Jody leads the organization’s strategic direction, operations and administration, and oversees its programs and volunteer teams. She joined the organization in October 2022 as Director of Development & Marketing and became Executive Director in February 2026. She continues to lead all grant writing, fundraising and marketing efforts.

Jody brings extensive experience in nonprofit development, compliance, event planning, social media and marketing. She holds the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential, one of the highest professional certifications in nonprofit fundraising.

Driven by a deep passion for education and philanthropy, Jody is dedicated to sharing the unique bond between people and dogs with the communities we serve. Her two therapy dogs, Sunny, a Labrador Retriever, and Daphne, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, love visiting schools and organizations and meeting new friends along the way.

Beyond her work with Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara, Jody serves on the Advisory Board of the Nonprofit Resource Network and is Lead Chair of its Development Professionals Roundtable. She also enjoys doing philanthropy and leadership work alongside her daughter through National Charity League’s Santa Ynez Valley chapter.

Karen Lee Stevens founded Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara in 1997 and served as Executive Director for more than 25 years. In 2023 she stepped into her current role, where she focuses on the organization’s mindfulness and wellness programming.

Karen created Wag Well, our mindfulness program that brings social-emotional learning and stress-reduction practices into classrooms, with therapy dogs as calming companions. For the past eight years she has taught mindfulness to students across the region, which she describes as one of the most fulfilling callings of her life. Through our partnership with Ventura County Behavioral Health, Karen also leads Staff Mental Health Support sessions and Monthly Mindfulness sessions for behavioral health staff in Ventura County.

Karen is a Certified Sound Healer and offers restorative Sound Baths for adults and youth that support deep relaxation and nervous system regulation. She also shares her passion for healing through writing. She is the author of two children’s books, most recently Little Ruby’s Big Dream, and writes the monthly Unleashing Happiness blog. Karen also continues to volunteer with the organization alongside her therapy dog, Buffy.

Aja Forner brings a strong background in nonprofit development and a deep passion for helping others. She oversees volunteer onboarding and coordinates visit scheduling with all of our partner locations, so our therapy dog teams are prepared, supported and matched with the communities that need them most.

Through our partnership with Ventura County Behavioral Health, Aja leads our therapy dog teams in Ventura County. She manages scheduling for the program and joins group clinic sessions with her own therapy dog, Scout. Known for her strategic thinking and heartfelt approach to community engagement, she plays a key role in expanding access to our programs throughout the region.

Aja is a former Board President of Therapy Dogs of America and continues to serve on several local boards in Carpinteria, where she is committed to building a stronger, more connected community. She and Scout, her rescue Parti Poodle, have been a therapy dog team since 2023. Full of personality and endless affection, Scout delights in sharing love with everyone he meets. Aja lives in Carpinteria with her husband, two children and their beloved “Mini Farm.” She is driven by connection, compassion and the belief that small acts of kindness can spark lasting change.

Summer is a mom to three grown boys and a soon-to-be empty nester who works in the mental health field with a focus on alternative approaches and nonprofit programs. When she and her partner adopted Kona, Summer instantly knew she would make a wonderful therapy dog, and working together through the Ventura County Behavioral Health program has been a meaningful way to fill that new chapter of time. In her free time, Summer enjoys long hikes in nature, beach days with her dogs, biking, camping, and a fun, competitive game of pickleball.