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Our Team.

Behind every great dog is a dedicated team of passionate humans.
At ADEP, our team brings together experience, compassion, and a shared commitment to empowering people through assistance dog partnerships. 

From Our Founder

“I've seen firsthand how a well-matched assistance dog can open doors—sometimes quite literally—for someone living with a disability. My journey with assistance dogs has taken me across continents, but the heart of it has always remained the same: empowerment, dignity, and connection.I started ADEP because I believe that no one should be denied the life-changing support of an assistance dog due to cost. Everyone deserves the opportunity to live with more independence, more confidence, and more joy.ADEP is here to make that happen—with heart, with purpose, and with incredible dogs by our side.” — Marina Rodriguez, Founder of ADEP (Always found with a Flat White in hand and a dog by her side.)

Our Story
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Our Story

From 2024

ADEP – Assistance Dog Empowerment Program – was born from a deep passion and a decade-long journey of dedication to the life-changing impact of assistance dogs. Our founder has spent over 11 years working across the globe—from Assistance Dogs of Hawaii in the U.S. to Bocalán in Argentina, Shine On! Kids in Japan, and back home in Australia with Guide Dogs WA and See Differently in Adelaide.
Along this journey, one thing became clear: assistance dogs have the power to transform lives. Whether it’s building confidence, fostering independence, or reconnecting people with their communities, these remarkable partnerships leave an unforgettable mark.
With a background in Occupational Therapy and a heart full of stories from people whose lives have been forever changed, our founder saw a growing gap—too many individuals were missing out on the support of a trained assistance dog due to high costs or limited access.
That’s why ADEP exists: to ensure no one is left behind. We believe everyone should have the chance to thrive—free of charge, full of compassion, and always with partnership at the heart.

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