Ryan Levine and Crystle Barrs transformed their shared love for dogs into a mission to empower families and themselves. Together, they opened the K-9 Enrichment Center in Cape Coral, Florida, where they teach force-free training techniques designed to foster trust and lasting companionship.
Although they share similar visual impairments, Ryan has optic atrophy, and Crystal has nystagmus and optic atrophy; their experiences differ. Ryan’s optic atrophy wasn’t discovered until third grade, after falling behind in school because he lacked accommodations. "I actually remember when they sat me down and told me that I wasn’t like everybody else and that I never would be," Ryan recalled. Crystal, on the other hand, has lived with nystagmus and optic atrophy since birth.
Their journey together began long before they opened the center in 2020. Childhood friends from seventh grade, they reconnected years later, became a couple, and discovered a shared passion for dogs. Crystal drew inspiration from her first guide dog, Swifty. “People always asked how he worked so well, and I wanted to understand that,” Crystal said. Her curiosity led her to earn certification through Animal Behavior College and later as a service dog instructor. Before launching the center, Crystal spent 17 years at the Lighthouse of Southwest Florida, where she managed assistive technology and low vision departments.
Ryan built his path on a love for animals and a background in business and psychology, earned at St. Petersburg College and the University of South Florida. “I thought my disability was a problem,” Ryan said. “Now I’m proud of it, it made me who I am.” His entrepreneurial training and life experience gave him the confidence to start a business during the pandemic, turning uncertainty into opportunity.
Owning their business gives them the freedom to create accommodations without barriers. “We never have to ask for accommodations; we build them into our workflow. I never have to feel like I'm out of place or I don't belong there because it's our center,” Ryan explained. Crystal uses screen magnification, large print, adaptive apps, and screen readers, while Ryan uses 10x handheld magnifiers, microscopic spectacles, and an iPad. Both use AI tools like ChatGPT for business tasks and daily activities, including voice chat and camera-based assistance.
Their accomplishments extend beyond business success. Crystal transformed her retired guide dog, Bug, into a certified therapy dog and co-authored a chapter in an upcoming book on therapy dogs. Ryan proudly shared that one of their rescues, Tucker, now serves as his guide dog, a testament to their philosophy and skill. Together, they care for 11 dogs at home, mentor students, and plan to launch the Canine Communication Foundation of Florida to promote positive training methods.
Outside of work, they center their lives on family and dogs. They enjoy time with Crystal’s 8-year-old son, while Ryan explores creative outlets, such as 3D printing and outdoor adventures. Looking ahead, they plan to expand their business by relocating to a larger location, hiring additional trainers, and publishing a book based on their distinctive dog training philosophy.
Crystal encourages people with vision loss to explore different types of assistive technology and avoid relying solely on medical recommendations. “That’s the one advantage of being part of a Lighthouse for the Blind, because it’s a caring and supportive setting versus a medical setting,” she said. Ryan offers advice for youth with visual impairment: “Don’t listen when people tell you what you can’t do. Focus on what you can do, and do it well. Everyone has something they’re passionate about. Find it and run with it.”
