At Paw Solutions for Veterans, we strive to bring people together and create a sense of belonging and connection within our communities. We are a nonprofit organization committed to making a positive impact by helping veterans and their families, one canine at a time. Thank you for joining us in this journey.

As the Vice President of PSV, I focus on keeping our leadership on track and maintaining clear, consistent communication across our entire team and trainers. As a veteran myself, my path to this role began with the personal experience of training my own dog, a journey that introduced me to the broader veteran community and ignited a deep passion for supporting those who have served our country. I am driven by our commitment to the whole veteran, choosing to go the extra mile to ensure every handler and canine pair has the time and support they need to succeed. To me, the bond between a veteran and their dog represents true freedom, providing the security and confidence necessary to re-engage with the world and reclaim the life they fought to protect. It is incredibly rewarding to watch our participants grow and find a sense of belonging among their peers, and I am proud to help lead a culture defined by integrity, empathy, and dignity. Because many of us have walked a mile in these shoes, we lead with genuine understanding rather than judgment, focusing on instilling confidence and honoring the dignity of every individual we serve.

As a Battle Buddy and AKC Evaluator at PSV, my role is deeply informed by my own history as an Army veteran. Having spent nine months inside a tank, I learned early on that survival and success depend entirely on the ability to rely on one another, keep each other safe, and function as a single, cohesive unit. This experience of absolute interdependence is the foundation of how I approach my work today. My passion for this mission is personal; I know what it is like to navigate the aftermath of service without emotional support, and I have seen firsthand how a trained dog can provide the stability and companionship that a veteran truly needs. I first became involved with PSV because of the profound impact these dogs had on my own life, and today, my goal is to ensure every family we serve walks away knowing they are not alone, that there is a vast network of support available and a loyal, trained companion who will always be by their side. There is nothing more rewarding than watching the relationship between a veteran and their dog deepen, and hearing directly from those we serve about how their lives have been fundamentally changed by their canine partners. I am proud to be part of a team that I would describe as truly inclusive, mirroring the camaraderie of the military units I once served in and providing a space where veterans can find that same sense of belonging and brotherhood once again.

My journey to becoming the Secretary at PSV is rooted in a lifelong commitment to care, spanning a background as a veterinary technician and a thirty-year career as a respiratory therapist. My passion for this mission is deeply personal, as I come from a family of veterans and have witnessed the struggles many face in accessing the support they need; consequently, veterans have always been my "soft spot." I am driven by the desire to provide a program that is less intimidating and more welcoming, ensuring that our veterans and their families gain a newfound sense of comfort and social confidence. To me, the bond between a veteran and their dog represents an unwavering, dependable loyalty that is truly transformative, especially when the entire family unit becomes involved in the process. Ultimately, I am proud to be part of a team that functions like a family, where our culture of teamwork ensures that we are not just providing a service, but building a supportive community for those who have served our country.

As the President of PSV, I focus on keeping our team aligned, compliant, and dedicated to our mission. My path to this role was shaped by a lifelong love for animals and a deep-seated passion for helping people build meaningful, working relationships with their dogs. Being a military spouse gave me a front-row seat to the challenges our service members face, and it taught me that a veteran’s strength is only as solid as their support system. That realization also combined with seeing the profound, non-judgmental impact a canine companion has on a person drove me to help build this organization. I believe that true support goes beyond just training; it’s about creating a community where veterans, spouses, and families feel they truly belong. For me, the most rewarding part of this work is watching that bond between a dog and their person spark a new sense of confidence and freedom for the entire family. I am proud to lead a team defined by partnership, a deep commitment to one another, and an understanding that no matter where you stand in the support system, you are never alone here.

As the Deputy Director at PSV, I am driven by a commitment to leadership that was sparked when my mother encouraged me to join her in a dog training class, a shared experience that allowed us to grow together and solidified my desire to support the veteran community. My professional background, ranging from years of being a hairstylist, and currently a sparkle specialist in the fine jewelry business has been instrumental in my current role, as it taught me the vital importance of active listening, exceptional customer service, and building authentic, lasting relationships. I am deeply passionate about our mission because I witness firsthand the profound impact our work has on veterans, watching the weight of their stress melt away as they receive the support they deserve. To me, the bond between a veteran and their dog represents a sanctuary of unconditional love, non-judgmental understanding, and a constant sense of belonging, a reality I see reflected in moments like watching Ares (The President’s Dog) provide protective care for the children in his household. I strive to ensure that every family we serve walks away with a lasting, positive impact, and I am proud to be part of an impactful team culture where we are dedicated to helping one another succeed and ensuring that no one is ever left behind.

I serve as a dedicated member of the PSV team, holding the title of "Battle Buddy"; a role I personally defined to reflect the mutual support and shared strength that I believe are essential to our mission. My journey began with my service in the United States Army, an experience that instilled in me a profound sense of purpose, direction, and the discipline required to navigate life’s most challenging obstacles. Driven by a deep commitment to the veteran community, I am passionate about the transformative power of the human-animal bond, and I find my greatest motivation is witnessing veterans regain their independence and the confidence to re-engage with the world through the comfort of a canine companion. To me, the bond between a veteran and their dog is a unique reflection of one another, and I find the most rewarding aspect of my work to be the way these animals bring families closer together. My primary goal for the families we serve is to ensure they possess the knowledge and confidence to effectively handle their service animal, setting them up for long-term success. I was drawn to PSV because it perfectly aligns with my desire to support my fellow veterans and my love for dogs, and I describe our team culture as fun, noting that the combination of the people I work with and the meaningful nature of our mission makes every day impactful as we continue to serve those who have served.

As the Treasurer for PSV, I bring a unique blend of military experience, financial expertise, and a deep commitment to mental health advocacy to our mission. My journey began with my service in the military, which instilled in me a relentless attention to detail and a "failure is not an option" mindset. With an accounting degree and my current experience as a mental health nurse, I have seen firsthand the struggles our veterans face, and I am driven by the belief that if I can help even one person feel heard, my work is worth it. I am deeply passionate about our mission because I want to help veterans reclaim their independence and find a community where they know they are not forgotten, they have a voice, and they still have so much to offer. My desire to join PSV was solidified the moment I met our team; I was immediately struck by the welcoming, accepting environment where everyone is free to be themselves and truly supports one another. To me, the bond between a veteran and their dog represents unconditional love, acceptance, and profound devotion, a connection I see beautifully illustrated in the way my own dog, Izidora, has merged into our lives and enriched every member of my family. I hope that every family we serve walks away knowing that their life and their quality of life truly matter. Being part of this team means being part of something much bigger than myself, it is a privilege to give back to my fellow veterans and remind them that they are never alone.

Board Member
An animal advocate and soon-to-be spouse of an amazing Navy man. We are so proud to have you as a board member.

Excited to see who joins us next!

Excited to see who joins us next!

Excited to see who joins us next!
Cassie
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