WALA Board of Directors
The WALA Board of Directors is a place where passion meets leadership. Our leadership team is comprised of dedicated professionals who demonstrate unwavering commitment to the Australian Labradoodle breed and community. As stewards of the Worldwide Australian Labradoodle Association's mission, they form the backbone of our organization, bringing to the table a wealth of experience and knowledge.
Alice Cobb, President
JoaLins Australian Labradoodles, Florida, United States
After raising and loving many different dogs and other pets over the years, Alice was drawn to the Australian Labradoodle’s temperament and their amazing personality. Upon retiring from leadership positions in the non-profit sector, she felt she had the time to devote to starting a small, home-based Australian Labradoodle breeding program. With the support of her three adult children, her two grandchildren and her husband, Alice devotes her time to improving this wonderful dog breed through health testing, genetics, and puppy development.
Susan Davis, Vice President
Davis Doodles Labradoodles, Georgia, United States
Susan Davis grew up surrounded by retrievers at her grandparents' home. After adopting a breeder-pick Labrador Retriever puppy in 2005, Susan found her calling in creating Labradoodles. She and her husband have raised five children alongside countless Australian Labradoodles near Atlanta, Georgia. Susan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Georgia Tech and uses her natural passion for science to ensure her puppies are healthy, happy, and well-socialized.
Carolyn DeBar, Vice President
Doodle Around, Montana, United States
Carolyn, her husband and three children fell in love with the Labradoodle breed in 2006. Since developmentally appropriate practices, educational enrichment, and nutritional programs are equally important to babies and puppies, she has found her early childhood degree and philosophies translate directly to advancing the Australian Labradoodle breed. She enjoys learning and applying the latest research while communicating with the breeding community and concentrating on the breed standard.
Jessica Ward, Corresponding Secretary
North Austin Labradoodles, Texas, United States
Jessica began her breeding journey when searching for a dog that was allergy friendly. She discovered Australian Labradoodles and a breeder who used guardians. She started as a guardian to one, which led to becoming guardian of two. Those girls led to her desire to know more about ALDs and breeding. And finally, here Jessica is today, lovingly breeding Australian labradoodles and raising them in her home! Her teenage son and mother work along side her, helping to breed well loved and socialized puppies to share with other families.
Anita Main, Recording Secretary
Coastal Labradoodles, Florida, United States
Anita discovered Labradoodles searching for a breed for her youngest son who had dog allergies. Her family loves the breed so much that her three adult children all have a Labradoodle, including the youngest, who nine years later still has that first Labradoodle. Anita spent 20 years in education as a teacher and librarian. She now loves bringing joy to families with puppies from this wonderful breed. Along with her dogs and puppies, Anita enjoys writing, hiking, and travel.
Kristi Coopshaw
Riverbend Labradoodles, Ohio, United States
Starting with a Labrador Retriever breeding program in 1988, Kristi found, fell in love with, and transitioned to the Australian Labradoodle in 2005. Her focus was to maintain the style, temperament and health of the amazing family dog she loved. With her two daughters grown, her life has been fulfilled with the joy of adorable puppies. Kristi and her husband Chad share a love and passion for travel.
Corinne Groth
Jollity's Australian Labradoodles, Unterageri, Switzerland
Corinne Groth spent her career in the medical field. In 2010, she discovered the Australian Labradoodle, and after extensive research, started her breeding program in 2012, becoming the first ALD breeder in Switzerland. She focuses on enhancing the breed’s temperament, health, and conformation while ensuring excellent socialization for each puppy. For nearly two decades, Corinne has dedicated her passion and energy to breeding. Additionally, she has extensive experience working with dog associations in Switzerland and Germany. She firmly believes that the ALD can be improved and protected through active membership in ethical breed clubs and collaboration with other breeders.
Toni Kyzar
Lantana Labradoodles, Johnson City, Texas
Toni Kyzar's deep compassion for animals, particularly those with a soulful gaze, has been a lifelong passion. As a Guardian of an Australian Labradoodle, Toni was captivated by the depth of the bond that could be forged through connecting with each other's souls, as if the dog were human. When Toni's 30-year career in hairdressing and salon ownership shifted to allow her to focus on her family, this created space for her newfound interest in breeding and raising ALD puppies to flourish. This transition led to the establishment of her own breeding program, where Toni, her husband, and adult children collaborate to craft ALD puppies that bring joy and companionship to other families. Beyond their commitment to breeding, the Kyzar family finds pleasure in bay fishing and snow skiing during their leisure time.
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Megan McLoughlin
Cream Puff Labradoodles, New Jersey, United States
Megan McLoughlin became a guardian for one of the top breeding programs on the East Coast and quickly fell in love with the Labradoodle breed. As someone who always adopted rescue dogs, Megan realized the life changing love Labradoodles could provide to those with allergies. Megan continues to spend her time loving and caring for all of her dogs while also ensuring that ethical breeding standards are maintained. When she is not busy being a full time dog mom, she enjoys traveling with her adult children and friends.