Laura Edwards joined Sunrise Service Dogs in January of 2022 with over twelve years of experience in the assistance dog field. Her expertise lies in innovative and visionary program development, process cultivation, and maximizing resources.
In 2012, Edwards founded Disco’s Dogs, Inc., a Colorado-based nonprofit where she served as the Executive Director, placing dogs with children on the Autism spectrum and with Intellectual Disabilities. In 2017, Disco’s Dogs merged with Freedom Service Dogs of Englewood, Colorado. At Freedom Service Dogs, Edwards served as the Director of Dog Operations, overseeing the organization’s Animal Health, Reproduction and Genetics, Puppy Development, and Training programs. Most notably, Laura was charged with solving the organization’s declining placement rate and, as a result, was instrumental in creating a purpose bred breeding program of Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers. That work raised the placement rate with clients from 9% to over 40% to benefit individuals with varying disabilities across the United States.
Presentations, Accreditations, and Memberships
- International Working Dog Association, Conference Speaker, 2025
- Assistance Dogs International (North America), Breeding Cooperative Steering Committee Member
- Assistance Dogs International, Conference Speaker, 2018, 2019
- International Association of Assistance Dog Partners, Resource Member, 2012-2017, 2022-2023
- Veteran Ready Certified
- Trust-Centered Training, Accredited Trainer
- AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
Laura shares a life with her amazingly supportive husband of nearly 30 years, two vibrant emerging adults who are her pride and joy, two Labrador Retrievers, and three Siberian cats. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree.
https://sunriseservicedogs.org/
Socials: @sunriseservicedogs
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Judy Carlson is the CEO and Founder of the Judy Carlson Financial Group, where she helps couples create personalized, coordinated financial plans that support the life they want to live – now and in the future.
As an Independent Fiduciary and Comprehensive Financial Planner, Judy specializes in retirement income and wealth decumulation strategies. She is a CPA, Investment Advisor Representative, licensed in life and health insurance, and certified in long-term care planning.
Judy’s mission is to help guide clients with clarity and care, building financial plans that focus on real planning built around real lives.
Learn More: https://judycarlson.com/
Investment Adviser Representative of and advisory services offered through Royal Fund Management, LLC, a SEC Registered Adviser.
Mike Saunders, MBA
Recent episodes from Mike Saunders, MBA (see all)
- The Inspired Impact Podcast with Judy Carlson-Interview with Laura Edwards, Executive Director, Sunrise Service Dogs - October 21, 2025
- The Inspired Impact Podcast with Judy Carlson-Interview with Claire Johnston, Executive Director, Christmas Commandos - October 21, 2025
- Interview with Fred Moss Speaker | Consultant | Mental Health Coach - October 17, 2025