Board of Directors

Dominique Racine is an experienced Certified Association Executive who, over the years, has worked in several Not-For-Profit and Charitable organizations where she provided Board support in areas of membership, professional development, and governance. 

 

In her free time Dominique enjoys volunteering with her therapy dog in retirement homes, libraries, and schools. Dominique and her husband were members and volunteers at Ottawa Therapy Dogs (OTD) from 2013 to 2019 with their Portuguese water dogs Mina & Pico. In addition, Dominique sat on the OTD Board as Director at Large 2018-2019. 

 

Dominique and her husband Alan joined the CTDS with Skye in 2023 and enjoy visiting universities, schools, libraries, and senior homes. 

Gina McRae is a healthcare and non-profit leader with more than 15 years of experience in complex, people-centred environments. She brings strong experience in governance, policy development, stakeholder engagement, communications, and board effectiveness.

 

Professionally, Gina serves in a provincial leadership role supporting healthcare professionals across Alberta. Her work focuses on stakeholder engagement, communications, and advancing organizational priorities through collaboration, data-informed insight, and strategic alignment between provincial and national initiatives. Gina is passionate about strengthening communities through connection, compassion, and meaningful service.

 

Gina is proud to support Community Therapy Dogs Society and the positive impact therapy dogs have on individuals and communities.

Sheri Porter brings more than 20 years of experience supporting leaders, boards, and organizations through collaboration, care, and service. As Director, Development and Executive Operations at Long View Systems, she supports leadership development, learning initiatives, and effective governance practices.

 

Sheri joined Visiting Tails in 2023 with her dog, Rigby, sharing comfort, joy, and connection with seniors. While they are not currently visiting, she remains a proud supporter of therapy dog work that honours both people and pups.

 

Sheri is honoured to support Community Therapy Dogs Society at the board level, bringing governance experience, heart-led leadership, and a passion for community well-being.

Valentina Taneva brings experience in planning, governance, organizational systems, and risk management across the energy and nonprofit sectors. Her background includes work in complex environments where clear decision-making, accountability, and sustainable structures are essential.

 

She was drawn to Community Therapy Dogs Society by its mission to enhance well-being through positive interactions with therapy dogs. Valentina believes strongly in the power of human-animal connection to foster calm, trust, resilience, and connection.

 

A former nonprofit board member, Valentina understands the realities of volunteer-driven organizations and the importance of practical governance. She shares her home with Remington, a much-loved golden doodle, who has reinforced her belief in the positive impact dogs can have on emotional well-being.

Rob Bauhuis is the Past President of the CTDS Board and has been with CTDS since 2017. He continues to be a volunteer without dog, as Wilson “just hasn’t figured out passing the assessment – yet.” But the family sees the joy and healing power of animals daily. 

 

Rob has a service heart stemming from his mom, who was very active in Strathmore, and believes that community is built around volunteerism. Rob lives in Chestermere with wife Tracey, step-kids Matthieu and Ella, and pets Garrett (cat) and Wilson (bernedoodle). 

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“Leading such a talented and experienced Board was  rewarding. Every interaction, I learned about their passion and wisdom, and it is inspiring to be surrounded by it. CTDS is in great hands now and into the future.” 

Bob McInnis brings 40 years of experience in academia and the community sector, supporting children, youth, and young adults in discovering their purpose and potential. His work has included founding Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids, supporting early literacy through Calgary Reads, and helping youth set and achieve meaningful goals through Cornerstone Youth Centre.

 

Bob sees Community Therapy Dogs Society as an opportunity to use his experience, skills, and connections to help make people’s lives better, one dog at a time. He is excited to see the transformative power of therapy dogs in action, even if the dogs in his own life are far too excitable for the role.

 

A father of three and grandfather of eight, Bob has lived in Calgary for 35 years and loves being close to the mountains.

Melanie Musulak is a dedicated healthcare professional with 20 years of experience in healthcare administration across the public and private sectors. Her career has focused on helping people navigate complex health systems with compassion and care.

 

Outside of work, Melanie volunteers as a foster home for ARF (Animal Rescue Foundation), providing a temporary safe haven for pups in need. She believes strongly in the power of dogs to bring joy, comfort, unconditional love, and a sense of belonging.

 

Melanie also enjoys travel, sports, and spending time outdoors. She brings a deep commitment to connection, compassion, community, and plenty of puppy cuddles along the way.

Ken Smolinski joined CTDS in the Fall of 2020. He is a designated accountant CPA.CMA with over 20 years experience in the industry and non-profit sectors. Ken who is married to Deborah, enjoys fun family experiences with his son and daughter. 

 

With his therapy dog, Daisy, a Cavapoo, he visits Seniors Homes as part of the Visiting Tails program. “Seeing all the smiles on the seniors’ faces when Daisy comes to visit makes our day!” says Ken. “ Volunteering has given me a renewed sense of community. It has taught me to be actively present in my relationships and has helped me to laugh more!”