board of directors
STEVE COREY, Founder and Board President & KIM COREY, Board Secretary
Steve Corey is an Army veteran who served as an M88 operator and heavy equipment mechanic. He was also a local business owner for 13 years before he started Victory Service Dogs. His desire to help veterans in our community came through his many interactions with those who were struggling with PTSD and other chronic illnesses, and seeing their difficulty in finding the health services they needed to improve their quality of life.
Email: victoryservicedogsinc@gmail.com
Kim Corey grew up in an Air Force family as the daughter of a Vietnam War veteran and has experienced first-hand the effects of PTSD and how it impacted her family. Kim is an elementary school teacher who runs an in-home learning center and works alongside her husband, Steve, as the Board Secretary for Victory Service Dogs.
Email: secretary@victorysd.org
Steve Corey is an Army veteran who served as an M88 operator and heavy equipment mechanic. He was also a local business owner for 13 years before he started Victory Service Dogs. His desire to help veterans in our community came through his many interactions with those who were struggling with PTSD and other chronic illnesses, and seeing their difficulty in finding the health services they needed to improve their quality of life.
Email: victoryservicedogsinc@gmail.com
Kim Corey grew up in an Air Force family as the daughter of a Vietnam War veteran and has experienced first-hand the effects of PTSD and how it impacted her family. Kim is an elementary school teacher who runs an in-home learning center and works alongside her husband, Steve, as the Board Secretary for Victory Service Dogs.
Email: secretary@victorysd.org
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JESSICA MORIN, Board Vice President
Originally from Maine, Jessica Morin moved to Colorado Springs in 2006. An active volunteer with several organizations, she became involved with Victory Service Dogs in 2018 while looking for a new way to have a positive impact in the community. An outdoor enthusiast, Jessica works in the bicycle industry and, when not mountain biking, enjoys hiking and camping with her dogs. In March this year, she and Zack graduated from our Service Dogs Program. Email: volunteer@victorysd.org | vice.president@victorysd.org |
SCOTT HUYVAERT, Board Treasurer
Scott served as a healthcare specialist in the United States Army where he found a true passion for working with the wounded veteran community. While on active duty, Scott helped create and develop outreach programs focused on the rehabilitation of our nation’s wounded service members and their families. His background in combat medicine, project management and healthcare administration compliment his love of all things outdoors, all while being able to support others in need. When he’s not developing future projects, you will find him spending time with his wife, daughters and hunting dogs or watching the Chicago Blackhawks. Email: treasury@victorysd.org |
SEAN BANKS, Board Member
Sean is a client of Victory Service Dogs and recently joined the VSD board as well. He served seven years in the US Army, one term as a paratrooper, and one as an MI Abrams tank crewman. Sean has a B.S. in Aviation Science, earned a Commercial Pilots Certificate and later a masters degree in information science management. He currently works in the VA Veterans Health Administration in Denver as a program Analyst for the Office of Community Care. He is married and has mixed family with his wife Tracy and eight children, plus three grandchildren, with three children still at home, two of which are soon to be 17 year old twin boys. Sean’s service dog is a full blood German Shepherd provided by VSD and is named Neala Sjofn Vom Dortmunder. Email: s.banks@victorysd.org |
PATRICK MARTIN, Board Member
Patrick joined the Army in 2003 and deployed to Iraq from 2005-2006. When he got out of the military in 2009, he went to college to become a nurse. He then moved to Colorado to work as a Registered Nurse with active duty soldiers and retirees at Evans Army Community Hospital. He currently works as a Psychiatric Nurse there. Patrick has a wife and three kids, some with special needs. Patrick has been involved with Victory Service Dogs since 2016. His mission is to serve the active duty, veterans, and families of those who have served. He also has a lot of experience with mental health disorders and children with autism and ADHD. He feels it is important to advocate for people and families that can’t or don’t know how to advocate for themselves. In his spare time, he loves anything to do with bicycles and art. Email: p.martin@victorysd.org |
RAE & BRANDON WHEELER, Board Members
Rae Wheeler Began a successful career in firm administration for accounting firms in the early 1990’s. In the early 2000’s joined the Goldman Sachs, Investment Banking Division, managing 5 locations in 2 countries. Left the corporate world approximately 14 years ago to work personally for a Goldman Sachs executive as his Estate Manager, in Los Angeles, CA. Additionally work with a private charter company on the East Coast in Human Resources.
Rae moved to Texas in 2014 and continued in my present occupation, on a remote basis. Enjoy bicycling, hiking, camping, wine tasting and just about anything outdoors, in my free time.
My husband and I are passionate about issues our Veterans face and donate regularly or have donated to Work Vessels for Vets, Parker County Gold Star Families, Victory Service Dogs, Battle Buddies and a variety of other veteran related organizations. My husband and I have been honored to donate a few puppies to Victory Service Dogs and look forward to our next foster puppy arriving in a few months.
Brandon Wheeler Born and raised on a ranch north of Canadian, TX. After graduating high school in 1989, attended West
Texas State University in Canyon, TX for two years before transferring to Texas Tech University. Receiving a B.S. in Range & Wildlife Management in 1994, I then enrolled at The University of Nebraska to work on my Masters in Range Science. In 1996, I moved to Dalhart, TX and began a career in farming and ranching. In September 2000, I took an insurance sales position with Texas Farm Bureau Insurance.
After 16 successful years obtaining management status and many company sales achievement awards, I started my own independent agency in 2017, focusing on the farm and ranch insurance industry. I enjoy traveling, hunting, fishing, hiking and other outdoor activities. Twice a year, a close friend and I put on a 3D traditional bow shoot with the goal of continuing the sport of traditional archery and introducing the sport to children.
I formed Doug Wheeler Rides On Foundation with my wife and my brothers to honor the memory of my brother, Doug Wheeler, who was tragically killed in a cycling accident in May 2019. The goal of the foundation is to provide bicycles for transportation, sport and mobility to kids and veterans.
Rae Wheeler Began a successful career in firm administration for accounting firms in the early 1990’s. In the early 2000’s joined the Goldman Sachs, Investment Banking Division, managing 5 locations in 2 countries. Left the corporate world approximately 14 years ago to work personally for a Goldman Sachs executive as his Estate Manager, in Los Angeles, CA. Additionally work with a private charter company on the East Coast in Human Resources.
Rae moved to Texas in 2014 and continued in my present occupation, on a remote basis. Enjoy bicycling, hiking, camping, wine tasting and just about anything outdoors, in my free time.
My husband and I are passionate about issues our Veterans face and donate regularly or have donated to Work Vessels for Vets, Parker County Gold Star Families, Victory Service Dogs, Battle Buddies and a variety of other veteran related organizations. My husband and I have been honored to donate a few puppies to Victory Service Dogs and look forward to our next foster puppy arriving in a few months.
Brandon Wheeler Born and raised on a ranch north of Canadian, TX. After graduating high school in 1989, attended West
Texas State University in Canyon, TX for two years before transferring to Texas Tech University. Receiving a B.S. in Range & Wildlife Management in 1994, I then enrolled at The University of Nebraska to work on my Masters in Range Science. In 1996, I moved to Dalhart, TX and began a career in farming and ranching. In September 2000, I took an insurance sales position with Texas Farm Bureau Insurance.
After 16 successful years obtaining management status and many company sales achievement awards, I started my own independent agency in 2017, focusing on the farm and ranch insurance industry. I enjoy traveling, hunting, fishing, hiking and other outdoor activities. Twice a year, a close friend and I put on a 3D traditional bow shoot with the goal of continuing the sport of traditional archery and introducing the sport to children.
I formed Doug Wheeler Rides On Foundation with my wife and my brothers to honor the memory of my brother, Doug Wheeler, who was tragically killed in a cycling accident in May 2019. The goal of the foundation is to provide bicycles for transportation, sport and mobility to kids and veterans.
TRAINERS
BRANDI GARCIA, Head Trainer
AKC CGC Evaluator and Trainer Brandi Garcia is a Karen Pryor Academy graduate, AKC CGC evaluator, and she is certified in companion animal CPR and First Aid through the American Red Cross. In the past, Brandi worked in the veterinary field as a vet tech, but ultimately her dream was to train dogs professionally. Brandi has recently taken on the Dog Acquisition position at VSD, which primarily helps find and match service dog prospects to a veteran in need. She has been training professionally now for about three years and looking forward to many more years in this career! Email: b.garcia@victorysd.org |
LANCE KALAHAR, CGC Certified Trainer
Lance has been fortunate enough to turn his passion for dogs into a career which began when he enlisted in the Navy in 2010 and became a Military Working Dog Handler. After 4 years of service, his sporadic attention span helped him explore different dog training arenas including dog fighting rehabilitation, explosive detection for professional sporting events, animal welfare/shelter training, and creating and running pet obedience programs. From that unconventional path, he’s amalgamated a depth of experience and is enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge to help people understand and communicate with our furry best friends that have limitless capabilities to improve the human condition. Lance is a certified Canine Training and Behavior Specialist, a certified AKC Canine Good Citizen Test Evaluator, a certified Explosive Detection Dog Handler, and a pit bull advocate. Currently, he works as a behavioral therapist for children with autism, owns his own dog training business, and has recently completed his BA in Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Relations. Email: l.kalahar@victorysd.org |
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Anthony Cavallo, California-based Trainer
Anthony began his career with the US Air Force in 2012 as a Law Enforcement Officer and transitioned into a Military Working Dog Handler specializing in Explosive Detection. During his 9 years in the military, he served two tours overseas in support of coalition operations and has received multiple awards and decorations for physical fitness as well as combat readiness. Currently he holds degrees in Criminal Justice, Fire Science, a BS in Emergency/Disaster Management, and several law enforcement certifications. After he became injured in the line of duty, he devoted his time to the art of training dogs and assisting their handlers. He is currently an Air Force Wounded Warrior Ambassador and Mentor, assisting in the transition process from active duty to civilian life for other Air Force Wounded Warriors like himself. “I know what it’s like to be in that dark place in your head, and to have a service animal be there for me when I needed it most. I'll devote my life to training dogs for this cause, if it means I can help just 1 person”. Email: a.cavallo@victorysd.org |
ERIC RICE, BAT Certified Trainer
Eric began his passion for dog training while working at TCRAS (Teller County Regional Animal Shelter) in Divide, CO. Thinking his career at TCRAS was only going to be temporary, he quickly fell in love and found his innate talent of training and rehabilitating dogs, especially those at risk of being put down or not finding a home as a result of serious behavior issues. Throughout his journey as a dog trainer and behavior expert, Eric has participated in Dogs Playing for Life, a program for working play groups with the goal of rehabilitating assertive, unsocial, and aggressive dogs. Eric is also certified in BAT (Behavior Adjustment Training) and is a member of the IACP (International Association of Canine Professionals). As a result of his hard work and knowledge in the field, Eric was promoted to Director of Animal Enrichment and Training at TCRAS. After his journey at TCRAS, Eric continued to train dogs in the community of Woodland Park through his establishment of Howling Wilderness Outdoors. Email: e.rice@victorysd.org |
STAFF
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LISBETH KEEN, Head of Marketing & Project Management
Lisbeth moved to Colorado in 2013. With a background ranging from broadcast production to social media management to freelance writing, she's had her hands in many different projects over the years! She has lived and worked overseas for more than a decade and has developed a passion for stories in all their various shapes and sizes. Lisbeth believes that every veteran and their voice is unique and valuable – and deserves to be heard and respected. She is dedicated to helping Victory Service Dogs grow as an organization and extend their reach to even more veterans, first responders (and soon children!) who are in need. "No one should ever feel like help is out of reach. It's our job to extend a helping hand that offers hope and a future." Email: l.keen@victorysd.org |
LAN PREZA, Administrative Assistant
Lan has always been a huge advocate for mental health and a big dog-lover so it was a natural fit. She is currently working on her double major for psychology and criminal justice and hopes to enter the forensic psychology field. She grew up in California, near the San Francisco Bay. Being married to a service member means constant moving and former residencies include Germany, Korea, and multiple stateside locations. In 2013 she found her way to Colorado and hopes to make it her permanent home. Her hobbies includes baking and photography and will often stop people on the streets to take a photo of their dog. Email: l.preza@victorysd.org |
CRYSTAL D. LUNDY, Behavioral Health Specialist & Veteran Liaison
Crystal graduated with her MSW from the University of Denver in November, 2020. She received her Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2007. Crystal is also completing training in Animal-Assisted Therapy.
Crystal serviced in the Army as a Military Police officer. She is currently an EMT-Intermediate in the state of Colorado. After a few months as a client with VSD, Crystal started to notice the difference the dogs were making in fellow veteran’s lives. Crystal has always had a passion for helping others and a special interest in helping fellow veterans.
“My fellow veterans deserve nothing but the absolute best. My goal is to help our veterans to realize their potential and navigate the intricacies of civilian life, with the help of their service dog.”
Email: c.lundy@victorysd.org
Crystal graduated with her MSW from the University of Denver in November, 2020. She received her Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2007. Crystal is also completing training in Animal-Assisted Therapy.
Crystal serviced in the Army as a Military Police officer. She is currently an EMT-Intermediate in the state of Colorado. After a few months as a client with VSD, Crystal started to notice the difference the dogs were making in fellow veteran’s lives. Crystal has always had a passion for helping others and a special interest in helping fellow veterans.
“My fellow veterans deserve nothing but the absolute best. My goal is to help our veterans to realize their potential and navigate the intricacies of civilian life, with the help of their service dog.”
Email: c.lundy@victorysd.org
Volunteers
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RANDY HAWKE, Trainer
Randy Hawke started his career with the US Air Force as an Air Force Law Enforcement Police Dog Handler from May 75 to February 1980. During this time Mr. Hawke worked training three different working dogs in basic obedience, detection training and attack training as well. These dogs were worked as separate dog teams and trained on a daily basis by Mr. Hawke. After Mr. Hawke’s completion of his military carrier, he received a degree in Architecture and spent 30 years working Civil Service for the Corps of Engineers and the US Air Force as an Architectural Technician and a Project Architect. Mr. Hawke and family moved to Colorado Springs after being offered a position as a Project Architect at Peterson AFB. He worked at Peterson Air Force Base for the 21st Space Wing for 18 years as an Architect after which he finished his Civil Service career and retired December 2014. In February 2020, Mr. Hawke became a volunteer for the Victory Service Dog program and is working as a backup trainer as needed. Email: r.hawke@victorysd.org |
ANDREW BENTON, Volunteer Director
Andrew is currently a Senior Master Sergeant serving on active duty in the US Air Force. He is a professional musician, husband, and father of two. A life-long dog lover, Andrew appreciates the unique relationship between dogs and people and is currently training his own pup at VSD. Andrew is a proud new volunteer with VSD and believes strongly in the mission to help give back to our military veterans, first responders and children with disabilities through the process of owning and training a qualified service dog. Email: a.benton@victorysd.org |
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MICHAEL TAYLOR, Veterans Welfare Liaison
Michael has a persistent desire to help fellow veterans strengthen their resolve in every area of their lives. He spent 30 years active duty serving alongside those who ran toward the things most run away from. Ten of those years he was enlisted and twenty an officer, giving him a broad reference to the unique experiences shared by those in a variety of ranks. While serving as an enlisted man he observed that greater battles occurred within an individual than those experienced in open combat. Therefore, he changed his major from Sports Medicine to Theological Studies ultimately resulting in a Bachelor’s degree with majors in Pastoral Studies, Greek and a Master’s of Divinity. Meanwhile he continued to pursue his passion for health, studying nutrition and functional fitness, and became a certified instructor of High Intensity Tactical Training (HITT). Michael is impressed with the leadership at Victory Service Dogs as they demonstrate their interest in the total health and wellbeing of every person who seeks them out. He is honored to have been welcomed onto the team and he seeks to be a valuable asset in helping to strengthen the mind, body, and soul of all who enter our doors. Phone: 760.464.2387 |
ANDREW KING, Volunteer
Andrew is from Medford, Oregon. He is an Army Paralegal and has been stationed at Fort Carson for the past 4 years. He was recently accepted into the Green to Gold Program and will be attending UCCS for the next two years. He will also be participating in the Masters in Public Administration program. Andrew is married to Julianne and they have a 2-year old named Michael. "I chose to be a part of Victory Service Dogs to give back to the veteran community and to be a part of something bigger than myself." Email: a.king@victorysd.org |
