Therapy Dogs of America is pleased to announce the appointment of Jody Williams as its new Executive Director, effective February 1, 2026.
Jody Williams has been an integral part of Therapy Dogs of America since October 2022, previously serving as Director of Development and Marketing. During her tenure, she played a key role in expanding community engagement, strengthening fundraising efforts, and elevating the organization’s visibility throughout Santa Barbara County and beyond.
“I am truly honored and excited to step into the role of Executive Director,” says Williams. “This organization does such important and heartfelt work in our community. Every visit is a reminder of the incredible impact these dogs have—the moment a person relaxes, smiles, or feels seen because of a therapy dog is something that continues to inspire me every day.”
In her new role as Executive Director, Jody will oversee all administrative operations while continuing to lead the organization’s fundraising and marketing initiatives. Her leadership comes at an exciting time as Therapy Dogs of America continues to grow. Its impact now reaches more than 20,000 individuals annually through its programs that bring comfort, connection, and emotional support to schools, senior care facilities, the Santa Barbara airport and Jail, and many other community locations. A major part of this growth is the expansion of Therapy Dogs of America’s school partnerships in 2026. The organization now holds formal agreements with the Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, Buellton, and Ventura Unified School Districts, as well as the University of California, Santa Barbara, with further collaborations currently in development.
Alongside this leadership transition, Therapy Dogs of America is pleased to welcome Aja Forner as the organization’s new full-time Program & Volunteer Manager. In this role, Aja will oversee all aspects of visit scheduling, volunteer management and onboarding, as well as coordinate volunteer activities and engagement throughout the year. She will play a key role in strengthening the organization’s growing network of therapy dog teams and community partnerships.
Therapy Dogs of America is poised for continued growth in its mission to empower people to live more fulfilling lives through the human-animal bond. As a nonprofit dedicated to promoting emotional well-being and reducing stress, the organization provides certified volunteer therapy dog teams to a diverse range of locations. Through these compassionate visits, the teams remains committed to fostering meaningful connections and enhancing the quality of life across dozens of community sites.
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