WHO  IS  IAAD

WE ARE IAAD

At Infinite Abilities Assistance Dogs (IAAD), we’re passionate about helping people live their best lives with the support of specially trained service dogs. Whether it's offering mobility assistance, alerting to medical needs, or providing comfort and security, our dogs are here to make life easier and more independent. We believe in the power of the human-animal bond to create real, lasting change. At IAAD, it's all about matching the right dog to the right person, and making a difference, one paw at a time.

Laura Watamanuk and IAAD Navi


  • Founder and Board Member

    With a deep passion for service dogs and their life-changing impact, I’ve dedicated my career to non-profit leadership, program development, and advocacy. As the founder of Infinite Abilities Assistance Dogs, my mission is to create meaningful partnerships between assistance dogs and the individuals they serve.

    Throughout my career, I’ve expanded innovative service dog programs to support diverse needs—including Service Dogs, Accredited Facility Dogs, and PTSD programs. My work extends beyond program development; I’ve been a strong advocate for disability and assistance dog rights at the provincial, national, and international levels.

    I’ve contributed to landmark initiatives like:
    BC Guide Dog & Service Dog Act Advisory Committee – Helped develop the world’s first government-led owner-trained service dog testing criteria.


    Alberta Service Dog Act Committee – Shaped service dog standards at the provincial level.


    Canadian General Standards Board – Established national service dog program guidelines.


    International Accreditation Standards – Helped define global best practices for assistance dog programs.

    With a track record of scaling programs, engaging communities, and driving policy change, I’m proud to lead Infinite Abilities Assistance Dogs in unlocking human potential through the power of service dogs.

Jim Bowhay IAAD Board Vice Chair


  • BOARD CHAIR

    A lifelong leader, mentor, and advocate for agriculture, Jim Bowhay brings a wealth of experience to his role as IAAD Board President. Alongside his wife, Nola, he runs a mixed farming operation in Sundre, raising commercial beef, turkeys, and laying hens. His passion for agriculture, education, and community shines through in everything he does.

    With over 55 years in 4-H—as a member, leader, and mentor—Jim has dedicated his life to empowering the next generation. His ability to connect with people, from youth to government officials, has made him a driving force in leadership roles, including:

    Sundre/Bergen Show & Sale Committee – Past Chairman, Current Member
    Sundre & District Agriculture Society – Vice President
    Alberta Beef Producers – Past Director, Current Delegate
    Canadian Cattlemen’s Association – Director
    Feeder Association of Alberta – Provincial Board Vice-Chairman

    Recognized for his contributions, Jim has earned Farm Family of the Year (Sundre Chamber, 2013) and the Farm Family Award (BMO/Calgary Stampede, 2019). He’s also a four-time Canadian Wild Cow Milking Champion and a three-time Calgary Stampede Champion, proving his dedication to the industry runs deep.

    Beyond agriculture, Jim has built strong relationships with government officials to ensure rural voices are heard. He believes in mentorship, sustainability, and equipping young farmers for success. His leadership philosophy is simple:

    "God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason—listen to understand, not just to reply."

    With his deep commitment to community and leadership, Jim is proud to support IAAD’s mission, helping individuals and families thrive with the assistance of service dogs.

Brent Foster IAAD Board Treasuter


  • BOARD TREASURER

    Brent and Charlene, along with their two children, moved to Calgary from BC 14 years ago, eager to connect with the community and embrace Alberta’s agricultural spirit.

    Brent, a CPA specializing in tax within the oil and gas sector, brings his financial expertise to the IAAD board while also serving as Treasurer for the Millarville Racing and Agricultural Society. As a family, they have been actively involved in community events for years, supporting various initiatives and volunteering their time to make a difference.

    Their commitment to giving back and strengthening their community continues through their work with IAAD.

  • BOARD SECRETARY

    Sam manages a finance team at a midstream company in Calgary. She brings her management, contract negotiation, insurance and finance experience to the IAAD team, coupled with 3 years of puppy training experience at another assistance dog school.

    She is also on the Board of Directors for an energy credit association and spends her down time chauffeuring her 2 boys to sports and spending training time with her giant dogs and IAAD puppies in training.

Rob DeKlerk and IAAD Nessie


  • BOARD VICE CHAIR

    With 35 years in the food industry, Rob has a deep understanding of market dynamics, operations, and growth strategies. From owning a leading Alberta food brokerage to his current role as Director of Sales for a global food company, he has built a career on business development and leadership.

    Rob’s passion for animal welfare began during his time as a Board Member for the Calgary Humane Society and Edmonton SPCA. His dedication grew stronger through 11 years with an assistance dog organization, including seven years on the board, where he gained firsthand insight into the critical need for service animals in our communities.

    As a family, Rob and Janet, along with their now adult children, have proudly raised 13 Assistance Dogs in Training, further deepening their commitment to this life-changing work.


  • BOARD MEMBER

    Ken is a HVCA Contractor and a long-standing Co-owner of Arrow Kirk Heating (30 years) in BC. He has been a volunteer with other assistance dogs organizations for over 17 years having raised, trained and provided care to advanced dogs. Ken has spent many volunteer hours providing fundraising and building maintenance for the facilities in operation as well. Ken sits on the Board at #148 Legion in North Burnaby BC and spends his free time skiing, cooking and volunteering in other community endeavors.

Brian Doucette and IAAD Nakona


  • BOARD MEMBER

    Brian is a retired engineer after a 33-year career with Suncor Energy in various technical, leadership and strategy roles. Brian brings 15 years of board experience as well, that includes fiscal responsibility, long term strategy, and capital investments, coupled with 8 years of puppy training at another assistance dog organization.

    Brian keeps himself busy helping a family business, skiing, mountain biking, fishing, travel and training Nakona one of the new IAAD puppies.

“As a team of seasoned service dog experts, we bring unmatched experience, training, and insights to create a strong foundation for IAAD. Our collective expertise will position IAAD as a leader in the Canadian service dog industry, setting new benchmarks for quality, innovation, and impact.”

Laura Watamanuk