June 16, 2023

Colloquium Topic: Fidos For Freedom

Fidos For Freedom enhances the quality of life for veterans with PTSD and persons with mobility impairments and hearing loss by providing certified Assistance Dogs. Fidos also provides Therapy Dog support and comfort to people in first responders/healthcare/educational settings. Youth between the ages of 12-17 can obtain their community service hours by joining our Junior Program.

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Colloquium Speaker: Diane Bernier

Ms. Diane Bernier has been with Fidos For Freedom, Inc. (Fidos) since 1996 in various volunteer roles, from webmaster, project organizer, case manager, and Vice President of the Board of Directors. When she retired from the Federal government in 2017, Ms. Bernier was appointed as Executive Director by the Board of Directors.

As Executive Director, Ms. Bernier is responsible for all day-to-day operations at Fidos. She assures that the organization has a long-range strategy that achieves its mission. Ms. Bernier provides leadership in developing programs, organizational and financial plans with the Board of Directors and volunteers, and carries out plans and policies authorized by the Board. She promotes active and broad volunteer participation in all organizational work areas. She also maintains a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the assistance dog area by being actively involved with Assistance Dogs International (ADI). This international organization establishes standards for operating the non-profit and training of assistance dogs. She also oversees Fidos’ Therapy Dog and Junior programs. Ms. Bernier graduated from the University of Maryland Baltimore County with a BA in Social Work.

Since 2021 (after being appointed by the Governor with State Senate confirmation), Ms. Bernier has been a Commissioner at the Maryland Civil Rights Commission, where her extensive knowledge of the ADA and assistance dogs has been invaluable.