Graduate Team: Nicole and Everley
About the Team: Everley, a male black Lab, Nicole’s 2nd Guiding Eyes dog
Location: Santa Rosa, California
Training: March 2026 On-Campus
Nicole has been employed as an Assistive Technology Instructor at the San Francisco Lighthouse for the Blind for the past two years. Born with Peters Anomaly, a rare congenital eye disorder, she had functional vision for 39 years before losing her sight completely in 2015. As an Access Technology Specialist, she supports the blind community by teaching blind and visually impaired individuals to use computers and software, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; Google; Microsoft Teams; Zoom; iPhone accessibility features; and other adaptive devices. She is currently pursuing additional certification to further advance her expertise in her field. Her second guide dog, Everley, has now joined her household, where she lives with her husband and her first guide dog, VanGogh, who retired in February 2026 and warmly welcomed Everley. Nicole enjoys walking around her neighborhood and going to the gym as she strives to be more active.
How would you describe your guide dog? “He’s such a loving dog and amazingly smart. He wants to know that he’s got my attention by first putting one leg on me, then two. I first thought that Everley was wild, which I think gives him his charm. He is very energetic, and I’m so glad that he gets to play outside for 2-3 hours at my job site, while I’m working. There is a coffee shop I go to about 4-5 blocks away from where I live. He has learned to go from the shop, up the ramp, and to the garage of my building. I only had to navigate with him to the office twice, then he had it. He’s very bright. It may take some time for Everley and me to be fully in sync, but he is so giving and sensitive, and I am so grateful for him.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “With my previous guide dog, I was a little hesitant at first. A guide dog Mom told me how to go about getting a guide dog and recommended Guiding Eyes. That was a conversation starter. I knew a guide dog would give me a sense of protection. As a handler, I learned that I have to pay attention to his signals. For instance, when he has to go to the bathroom, he is out of harness, yet he knows to walk in front of me when going downstairs. Both Everley and VanGogh (with my husband) walk in tandem.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “Having a guide dog allowed me to move from North Carolina to California in pursuit of my career. Everley is not just a guide dog; he is there for me when I’m happy and when I’m sad. He’s my little battle buddy.”
Were there any training highlights? “I think the biggest highlight was Everley’s ability to see a car coming before hearing it, which provided the peace of mind when crossing the street. Also, when I first brought Everley home from NY, it was a very long flight, and we had a 3 ½ hr. layover before arriving in California. It was incredible, but he was so very focused and well-behaved and not afraid to get on the plane. I also want to give a shoutout to my trainer, Kat, who is always right.”
DOB: 4/29/2023
Litter ID: 2EE23
Color/Breed: Black/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Male
Brood: Caprice
Stud: Arlo
Littermates: Essex, Ettie, Expo, Elle, Eagle, Enid
Region: Northern NJ
Regional Puppy Instructor: Monika Conrad
Puppy Raiser: Kathy L. Kyles
Facebook: Northern New Jersey Puppy Raisers
To say that I am proud of Everley is a huge understatement. From the moment we met, I knew that he wanted to be in charge and I had to let him learn that we both had an assignment and goal to reach. In puppy class, Everley’s energy was UNMATCHED! However, when he would be used for demonstrations, he hit it out of the park. Everley and I learned many lessons together and I am proud of both of us. I hope that Everley continues to work hard and enjoy his new life. ~ Kathy Kyles
