Leadership and Board
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Pauline Hoegler
Founder and Executive Director
Pauline Hoegler RN, BSN, CPDT, is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer with over 30 years of experience with competitive obedience, agility, consulting clients, and group dog behavior. She is also a critical care nurse working in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab which makes her a perfect candidate to lead our organization. Pauline is dedicated to founding and directing a service dog organization that impacts the lives of those with disabilities for the better.
Email: phoegler@gofidog.org
Dr. William Dundon
Board Member
Dr. William Dundon, DVM – Board Member
Dr. William Dundon is a veterinarian at Chestnut Street Animal Hospital in Needham and has been a longtime supporter of Golden Opportunities for Independence (GOFI). For many years, he has provided expert care to GOFI’s dogs, including conducting the puppies’ initial 7-week health check-ups and serving as a trusted veterinarian for many of the dogs throughout their training journey. His work helps balance health and training, ensuring each dog has the best foundation for success.
As a general member of the Board of Directors, Dr. Dundon brings both his veterinary expertise and his dedication to animal well-being to support GOFI’s mission of changing lives through service dogs.
Officer Tommy Hart, SRO
Board Member
Tommy Hart, a Walpole Police School Resource Officer and 2003 WHS graduate, partnered with Rebel, Walpole’s first Community Resource Dog raised at GOFI, to bring comfort and connection to students and the wider community. A longtime supporter of youth and education, he previously worked in special education within Walpole schools. In 2022, he received the U.S. Department of Justice Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing, one of only two officers nationwide honored that year. As a GOFI board
member, Hart is dedicated to advancing the mission of service and community dogs that strengthen lives and communities.
Email: thart@gofidog.org
Dr. Neal Patel
Board Member
Dr. Neal Patel has practiced at Walpole Pediatrics for more than 25 years, caring for generations of local families. Beyond his pediatric practice, he has volunteered with the local Medical Reserve Corps and delivered Meals on Wheels, reflecting the true meaning of a community member. After hearing from patients about the positive impact of GOFI, he became a puppy raiser and experienced firsthand the compassion and intelligence of its service dogs, as well as the dedication of the staff and volunteers behind them. As a board member, Dr. Patel is committed to supporting GOFI’s mission and helping more families benefit from the life-changing partnership of a service dog.
Email: npatel@gofidog.org
Deb Stamm
Secretary
Debra Stamm, a Cornell and Boston University Law graduate, turned her lifelong passion for dogs into a second career after raising her family in Sharon. She has trained and worked with therapy dogs across Boston-area hospitals, memory care facilities, schools, and libraries. At GOFI, Deb serves as Therapy Dog Program Coordinator, course instructor, and Board Secretary, where she helps guide therapy and community dog teams while supporting GOFI’s mission.
Email: dstamm@gofidog.org
Anne Scanlan
Secretary
Anne Scanlan recently retired after 28 years in Global Marketing at MFS Investment Management, following a decade with an international academic publishing firm. She is a graduate of Suffolk University with a degree in English and Journalism. Her extensive volunteer work with GOFI spans from puppy-sitting every litter since 2018 and puppy-raising therapy dog Boston and CRD Roger, to owning retired breeder Hope and her daughter Harmony, a future breeder. Anne also volunteers as an assistant trainer. She and her husband are certified handlers with Hope and Harmony through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Anne's passion for GOFI has been fueled by witnessing firsthand the profound impact our dogs have in helping individuals gain independence, comfort, and companionship.
Email: ascanlan@gofidog.org
Maureen Mandill
Co-Chair
Maureen Mandill is a seasoned financial marketing professional with extensive experience developing and leading strategic initiatives within the financial services industry. A graduate of Emmanuel College, Maureen combines analytical insight with creative marketing leadership to drive growth, strengthen brand presence, and build enduring client relationships.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Maureen’s lifelong love of Golden Retrievers has inspired more than 20 years of involvement with Golden Ridge Farm and GOFI. She is proud to have fostered a Community Resource Dog and is committed to supporting programs that enhance the connection between dogs and the people they serve. Maureen brings to the board a strong sense of community, dedication, and collaboration that reflects both her professional values and personal passions.
Email: mmandill@gofidog.org
Emily Hebert
Treasurer
Emily Hebert, a Dickinson College graduate, brings over five years of experience in market research and consulting, along with a background in international business and accounting. She was first introduced to service dogs through Dickinson College’s Dog House program, which involves students in puppy sitting, dog training, and fundraising in partnership with Susquehanna Service Dogs. Her prior experience with service dogs informed her involvement with GOFI across puppy sitting, training, operations, and strategic fundraising. As Treasurer and Board Member, she applies her analytical skills to strengthen financial governance while supporting the organization’s mission through her love of dogs and passion for helping others.
Email: ehebert@gofidog.org