Meet GDB's Newest Qualified Guide Dog Mobility Instructor: Jessica Osborn

Congratulations to Guide Dogs for the Blind's newest qualified guide dog mobility instructor (GDMI), Jessica Osborn. Jessica grew up in Damascus, Ore., very near GDB's Oregon campus in Boring, and earned her bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in animal sciences from Oregon State University. For two years in between high school and college, Jessica worked as a kennel technician in a veterinary clinic. All of her experience and education led her to GDB, where she completed our GDMI apprenticeship that pairs a course of academic study with hands-on training of both our dogs and clients.

"I chose this career because it combines the two subjects that I’m truly passionate about: working with dogs and working with people," Jessica said. "I also wanted to make a difference and help people in some way. When I discovered Guide Dogs for the Blind and learned about the apprenticeship, it seemed like the perfect fit." Jessica started at GDB as a canine welfare training technician and was in that role for two and a half years before starting the apprenticeship.

"My favorite part of the job is seeing clients in the field," she said. "It’s incredible to see seasoned teams out in the real world."

Jessica's hobbies include participating in flyball with her two dogs, Ripley and Frankie, as well as gardening, paddleboarding, and listening to audiobooks. In addition to her two dogs, she also has a pet corn snake named Stanley.