–
About Retrieving Independence:
Retrieving Independence is a Nashville-based nonprofit that breeds, trains, and places service dogs with people living with physical or psychological disabilities.
This life-changing work is made possible through a dedicated network of volunteer breeders, puppy raisers, and furlough volunteers.
Through our partnership with the Tennessee Department of Correction, RI works with incarcerated individuals to complete a significant portion of each dog’s training during their nearly two-year program. This partnership is central to our mission—empowering people and dogs on both ends of the leash.
At A Glance:
- Over 100 Service Dogs graduated since 2012
- 20+ dogs actively in training
- 3 Prison Programs “Serving with Canines”
- 40+ active incarcerated trainers with a 0% Recidivism Rate
- 80+ active volunteers
.
Our Mission:
to increase independence and restore dignity through the training and placement of working dogs.
Our Vision:
to transform lives and communities through the love, hope and dignity fostered by the human-animal bond.
.
Our Story:
The Beginning: A Simple Idea
Retrieving Independence was founded in 2012 by Dr. Brenda Dew and Lesley Adams on a simple but powerful idea: dogs can change lives.
What began as a local effort in Franklin, Tennessee quickly took root with the launch of our first training program at the Turney Center Industrial Complex, Serving with Canines.
Building Independence
In 2013, we graduated our first class of four dogs and soon added a dedicated RI bus to support reliable transportation for our dogs and team. Volunteers began pouring in to help.
As demand grew, we transitioned from a volunteer-run organization to a staffed nonprofit and hired our first CEO.
Expanding Impact
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we expanded into a second facility—the Debra K. Johnson Rehabilitation Center—and moved into our new home at the Honey Alexander Center.
In 2021, we launched our Facility Dog Program to expand our reach, placing highly trained dogs in professional settings to support broader community needs. That same year, we hosted our first annual fundraiser—Retrieving in the Round—bringing our community together to celebrate the mission.
Transforming Lives at Scale
Today, we are just one placement away from having a facility dog in every school within the Franklin Special District—a milestone we aim to complete by 2027.
In 2023, we celebrated the graduation of our 100th working dog. With new leadership, expanded staff, and growing partnerships, RI continued to deepen its impact.
Looking Ahead
We will continue expanding training and placement programs, strengthening partnerships, and serving more individuals and communities each year.
Our focus remains on deepening impact—restoring independence and dignity through every dog we place.
By The Years:
- 2012: Founded by Dr. Brenda Dew & Lesley Adams
- 2012: Launched Serving with Canines program at Turney Center Industrial Complex
- 2013: Graduated first class of four dogs; added dedicated RI bus to support transportation
- 2013–2019: Volunteers increase; organization grows steadily
- 2019: Transitioned from volunteer-run to staffed nonprofit; hired first CEO
- 2020: Expanded to second prison-based training site at Debra K. Johnson Rehabilitation Center
- 2021: Moved into new home at Honey Alexander Center
- 2021: Launched Facility Dog Program; hosted first annual fundraiser, Retrieving in the Round
- 2023: Celebrated graduation of 100th working dog; expanded staff and placement partnerships
- 2024: Introduced Skilled Companions program for in-home support
- 2025: Achieved full ADI accreditation; opened third prison-based training site
Our Staff:
Meet Lauren Dougall, our Visionary Leader and guiding force as Chief Executive Officer/President. Lauren joined our team in 2022 after making waves at Agape Animal Rescue. With her visionary guidance, Lauren steers our organization towards greater heights, embodying dedication and excellence in all she does.
Kelsey Fernandez joined us in 2023 and now serves as our Chief Operations Officer. With experience across multiple service dog organizations and training backgrounds, she leads our operations with a focus on strong systems, team support, and program excellence. Her leadership ensures our staff, volunteers, and dogs have what they need to thrive.
Rebekah Glasmeier joined our team in 2023 after years of dedicated volunteering and now serves as our Prison Training Program Manager. With firsthand experience raising multiple dogs and a deep understanding of our organization, she leads the program with clarity, consistency, and care. Her leadership strengthens the partnership between our trainers, facilities, and dogs in training.
Meet Shelly Steel, our compassionate Counselor, who joined our team in 2019. Shelly brings psychological expertise to enrich our inmate training programs & clients, fostering meaningful connections between humans and canines, a true reflection of her dedication and empathy.
Michaela joined our team in 2023 and serves as our Marketing & Communications Manager. With a strategic mindset and creative execution, she leads efforts to amplify our mission and strengthen community engagement. Her work ensures our story is clear and impactful.
Breann joined our team in 2025 as our Puppy Raising Program Manager. She leads and supports our community of puppy raisers, ensuring each dog builds a strong foundation from day one. Her focus on structure, communication, and consistency strengthens one of the most critical stages of our program.
Jen joined our team in late 2025 and now serves as our Client Experience Manager. She guides clients through each stage of the placement journey, ensuring clear communication and thoughtful support along the way. Her work strengthens the connection between our dogs, recipients, and the broader Retrieving Independence community.
Our Founders:
We honor the legacy of our Founder and Director Emeritus, Brenda Dew, who passed away in December 2023. Brenda founded Retrieving Independence in 2012, building the organization on her core values of Love, Dignity, and Change and the steady guidance of her well-known “Brenda-isms.”
Her vision and determination shaped our mission and impacted countless lives. In recognition of her lasting influence, she will always hold the title of Director Emeritus. Her legacy continues to guide the work we do every day.
Lesley Adams co-founded Retrieving Independence alongside Brenda and served for years as our Director of Operations and Administration. Her leadership, institutional knowledge, and operational vision helped shape the structure and integrity of our programs.
Lesley retired in 2025, leaving behind a strong foundation that continues to guide our work. Her influence remains deeply embedded in our organization and its future.
Her vision and determination shaped our mission and impacted countless lives. In recognition of her lasting influence, she will always hold the title of Director Emeritus. Her legacy continues to guide the work we do every day.
Our Board of Directors:
Owen Shirk
Board Secretary
Senior VP Portfolio Management | Pinnacle Financial Partners
Joined: January 2026
Community Partners:
We’re grateful for a small group of partners whose support goes beyond sponsorship into ongoing, mission-driven collaboration.
Mill Creek Brewing Company has been a longtime supporter — hosting events and giving back to fuel our work. Gunner Kennels has strengthened the safety and mobility of our program — helping us secure our bus and equipping our vehicles with high-standard crates.
Vanderbilt LifeFlight provides critical high-distraction training environments for our dogs while also investing in our mission financially.
We’re especially thankful to Family & Children’s Service at the Honey Alexander Center, whose longstanding partnership and shared space make our day-to-day operations possible.
Our Annual Events:
.
Retrieving on the Ridge: 5K Race
Join us for the first-ever Retrieving on the Ridge—a community-driven 5K designed for everyone.
On June 13th, Mill Ridge Park will become more than a race course—it will be a gathering place for movement, connection, and purpose. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply looking for a meaningful way to spend your morning, this event is built to meet you where you are.
Event Details:
- Date: June 13
- Time: 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM
- Location: Mill Ridge Park
- Rain Date: TBD
Let’s move together.
.
Retrieving in the Round
Retrieving in the Round is our signature annual fundraiser — an evening dedicated to celebrating impact and investing in the future of our mission.
This event brings together partners, donors, volunteers, and community leaders for an immersive experience highlighting the life-changing work of our service dogs and the people they serve in our home office. Through storytelling, sponsorship, and community generosity, Retrieving in the Round generates critical funding to sustain and grow our programs.
Through food, drinks, live music & an auction, it’s a gathering of the people who believe in what’s possible.
