The Guiding Eyes for the Blind Graduate Council consists of Guiding Eyes graduates who vary in age, lifestyle, and occupation. Shared amongst this far-reaching group is a deep commitment to Guiding Eyes and a strong desire to give back to the school. A council member serves a term of three years. A selection committee chooses three new members every spring. If interested in applying to be a graduate council member, or learning more about what the responsibilities entail, please contact Melissa Carney, Community Outreach and Graduate Support Manager, at mcarney@guidingeyes.org or GradCouncil@guidingeyes.org.
The member bios can also be found in a downloadable Word document, available here.
Alex received his first guide dog, Ballou, in November 2022. He was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia and received his B.A. in Mathematics from Wake Forest University. Alex was diagnosed with uveitis when he was 14 years old. His vision slowly declined for 19 years, but he lost the remainder of his sight recently due to uveitis and glaucoma. Alex moved to New York City in 2015 once he stopped driving. Alex works at a media agency where he has spent the last 9 years doing national television buying for Subway and General Motors. He is also passionate about stand-up comedy, playing cards, fishing, going to concerts and the Atlanta Braves! Alex is grateful for everything the Guiding Eyes community has done for him. He is excited to continue serving on the council and looks forward to making more new friends!
Contact Alex and Ballou
New York, New York
Email: alexreese518@gmail.com
Ashley Townsend Tavera is working with her second guide dog, first from Guiding Eyes, Lolly—formally known as Ms. Pop. They were matched in May of 2022, and Lolly has been infusing every aspect of Ashley’s life with joy and freedom ever since. Lolly is an exuberant black lab running guide who is bright and adventure-loving—and has a reputation for being the perfect combo of goofball and genius.
Ashley and Lolly live in Denver, Colorado and enjoy traveling, navigating the hustle and bustle of the city, and hiking in the beautiful mountainous terrain. Their little family consists of Ashley and her husband Matt, Lolly, and Maya the calico cat. Ashley’s interests include singing, all things music and theater, playing with animals, cooking, and being outside. She works as both a licensed clinical social worker and transformative coach with a passion for working with individuals with complex trauma in her own private practice. As a licensed therapist and guide dog handler, Ashley is passionate about the journeys of gratitude, grief, and growth that all graduates face with their guides. She is here to support you in your journey as it unfolds.
Ashley is honored to serve her final year on the Graduate Council and to be a part of the Guiding Eyes family! She can’t wait to get to know everyone and hopes that graduates will reach out anytime!
Contact Ashley and Lolly Pop
Denver, Colorado
Email: Ashleytownsend421@gmail.com
Mariana lives in Miami with her second guide dog, a yellow lab named Einstein. His name truly fits him -he’s such a smart boy!
Mariana and Einstein love being out and about. Whether exploring hiking trails, paddling in a kayak, heading to the beach, finding new restaurants, or checking out fun spots around town, they’re happiest when they’re on the move together. Mariana and Einstein have been a team since February 2022, and Mariana has been part of the Guiding Eyes community since 2019, when she was matched with her first guide, Hodge.
Mariana is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling at UMass Boston and completing her internship with the Florida Division of Blind Services, where she has learned a ton, and loved the hands-on experience.
Mariana is passionate about helping others along their own journeys to greater independence and fulfillment. She cares most about building community and encouraging adventure—especially when it comes to living life fully with guide dogs. Mariana helped create resource guides for graduates in recreational areas such as hiking, navigating amusement parks, cruising, and traveling by train. She’s all about finding ways to get out, explore, and have fun.
Being part of the community means so much to Mariana, and she’s always up for connecting or swapping fun stories.
Contact Mariana and Einstein
Miami, FL
Email: mcanalizo14@gmail.com
Macy is an energetic musician and scholar dedicated to spreading disability awareness and advocating for accessibility. She earned a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Arkansas in May and will begin pursuing a master’s in horn performance at Western Michigan University in the fall. While obtaining her master’s, Macy will serve as a graduate assistant for the music department and an academic mentor for the university-wide Mentoring for Success Program.
When she is not studying and practicing, Macy enjoys listening to music, reading, cooking, and visiting new coffee shops. She loves cracking jokes, exploring new places, and being with friends.
Macy was matched with her first guide dog, Kurt, in January 2023 and is excited to be a member of the Guiding Eyes Graduate Council this year. She loves to travel and hopes to provide resources that will assist other handlers planning trips abroad. She enjoys meeting other members of the blind community and looks forward to chatting with recent graduates about their experiences with their new guides.
Contact Macy and Kurt
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Email: macy.nicole.james@gmail.com
Kathy Nimmer is a life-long high school English teacher, writer, mentor, and motivational speaker living in West Lafayette, Indiana. Her professional experiences have included numerous awards and opportunities that she has always considered doorways of service to others. She has been a proud guide dog handler since 1996 and has partnered with five dogs, three from Guiding Eyes including her current black lab, gentle giant Tate. After retiring early from K-12 education in December 2024, Kathy is welcoming more time to pursue her passions, including serving Guiding Eyes on the Graduate Council. Some of her favorite pastimes include reading mysteries, making jewelry, following sports, and working as a part-time interim preacher at her church.
Contact Kathy and Tate
West Lafayette, Indiana
Email: kathynimmer2015@gmail.com
Anthony is the proud handler and teammate of his first guide dog, Lindsey, a female Yellow Lab. They have been a team since August 2024, and reside in North Tonawanda, New York, which is between Buffalo and Niagara Falls.
Anthony received an Associate’s degree in Business Administration, and currently works as an Appliances Specialist at Home Depot, having formerly owned a small trucking company and a small retail store. Anthony enjoys volunteering at his local fire department, bowling, tinkering with old cars and attending various car shows, and camping with his family at their summer home on weekends.
Lindsey, whose nickname is Lindsey Girl or Lindser, enjoys sunbathing, fly catching, and chilling out on Anthony’s bed whenever possible. Lindsey is Anthony’s Home Depot store mascot, and is loved and admired by everyone who sees her.
Guiding Eyes is truly a life-changing organization, and Anthony is honored to help anyone he can through his experiences, advice, or just being an ear to anyone who needs it throughout the journey. It is Anthony’s pleasure to have the opportunity to serve on the Graduate Council.
Contact Anthony and Lindsey
North Tonawanda, New York
Email: AParise613@gmail.com
Izzy Bailey resides in Maine’s Kennebec Valley, alongside her guide dog, Bright, her husband, and many other critters. In January 2025, Bright became Izzy’s first guide dog partner, joining her in exploring Maine’s beautiful landscapes through activities like paddle boarding, canoeing, and hiking. Bright has seamlessly integrated into a lively pack that includes two English Setters and a Basset Hound.
Izzy holds an undergraduate degree in Rehabilitation Services from the University of Maine at Farmington and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Maine. She aims to specialize in disability adjustment counseling, offering support and guidance to those exploring a disabled identity.
Beyond her studies, Izzy is dedicated to advocating for accessibility and outdoor equity. She serves on the Nature Based Education Consortium’s Outdoor Equity Working Group and contributes valuable insights as a board member for MOBALE, an adaptive sports camp for blind and low vision youth in Maine.
Izzy enjoys foraging and growing her own food, attending local live music shows, and contra-dancing.
Contact Izzy and Bright
Fairfield, Maine
Email: dearizzybailey@gmail.com
