Board of Trustees

Patricia (Patty) Kanan
Trust Chairman

• Chairman of the Board of Trustees for over 15 years
• Charter Member of the American CKCS Club at its inception in 1993, served as its President for over 10 years and recognized as a Lifetime Member
• Multiple post graduate degrees assist in her professional life of running the family business, but also serving in various roles called upon with the Charitable Trust
• Recognized as a go to person in the world of Cavaliers. If she doesn’t have the information you are looking for, she knows who does and probably has that person in her cell phone

Bettina (Tina) Sterling, RN, AS
Health Committee Chair & Grant Coordinator

• Professional career in healthcare and practice management led to position of Medical Administrator
• 30+ years in the world of Cavaliers. From the beginning, her interest has been in areas of CKCS health
• Able to translate and interpret the details and nuances of studies, grants and projects under consideration for funding
• Oversees relationship with the AKC’s Canine Health Foundation

Contact: grants@ackcscharitabletrust.org

Claire Parker
Treasurer

• A CPA certificate and career as a Management Consultant is a valuable toolset for our Charitable Trust treasurer
• Breeder & exhibitor of Cavaliers for over 20 years, with Golden Retrievers before that
• The prospect for research that enriches the lives of Cavaliers, dogs and even humans is the key factor for volunteering her time as a trustee
• AKC Delegate for the American CKCS Club. Serves on Boards of a management consulting firm and multiple regional Cavalier clubs

Stephanie Sterling
Fundraising Director

• Research Specialist for PennVet
• Involved with Cavaliers for over 30 years as a breeder, exhibitor and Junior Showmanship judge
• Actively involved with the American CKCS Club since 1994
• The Charitable Trust is so important because without investment in the health of your breed, their will be no longevity

Contact: fundraising@ackcscharitabletrust.org

John Ioia MD, Ph.D.
Health Committee

John earned his PhD in Biochemistry from SUNY Downstate Medical Center, the MD from Albany Medical College and did a residency in Orthopedic Surgery.  He specializes in Orthopedics and Joint Replacement and resides in New York’s beautiful Hudson Valley.

John has a 50-year history of AKC activities, including breeding champion Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, and Cavaliers.  He judges all Toy, Terrier and Non-Sporting Breeds and is the AKC Delegate for an All-Breed Club.  He has 20 years’ experience in exhibiting and breeding Cavaliers.

John has used his years of clinical practice and medical knowledge to focus on the health and welfare of our Breed, as well as all dogs.

Leslie Slusher, BS, MS, Ph.D.
Health Committee

• Ph.D. and Postdoctoral training in Molecular Genetics
• Biology Professor with 26 years teaching Genetics, Molecular Genetics, Human Genetics, Molecular Biology Techniques and Bioethics at West Chester University of Pennsylvania
• Extensive Grant Writing and Research Experience
• Over 10 years breeding and exhibiting Cavaliers King Charles Spaniels
• Passionate about the health and preservation of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as a breed

Lamont Yoder, RN, MBA, MSN, NEA-BC, FACHE
Health Committee

• A Founder of the American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club and recognized as a Lifetime Member
• Background as a registered nurse led to leadership and executive roles in healthcare that spans four decades
• Over 35 years breeding and exhibiting Cavaliers King Charles Spaniels
• Committed to continuing a lifelong passion for protection and promotion of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Luanne (Lu) Dunham
Trustee

• Trustee for the Charitable Trust since 2005
• Retired Master’s prepared clinician and administrator having worked the areas of Emergency, Trauma and Clinical Research
• Been “in dogs” for more than 30 years. First with Shetland Sheep dogs and then Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.  Has seen first hand the positive impact that determined breeders can have on diminishing the occurrence of specific heath issues

Contact: info@ackcscharitabletrust.org

Carl Tennille
Trustee

• Trustee since 2006 and Cavalier owner since the early 1970s
• Active supporter of Cavaliers in performance events – obedience, agility and free style. Who ever said that Cavaliers are just a pretty face has never met Carl’s Cavaliers!
• Has had Cavaliers with the a heart condition and recognizes the value the Trust brings to addressing these issues

Helen Jesse MSN
Trustee

• Fell in love with Cavaliers 20 years ago and have been a supporter and advocate for the Charitable Trust since its inception
• Healthcare knowledge brings an understanding that through the use of proper testing and breeding protocols it is possible to diminish and ultimately eradicate specific canine health issues
• Passionate about raising money for the Trust. I enjoy thinking of various options to get people to part with their money while smiling and agreeing it’s for a good cause