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.
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.”
Jamie Krakofsky
Vice-President
Email: j.krakofsky@victorysd.org
Jamie has lived in Colorado with his family of 6 for 20+ years. His military experience gaves him the knowledge to expertly serve those going through a PCS needing quick and affordable housing as a realtor at the Krakofsky Team.
While his strong personality and fine-tuned organization are a big part of his success, his greatest enjoyment in his career is by far the people he gets to serve.
“Life is too short to not be pursuing what you love, building relationships and making the lives of others better.”
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.
Alan Bridges
Board Member
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.
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.
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.