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Press
Seeing Eye Spokespersons
To book an interview with a spokesperson, please reach out to the media contact at 973-775-8350.
Melissa Allman
Sr. Specialist, Advocacy & Government Relations
Melissa joined The Seeing Eye in 2018 after practicing law for 12 years. Her primary responsibility is to educate and advocate for the rights of guide dog handlers in areas such as public places, transportation, housing, employment, and air travel.
Melissa serves on several advisory committees focused on disability rights and access, with government agencies and industry partners. These include the Assistance Dogs International Legislative and Advocacy Committee, the Transportation Security Administration Disability and Multicultural Coalition, and an Air Carrier Access Act working group spearheaded by Paralyzed Veterans of America.
She holds degrees from Georgetown University, The Ohio State University, and Temple University and has devoted her career to pursuing social justice for underserved and minority communities. Her Seeing Eye dog, Luna, is a yellow Labrador/golden retriever cross. Luna and Melissa were matched in 2017.
Michelle Barlak
Spokesperson
Michelle Barlak joined The Seeing Eye in 2010 and brings two decades of nonprofit communications experience to her role. As a member of the Communications team, she spearheads outreach that educates audiences about the organization’s mission and the critical issues facing Seeing Eye® dog handlers.
Michelle hold a BS in Communications from the State University of New York at Fredonia. She has supported The Seeing Eye as a volunteer puppy raiser and sitter through her local puppy raising club. In her role as a spokesperson, she combines deep industry knowledge with empathy and authenticity.
Michelle is also dedicated to volunteering in her community. She regularly visits patients and staff at her local hospital with her therapy dog, Solar.
Lauren Christie
Director, Canine Development
Lauren Christie formally joined The Seeing Eye in 2013 as a member of the Instruction and Training department. She worked as a guide dog mobility instructor until March 2024 when she assumed the role of Assistant Director of Canine Development. In July 2025, she was named Director of Canine Development.
Lauren graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Natural Resources. Her initial involvement with The Seeing Eye began in 2002 when she became a volunteer puppy raiser. Lauren lives in Hunterdon County with her “career changed” dogs from The Seeing Eye.
Jim Kessler
Director, Instruction & Training
Jim Kessler graduated from Miami of Ohio class of 1994 receiving a B.S. in Business Administration. He started his career in New York City working in the financial services industry. In September of 2001, was hired at the Seeing Eye where he began his career as an apprentice. He worked as a GDMI until February 2011 and assumed a different role as a Senior Manager of Instruction and Training. During April 2016, Jim was promoted to Assistant Director of Instruction and Training, and in January 2024, he was named Director of Instruction & Training. He has also enjoyed his role as an assessor for the IGDF since 2019.
He is happily married with four children. Jim is an avid runner participating in marathons and a cyclist. He truly enjoys his family and spending time with them.
Kyle Quigley, D.V.M.
Director, Veterinary Medicine & Genetics
Dr. Kyle Quigley joined The Seeing Eye in January 2020 as an Attending Veterinarian, and was promoted to Director of Veterinary Medicine & Genetics in March 2022. Prior to joining The Seeing Eye, Dr. Quigley was Medical Director of Community and Shelter Medicine at the Animal Rescue League of Boston. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in the 82nd Airborne Division.
Dr. Quigley received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in Saint Kitts, a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Tufts University in Massachusetts, and a certificate in Non-Profit Management and Leadership from the Questrom School of Business at Boston University.
