Board of Directors

Stefan Bien
Stefan BienPresident
Stefan Bien is a retired U.S. Marine, having served 27 years in the infantry. He retired in 2017 and currently works as a defense contractor as an instructor and consultant on Camp Pendleton, California. Stefan began as a client of Next Step Service Dogs in 2018, having been referred to the organization by the Veterans Administration.
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Ian Dunbar, PHD, BVETMED, MRCVS
Ian Dunbar, PHD, BVETMED, MRCVSSecretary/Treasurer
Dr. Ian Dunbar is a veterinarian, animal behaviorist, dog trainer and author. He received his veterinary degree and a Special Honors degree in Physiology & Biochemistry from the Royal Veterinary College (London University) and a doctorate in animal behavior from the Psychology Department at UC Berkeley, where he researched the development of social hierarchies and aggression in domestic dogs.
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Ted Collins
Ted CollinsBoard Member
Ted is a San Diego native and a third generation police officer.
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Staff

 Gina Esoldi, CPDT-KA
Gina Esoldi, CPDT-KAProgram Director
Gina Esoldi was born and raised in New Jersey and via Florida, made her way to San Diego, CA back in 2001. For 30 years, she and her husband owned and operated a successful Real Estate Development business on both coasts.
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