Meet The Collective
David Grice
Independent Director
David is a highly respected leader in the assistance dog industry with over 35 years of experience, including a distinguished career at Guide Dogs for the Blind in the UK and key roles with the International Federation of Guide Dog Schools. He has excelled in roles ranging from practitioner to department head, driving innovation in guide dog training worldwide, service delivery, and research. Now, David consults globally as a United Partners Independent Director, working with assistance dog organisations to develop and implement strategic initiatives that drive cultural change and improve outcomes. David has an unprecedented understanding of the industry and it’s operational complexities.
Caroline Abraham
Director of Business Operations
With over 27 years of experience, Caroline is known for her exceptional breath of knowledge and outstanding service delivery. She began her career as a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor in the UK, before progressing to management positions in dog and client services. Caroline's expertise extends internationally, having served as an assessor for the International Guide Dog Federation, working with schools worldwide for six years. In her national lead role at Guide Dogs UK, she demonstrated exceptional skills in managing, developing, and overseeing the guide dog partnership journey, driving continuous improvement and impactful outcomes. As a certified Lean Six Sigma Practitioner and member of the Chartered Management Institute, Caroline excels in navigating complex client relationships and ensuring the seamless execution of projects, ensuring outstanding outcomes every step of the way.
Sara Mclver
Behaviour & Partnership
Consultant
Sara is a registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist and Animal Training Instructor with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council in the UK, bringing over 20 years of expertise in animal training and behaviour. She worked as a Guide Dog Mobility Specialist for 7 years and then as a Training and Behaviour Consultant for Guide Dogs UK, where she worked to update ethical training techniques and developed staff training programs. Sara holds an MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour, awarded with Distinction in 2018, and her thesis focused on the quality of life of assistance dog owners before and after dog placement. In 2023 Sara presented her work at the International Federation in Vancouver.
Emily Harvey
Behaviour & Partnership Consultant
Emily is a Clinical Animal Behaviourist, specializing in canine behaviour. With over 17 years of experience, she has worked in a variety of roles within the animal training and behaviour sector. Emily's career began as a guide dog mobility instructor in the UK, followed by a position as a guide dog trainer in New Zealand, where she eventually became head trainer for the New Zealand Epilepsy Assist Dogs Trust. Upon returning to the UK, she co-developed Guide Dogs UK's first standardized positive reinforcement training program and served as a training and behaviour consultant for Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Emily holds a degree in Zoology and a master’s in Clinical Animal Behaviour. She is passionate about applied behaviour analysis, cooperative care, and choice-based training.
Lucy Michaliszyn
Behaviour & Partnership Consultant
Lucy has 15 years of experience with Guide Dogs UK, including a decade as a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor before transitioning to a Regional Training and Behaviour Consultant role. In this capacity, she led staff development projects, policy development, and provided expertise in complex canine behaviour cases and assistance dog partnerships. Alongside this, Lucy worked as a Clinical Animal Behaviourist within a veterinary-led team, supporting pet dog owners with various behavioural issues. She has presented her work at international conferences, including the International Society for Anthrozoology (ISAZ) and the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF)
Katrina Ayling
Dog Welfare Consultant
Katrina is a highly accomplished professional in the field of dog welfare with over 21 years of experience in animal health and welfare, backed by a BSc (Hons) in Animal Sciences. Her extensive career includes senior roles at Blue Cross, Hampshire Trading Standards, and Guide Dogs, where she managed teams and led significant welfare initiatives. Katrina is a specialist in welfare assessments, illegal puppy trade investigations, and holistic animal care. Renowned for her leadership in staff development, cross-sector collaboration, and veterinary partnerships, Katrina's expertise ensures the highest standards of care and wellbeing for animals across various sectors.