Sam Simon was a giant in the entertainment industry. Throughout his career, he wrote, produced, and directed shows including Taxi, Cheers, The Tracey Ullman Show, and The Drew Carey Show. He is perhaps most famous for his work on The Simpsons, which he also co-created. He earned nearly a dozen Emmys and a Peabody award for his work.

Sam was also a fierce and passionate advocate for animal rights, and dedicated immense time, resources, and energy into ensuring the equitable treatment and care of animals around the world.

Sam founded the started Sam Simon Charitable Foundation in mid-2003 with an Assistance Dogs Program and Mobile Veterinary Clinic. He chose to oversee and fund his foundation himself. Today, Sam Simon Charitable Foundation continues to be 100% funded by his estate.

Sam lost his battle with cancer on March 8, 2015. We are fortunate to carry on his legacy through his philanthropic endeavors, which bear his name. He is remembered fondly by his foundation staff for his great love of dogs and people, generosity, and tireless championing for animal welfare causes.

Barb Velasquez

Since 2004, Barb serves as both director and an instructor. With over three decades of experience in dog training, Barb brings a wealth of expertise and passion to her role. She not only oversees the program’s operations but also plays a hands-on role in training our dogs.

Prior to joining the team at SSF Dogs, Barb honed her skills at Dogs for Better Lives (formerly Dogs for the Deaf, Inc.), specializing in training Hearing Dogs for the deaf and hard of hearing. Barb’s commitment to enhancing the lives of others led her to transition to the Assistance Dogs Program, where she has continued to make a profound impact through her dedication and expertise. Barb holds a bachelor’s degree in laboratory medicine from Old Dominion University.

Her hobbies include cooking, aromatherapy, and skincare formulating. Currently, she is owned by two diva princess dogs.

Kim Meinhardt

Kim is an experienced instructor with a deep passion for working with dogs. For over two decades, he has specialized in training Hearing Dogs and, since 2009, expanded his expertise to include PTSD Service Dogs.

Originally from Northern California, Kim served ten years in the Air Force, where he worked as an OR tech and in air traffic control.

Outside of training, Kim cherishes spending time outdoors with his dogs, whether at the beach or on a hike. He considers himself fortunate to be part of such a close-knit team at SSF Dogs!

Lori Ramey

Lori’s lifelong bond with dogs seamlessly integrates with her role at the foundation. With two beloved companions, Rumor and Mango, she feels right at home amidst the pack. Since 1989, Lori has worked as an instructor for training Assistance Dogs. She joined SSF Dogs in 2005.

Born in Oregon, raised in California, and having lived in Washington, Lori considers herself a true West Coast native. Living and working in Malibu is her dream come true.

Her passion for photography fills her free time, often capturing moments with the dogs or chasing birds herself with her camera.

Jackie Serrato

Jackie brought her passion for animals and her community to the foundation in 2010. Since then, she has worked tirelessly to help bring Sam Simon’s mission to life—assisted by Maribelle, a basset hound/beagle mix, who is always by her side.

A lifelong Californian, Jackie’s love for animals grew from a childhood filled with pets of all sorts—cats, dogs, chickens, and even a duck.

Polo Calderon

Growing up on his grandfather’s family ranch, Polo learned to care for animals and grow crops, developing a true passion for both. His favorite childhood memory was when he cared for a small calf who had lost her mother. Polo stepped in and bottle fed her every day.

As an adult, Polo translated his compassion for both animals and the environment into a successful career in landscaping. As head of grounds, Polo utilizes his deep knowledge and eye for maintenance and design to keep our grounds looking sharp—despite all the paws!