BluePath Service Dogs Opens Carmel Campus

From left are BluePath Service Dogs Director of Marketing & Development Erica Stanzione, major supporters Bonnie Trotta and board member Steve Sprague, Vice President of Canine Program Development Caroline McCabe-Sandler, CEO Michelle Brier, Board Chair Linda Hogan, and board members Bill Beck and Jonathan Nettelfield.

BluePath Service Dogs officially opened its new campus in Carmel on Oct. 17, marking a defining milestone in the nonprofit’s 10-year history.

More than 150 supporters gathered for the occasion, which included a ribbon-cutting, guided tours, remarks from BluePath leadership, and recognition of the many people who helped make the new home possible.

Founded in 2016, the organization provides trained service dogs to children with autism – free of charge. BluePath service dogs are trained to prevent dangerous wandering behaviors, as well as to provide companionship, emotional support, and greater independence, helping families participate more fully in everyday life. They work alongside trained handlers in schools, supporting mood regulation, social engagement, connectedness, and student well-being.

“This is the foundation for BluePath’s next decade and beyond,” said Michelle Brier, co-founder and chief executive officer. “Having a permanent home gives us the ability to think bigger about what our mission can accomplish. We can train more dogs, deepen our programs, and create more life-changing partnerships while building the capacity to reach far more children and families in the years ahead.”

In June, the organization purchased a 16-acre campus in Carmel and relocated its operation. Following extensive renovations, the new headquarters and training center is now open.

The campus is the centerpiece of BluePath’s “Anchoring Our Future” capital campaign, named for the role its service dogs play as both a physical anchor and a grounding presence in everyday life. Phase one is 93 percent funded, with $5.4 million raised toward its $5.8 million goal, supporting the property purchase and extensive improvements across the campus.

“This home is the result of extraordinary generosity and a shared belief in BluePath’s future,” said Brier. “Our donors helped transform a long-held vision into something enduring – a place built for our mission today and for the impact we hope to have for generations to come. We are profoundly grateful.”

During the dedication, BluePath graduate Jason Boss shared: “Jasper has changed our lives in ways that are difficult to put into words. He has given our son confidence, companionship, opportunities, and a sense of freedom that we once weren’t sure would ever be possible.”

With phase one largely complete, BluePath is looking ahead to phase two, which will expand training space, increase accessibility, modernize the kennel, and strengthen additional infrastructure to support the organization’s continued growth.

BluePath Service Dogs, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2016. It receives no government funding and relies on donors and volunteers to fulfill its mission. For more information, visit www.bluepathservicedogs.org.