The People Behind Circle Tail

Marlys Staley, Executive Director:

Ms. Staley is the founder of Circle Tail, Inc, and is a certified master dog trainer. Previously a physical therapist by profession, Ms. Staley came up with the idea for Circle Tail after touring a training center for guide dogs in Florida and learning of the great need for assistance dogs. The career change drew on her background and experiences with persons with disabilities, and the knowledge of the psychological trauma and financial hardships they face. Through incredible effort and dedication, Ms. Staley has propelled Circle Tail forward. She lives onsite at Circle Tail to ensure the dogs are cared for in any type of emergency. While she used to be an ultra marathon runner, she now enjoys leisurely jogs and hiking with the dogs. Her home is filled with the joy of 4 German Shepherds, 2 Irish Wolf Hounds and an occasional service dog in training.

Jennifer Kiblinger, President:

Ms. Kiblinger began volunteering with Circle Tail in 1999 and just fell in love with the organization and everything it represents. She is truly amazed at how far Circle Tail has come. She has helped grow Circle Tail from a barn to a new Training & Education Center. The accessible center is used for assistance dog training and by the general public for dog training and to meet as a dog community. Ms. Kiblinger is excited about further expanding Circle Tail's organization to include an environmentally conscious, Green Kennel. She is looking forward to sharing this goal with Circle Tail's supporters. Professionally, Ms. Kiblinger works as a Technical & Regulatory Manager for a biotech company in West Chester, OH. For fun, Jennifer enjoys hiking with her dogs, playing Frisbee golf, cryptograms, and having good times with friends. She shares her home with her 2 dogs, Daisy & Emma, as well as her 2 cats, Jasper & Lily.

Jay Fischbein, Treasurer:

Jay Fischbein became involved with Circle Tail in late 2007 to assist the organization with budgeting, forecasting, accounting and compliance with tax laws. After learning about the organization, he has taken advantage of the many programs Circle Tail offers dog owners including basic obedience and pet first aid classes. Professionally, Mr. Fischbein is the Tax Director for Ethicon Endo-Surgery, a Johnson & Johnson Company headquartered in Blue Ash Ohio. For fun, Jay and his wife Kelly like to take walks with their dogs Buddy & Abby, cooking classes, dance classes and travel.

Amy Hoh, Secretary:

Amy Hoh became involved with Circle Tail in 2006. She is disabled and is partnered with her service dog Cortez. Cortez is a wonderful, fun, loving German Shepherd. Amy has been secretary of the Circle Tail since 2007 and she loves the fact that Circle Tail trained Cortez. She feels like he was born and trained just for her. Cortez spends his days giving Amy back the parts of her life that her disability took away from her and he is happy to do it. Amy supports Circle Tail by speaking publicly for the organization every chance she gets and she will be participating in the mentoring program for newly partnered service dog teams. Professionally, Amy is Hamilton County’s Purchasing Director and she has worked for Hamilton County for almost 30 years. For fun Amy likes to run/roll with her dog and see him smile and she is a serious crafter. Three cats named Tigger, Whitey and Pnut have the pleasure of living with Cortez, Amy and her husband Ken. Read the on-line article about Amy and Cortez in the Cincinnati Sentient, “When I got a dog I became a human again.”

Board Members: