About the Young Professionals Council (YPC)

The Young Professionals Council is a network of young professionals in the Denver-metro area, whose goal is to help build and ensure the future of Freedom Service Dogs.

OUR VISION

Inspire action to ensure the legacy of FSD

OUR MISSION

Support FSD's mission while cultivating future philanthropic professionals in the community

OUR OBJECTIVE

Further FSD's mission through fundraising, advocacy, community awareness, volunteer support, and more

YPC Members are Expected to:

Engagement: active participation in YPC activities

Attend at least 70% of YPC meetings and events each year, including Zoom meetings, happy hours, volunteer opportunities and FSD events.

Communication: open and proactive communication

If unable to attend a meeting or event, notify the Executive Committee in advance.
Provide feedback and share ideas to contribute to the group’s success.

Support: support fundraising and volunteer initiatives for FSD

Fulfill an annual give/get commitment of $1,000. This can be met through personal financial contributions; securing donations, auction items, and sponsorships; company matching gifts, item drives, or other fundraising initiatives.
Support fundraising campaigns by sharing them with your personal and professional networks to help raise awareness.

YPC Member Benefits:

Connect and network with other like-minded young professionals who are looking to make a meaningful impact in our community
Professional development opportunities, such as learning what it takes to be on a non-profit Board
Support FSD’s mission in a fun and engaging way

Join Our Young Professionals Council:

Membership on the YPC provides an opportunity to grow personally and professionally through volunteerism, networking, leadership development, and more – all while supporting Freedom Service Dog’s mission to transform lives by partnering people with custom-trained assistance dogs.

If you are interested in joining our YPC, please submit an application.

Completed applications will be reviewed at the monthly Executive Committee meetings. You will hear back from our Membership Chair with next steps, which may include an interview with two of our Executive Committee members.

APPLY TO JOIN YPC

Meet the Executive Committee

Chair

Melissa Morrow

Read Bio

Melissa is a dedicated professional, mom, wife, and proud member of FSD’s Board of Directors and Young Professionals Council (YPC). As Senior Vice President at FirstBank’s Contact Center, she brings extensive leadership experience and a deep passion for FSD’s mission. A committed FSD volunteer since 2016 and Board member since 2021, Melissa’s connection to FSD is profound. When she’s not working or giving back, she enjoys camping, crafting, baking, and spending time with her family and their two pet dogs, Ruger and Revy.

“My slight obsession with dogs is what drew me to FSD, but FSD’s mission and the lives that are changed as a result are what has kept me involved. Through serving on various committees, I knew I wanted to get more involved and join FSD’s board, but as a young professional, I didn’t have board experience. So what better way than to start with a Young Professionals Council, and better yet, help to develop one for FSD? I am happy to say that I was able to join the board in January 2021 and look forward to being the liaison between the board and the YPC. I hope that through the YPC, we will further FSD’s mission while providing young professionals the chance to grow personally and professionally, including myself.”

Vice Chair

Taylor Norman

Read Bio

Taylor is a passionate dog person who deeply cares about sharing FSD’s mission. As Vice President of Operations at Accident Investigation & Reconstruction, Inc., Taylor has a proven track record working with high-impact nonprofits to drive meaningful change through fundraising, dispute resolution, and events. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Taylor is a devoted mom, wife, and dog mom to her Chesapeake Bay retriever, Macie Lou, and her chiweenie, Lily. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors with her friends and family.

Membership Chair

Jackie Gates

Read Bio

Compassionate and kind, Jackie has nearly 20 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist and lactation consultant working with MGA Homecare and Little Stories Coaching and Consulting, LLC. A devoted supporter of FSD’s mission, she has been a proud member of FSD’s Young Professionals Council (YPC) since 2021. Jackie’s love of dogs and dog training began in childhood, and now she finds fulfillment from supporting FSD and spending time with her three Labrador retrievers: Teddy, Fritz, and Otto. She also enjoys staying active, reading, and spending as much time outdoors as possible.

Event Chair

Rhianon Schuman

Read Bio

Rhianon works as a real estate agent with Compass and shares a diverse background working in marketing, event planning, project management, and customer service. A University of Denver graduate, she is dedicated to giving back and has committed 1% of her own sales to support FSD’s mission. Vibrant and outgoing, Rhianon loves sharing her life with her husband and their three dachshunds: Dexter, Frank, and Morticia. She also enjoys swimming, going to the gym, reading, and traveling.

Fundraising Chair

Calli Cardillo

Read Bio

A lifelong animal lover, Calli is passionate about giving back and helping those FSD serves by leveraging her expertise in nonprofit work, digital strategy, and project execution. Not only is Calli the Vice President - EPMO and Technology COE at Alliant Credit Union, but she’s also a loving mother, wife, and dog mom to her west Highland white terrier named Potato. In her free time, she enjoys family adventures, running, cooking, and traveling.