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the people of project chance

President and Founder, BJ Szwedzinski

During her tenure  as a special needs teacher, BJ brought her dog into the classroom and  noticed the peace that permeated the environment. Having made that  observation, she had the idea of pairing children and dogs to affect  positive behavioral change. Combining her teaching and more than 40  years of professional dog training, BJ developed and launched Project  Chance in 2008.   Although  she earned a degree in hospitality management, BJ went to grooming  school and then worked with a trainer who showed dogs. She discovered  her passion. In 1976, BJ founded Dog Leg Productions, a boarding,  training and boot camp program for dogs. Additionally,  she worked with dogs as an administrator for animal control and humane  societies and then developed education programs. In schools, BJ taught  kids about pet ownership and responsibilities. Having raised two  daughters with mental health challenges, BJ has first-hand knowledge of  the struggles parents face and the strategies she used with positive  outcomes.  BJ is committed to making a difference in the lives of  kids with disabilities by integrating golden retriever service dogs.  An  advocate for service dogs and families, BJ works with local and regional non-profit agencies focusing on accessibility to resources and  community integration for service dogs and kids with autism.  



Meet The Board

KCJ Szwedzinksi, Executive Director & Co-Founder

KCJ Szwedzinksi, Executive Director & Co-Founder

KCJ Szwedzinksi, Executive Director & Co-Founder

KCJ is an interdisciplinary artist, educator and arts administrator. She received her undergrad degree from the University of North Florida and an MFA from the University of Louisville in KY. She is the cofounder and Executive Director of Project Chance, a non-profit that raises and trains service dogs for kids with autism and other invis

KCJ is an interdisciplinary artist, educator and arts administrator. She received her undergrad degree from the University of North Florida and an MFA from the University of Louisville in KY. She is the cofounder and Executive Director of Project Chance, a non-profit that raises and trains service dogs for kids with autism and other invisible disabilities. With an extensive background in art, imaging, and branding, she most recently traveled to the Alaskan bush to be an artist in residence at the Chulitna Research Institute near Port Alsworth.

Susan Sinor, Business Manager

KCJ Szwedzinksi, Executive Director & Co-Founder

KCJ Szwedzinksi, Executive Director & Co-Founder

Before retiring,  Sue worked in the defense industry for almost 30  years. Her experience included both engineering tasks and program  management.  She was also a high school teacher for 14 years. She is a  volunteer and a member of the Board of Directors for Project Chance.   Sue writes books about the ‘red vest service dogs’ to help fam

Before retiring,  Sue worked in the defense industry for almost 30  years. Her experience included both engineering tasks and program  management.  She was also a high school teacher for 14 years. She is a  volunteer and a member of the Board of Directors for Project Chance.   Sue writes books about the ‘red vest service dogs’ to help families  better understand and enjoy their new four-legged family member.  She  and her husband, Buddy, live in Fernandina Beach, Florida, with their  dog, two cats, and a variety of rotating Project Chance puppies.

Melissa Leen

Melissa Leen

Melissa Leen

Currently working as  an event planner, Melissa is also completing her Masters in Nonprofit  Management. Ideally, she wants to combine event planning and her  commitment to volunteerism.  Having seen firsthand how a Project Chance  service dog, Shiloh, helped her nephew, William grow and mature and  changed her family’s lives, she became 

Currently working as  an event planner, Melissa is also completing her Masters in Nonprofit  Management. Ideally, she wants to combine event planning and her  commitment to volunteerism.  Having seen firsthand how a Project Chance  service dog, Shiloh, helped her nephew, William grow and mature and  changed her family’s lives, she became involved and joined the board.  She knows what a service dog can do for children on the spectrum and  believes in Project Chance and its mission.  She wholeheartedly wants to  aid in growing and sustaining this amazing organization. Melissa is  married with one rescue dog and three rescue cats. A lifelong  Jacksonville resident, she enjoys running, rock climbing, reading and  spending time with her family.

Jenny Weaver

Melissa Leen

Melissa Leen

Jenny Weaver is a realtor for Watson Realty whose family is a donor to Project Chance and has one of our puppies, Kennedy She was born and raised in South Florida and is  1 of 4 kids adopted by two amazing parents. Jenny attended university in Tallahassee Florida and in Richmond VA., moved to Jacksonville in 2001 and eventually made her w

Jenny Weaver is a realtor for Watson Realty whose family is a donor to Project Chance and has one of our puppies, Kennedy She was born and raised in South Florida and is  1 of 4 kids adopted by two amazing parents. Jenny attended university in Tallahassee Florida and in Richmond VA., moved to Jacksonville in 2001 and eventually made her way south to St. Augustine. She met her spouse back in 2007 and later married in 2012. She has 3 wonderful, furry kids, who help fill the bottle of love. Jenny was a veterinary technician for 6 years, where she had the privilege of assisting many animals and their humans with medical issues and their overall health. After many years being a veterinary technician, she made the jump over to the law field, where she had the honor of working for amazing client's who suffered Traumatic Brain Injuries and needed help. Jenny loved helping them and seeing their success, confidence and happiness. Currently, she works as a realtor and loves helping others find their dream home! 

Project Chance

Mailing Address: 23525 Bahama Point, Unit 1612, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 US Phone: (904)614-7497 Training Site: 3800 Joe Ashton Rd. St. Augustine, FL 32092

Contact us at info@projectchance.com

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