean is retired from the federal government, having worked at the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY from 1977-2000 as the Deputy Inspector General, before moving to Albany and working as a Wage and Hour Investigator for the Department of Labor from 2000-2004. She has her Associate Degree in Business Management and Bachelor Degree in Liberal Arts and is an active volunteer with Ibi Semper Training, with her primary focus on fundraising.