MEET THE TEAM
Board Of Directors
Steve & Kim Corey
CEO/Founder
Email: s.corey@victorysd.org
In 2015, Army veteran Steve Corey was moved to action in response to the tragically high suicide rates in the veteran community. He knew the difference a service dog could make in the life of an individual and had seen them recommended to those who were re-entering civilian life following their service.
The problem was, most service dog organizations had years-long wait lists, extensive requirements and unaffordable plans for someone on a fixed income.
In an effort to combat these issues, Victory Service Dogs was born.
Alan Bridges
Board Treasurer
Email: a.bridges@victorysd.org
Alan grew up in Georgia and graduated from the US Air Force Academy. During his Air Force career, he flew Rescue and Special Operations helicopters, taught cadets at the US Air Force Academy, directed plans at Special Operations Command (Europe), and led a Base Realignment and Closure portfolio worth over $870 million. After his retirement from the Air Force, Alan flew commercially for nine years and still flies for fun.
Alan gives back to the community as a Chamber Ambassador because he appreciates helping local small businesses succeed.
Andrew Benton
Board Secretary
Email: a.benton@victorysd.org
Andrew Benton is a Senior Master Sergeant serving on active duty in the US Air Force and life-long dog lover. He and his dog, Curtsy, are certified Therapy Dog team lead for VSD’s Ambassador program and assist in the representation education outreach and fundraising events in the local area. Andrew is a proud volunteer and board member with VSD and believes strongly in the mission to help give back to our military veterans, 1st responders and to children with disabilities through the healing process of owning and training a qualified service dog.
Craig Tomanini
President
Email: c.tomanini@victorysd.org
Craig Tomanini is a 10 year veteran from the United States Army. He served as a Military Police Officer with 9+ months in Kuwait post 9/11.
Craig joined Victory Service Dogs because they support Veterans in a way that he understands personally and that is needed to raise awareness.
“I’m honored to be able to stand besides my fellow service men and women and continue to serve those who served.”
Lorine Grosso
Board Member
Email: l.grosso@victorysd.org
Lorine Grosso is an Air Force veteran with 25 years of service, and her devoted passion for serving others shines through in her intuitive nature as she builds collaborative partnerships while giving back to our community. Her focus and reliability are matched by her genuine care for every person she meets as strangers quickly become friends. Lorine supports the nonprofit, cleft-focused organization Smile Train, volunteers with Silver Key as a companion to seniors and is an active member of the Rotary Club of Colorado Springs, MOAA-Pikes Peak Chapter and SCWCC. Her adventurous spirit guides her travels to new and familiar places, and she enjoys hiking in nature and studying about nutrition, health and wellness. She is co-owner of Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa Colorado Springs South and is a trusted Realtor with milehimodern serving Colorado Springs and the surrounding area. Throughout her time in the Air Force, Lorine was highly regarded for her authenticity and sheer loyalty as she advocated for her mission and team. Victory Service Dogs is a mission she believes in and is proud to advocate for in our community.
Trainers
Lance Kalahar
CGC Certified Trainer
Email: l.kalahar@victorysd.org
Lance Kalahar Enlisted in the US Navy in 2010 and became a Military Working Dog Handler. After 4 years of service, he explored dog training areas such as dog fighting rehabilitation, explosive detection for professional sporting events, animal welfare/shelter training, and creating and running pet obedience programs.
Holds a BA in Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Relations and works as a behavioral therapist for children with autism.
Maria Plaza
AKC CGC Evaluator & Trainer
Email: m.plaza@victorysd.org
Maria Plaza after 4 years of being a Pet Nutrition Specialist, decided it was time to pursue passion for dogs by learning how to train them so they could stay in their Forever Homes.
Has now been professionally training dogs for over 4 years. Believes in Positive Reinforcement Training.
Danielle Lucas
AKC Certified Trainer
Email: d.lucas@victorysd.org
Danielle Lucas has been training dogs and helping families for 3 years. She grew up with a passion for dogs and helping them as she can see the way they impact us in our daily lives. She has her own service dog that she trained to help with different disabilities and tasks.
“I saw the difference a service dog could make and what Victory Service Dogs does to help make that difference a possibility for many people.”
STAFF
Holly Gabriel
Holly Gabriel served as a hospital Chaplain for nearly ten years. She believes in the VSD mission that aims to improve quality of life through the healing connection of dog companionship and a supportive community. Through events, VSD is able to share the story with our Colorado community and beyond. She owns a Goldendoodle puppy and is training him to become a certified therapy dog as part of the VSD Ambassador program. Holly volunteers as a Community Night facilitator for VSD Clients and Graduates to engage in fun activities and find support among their peers. Holly lives in Colorado Springs with her husband, Tim (a military veteran), and fluffy pup, Chewbacca.
