Conversations with Kendra Plaschko

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendra Plaschko. 

Hi Kendra, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I had worked in Sales & Marketing out of college & while, but I have always tried to live by the quote “the goal is not to live forever, but to create something that will” & I did not feel as though that path was going to allow me to reach that goal. 

So, I packed up & moved to Colorado, telling myself that no matter how long I had to search, I was waiting to find a career that would allow me to fill that cup, to give back to this world & allow me to be a part of something bigger. 

I have always had a passion for the human-animal bond & when I found the opportunity at IHDI–I jumped right on board! 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Moving away from family & friends, no one talks about how lonely it can be chasing your dreams. I am originally from the Midwest & the majority of my friends and family remain there 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am truly honored to serve at the Director of Development at International Hearing Dog – I could not be more thankful to truly say I absolutely love my job! I live & breathe our mission, striving every day to serve our community to my fullest potential and to be surrounded by coworkers, fosters & volunteers who chase that same passion is an incredible culture to be a part of! 

The mission of International Hearing Dog, Inc (IHDI) is to empower individuals who are d/Deaf and hard of hearing by purposefully training specially selected dogs to alert to sounds; carefully matching these dogs with handlers who are d/Deaf and hard of hearing, and supporting the paired teams throughout the lifetime of the match. Our vision is to establish IHDI as the recognized leader in the hearing dog industry; to increase awareness and understanding of the needs of the hearing-impaired community and the critical role of hearing dogs; to heighten and maintain IHDI’s visibility in the community; to create and adhere to Best Practices in every aspect of our work, and to always abide by and maintain our Core Values. 

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I see our program continuing to grow, we have a big community in need – such a great need that we are actually not accepting new applications to ensure our team can focus on serving those currently waiting for a life-changing hearing dog. It lights a fire in you, knowing there are so many who need your service – I lay my head down every night thinking of growth for our program, reach & community 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hearingdog.org
• Instagram: @intlhearingdog
• Facebook: @internationalhearingdog