Our Pack

  • Graham Bloem

    Founder & Training Director

    Graham Bloem was born in Johannesburg, South Africa and has had an affinity with animals all his life, although his true passion is for dogs. At age five, he immigrated to Toronto, Canada with his family, but enjoyed frequent trips back to South Africa. His experiences in wildlife settings instilled a dream of one day […]

  • Kyrié Bloem

    Co-Founder & Director of Operations

    Kyrié is the Co-Founder and Director or Operations of Specialty Dog Training and Shelter to Soldier™. Working behind the scenes, Kyrié is constantly in motion working in all facets of our organization. She is someone that wears many hats well and is a real asset to each organization. Though she has been an avid animal […]

  • Krystyna Holc

    Co-Founder - Treasurer - Board Member

    Krystyna Holc is the Vice President and CFO of Goodsell and Company CPA firm. She is the financial manager for Specialty Dog Training, Shelter to Soldier™, and Pet Mall America. Krys has a 70-pound male German Shepherd named Cooper that she rescued from Coastal German Shepherd Rescue. Krys is a long time supporter of the […]

  • Vic Martin

    Veteran Advocate & Recipient

    Vic Martin proudly served as a Mineman in the United States Navy from August 2009 to June 2013. During his service, he was responsible for the detection and neutralization of underwater explosive devices (mines) and while ashore, to test, assemble, maintain, safely store, and execute the transportation of mines. In 2013, he was Medically Retired […]

  • Nicky Moore

    Dog Trainer

    Nicky Moore is a recent graduate of Animal Behavior College’s Professional Dog Training Certification program and is eager to put her education into practice with the Specialty Dog Training and Shelter to Soldier™ organizations. Originally from Cincinnati, OH, Nicky has a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Management.  After years of training her own dogs, […]

  • Stephen Snyder

    Dog Trainer

    Stephen has joined Shelter to Soldier™ & Specialty Dog Training and he is bringing nearly a decade of professional experience to our programs! Stephen has loved and connected with dogs his entire life. He started working with dogs professionally in 2008 as a kennel technician at a pet resort. Stephen cared for, exercised and supervised dogs […]

  • Perry Chapman

    Dog Trainer

    Perry Chapman is a US Navy veteran and a graduate of Starmark Academy, a well recognized and respected school teaching and certifying dog trainers in Austin, Texas. Perry has had a lifelong love of dogs and started training them as a child, as it was a requirement from his mother that he and his siblings […]

  • Julie McLaughlin

    Dog Trainer

    Julie came to us all the way from Boston, MA. She has been professionally working with dogs fornine years. Julie has taught hundreds of dogs and their owners through group classes and private training lessons. Communication, understanding and teamwork are the basis of her fun training style developed from her unique understanding of dogs and […]

  • Vince Martell

    Dog Trainer

    Vince started in the dog industry 5 years ago after moving to San Diego from Philadelphia, PA. Starting off as a animal care attendant, he quickly advanced to the role of doggie daycare supervisor. Vince then transitioned the knowledge of dog behavior that he gained in the kennel, to a career in dog training. He […]

  • Dustin

    Dog Trainer

    Dustin came to Specialty Dog Training after serving 10 years in the United States Marine Corps. As a Military Working Dog handler and trainer, Dustin, specialized in advanced off-leash and tactical obedience training, explosive and narcotic detection, tracking, protection and apprehension training; and worked with multiple special operations units, as well as the FBI, DEA, […]

  • Alayna

    Dog Trainer

    With a background of over 7 years in equine therapy and training, and a K9 Police Officer for a father, as well as 2 dogs and 2 bunnies at home, Alayna has long been caring for animals. After working as a kennel technician for over 3 years, Alayna decided she wanted to learn more about […]

  • Lynne Ramsey

    Dog Trainer

    Lynne acquired a love of animals at a young age, spending many hours posing with dogs and cats while helping her mother, a professional pet photographer who illustrated dog care and training books. Lynne has volunteered with Shelter to Soldier™ since we began in 2012. She has always enjoyed having an active part in the […]

  • Lisa Johnson

    Dog Trainer

    Lisa is a pure joy to be around, and a favorite among our service dogs in training for her love and cuddles. Lisa Johnson has volunteered with Shelter to Soldier™ since we began in 2012. Though her very busy career is in Computer Science, Lisa undertook the major commitment of completing her certification as a […]

  • Dr Liz Grey

    Board Member

    Dr Grey was born in New York, but her family moved to San Diego when she was 12.  While she was growing up, her family did a lot of rescue work with animals.  Her father impressed upon her at an early age that once you commit to an animal, you are responsible for providing it […]

  • Davis Moss, LCSW

    Mental Health Liaison - Board Member

    I am honored to have been asked to serve on the Board of Directors for Shelter to Soldier™.  I have followed this organization from its inception and could not be more proud to help support your mission.  I am excited to bring my clinical expertise, experience, community contacts, leadership, and overall passion for enhancing the […]

  • LtCol Brian Dennis

    Board Member

    Brian split his time growing up in St. Pete Beach, Florida and Des Moines, Iowa. He has been in the United States Marine Corps since he was nineteen years old. Brian’s career in the Marines has been quite varied with jobs ranging from Recon Marine to F/A-18 Hornet pilot to Strategic Planner at United States […]

  • Eva Stimson

    PR Director

    Eva M. Stimson is a very welcomed addition to our pack! Eva is the Public Relations Director for Shelter to Soldier™ and Specialty Dog Training. Eva specializes in strategic partnerships and helps share the mission of each of our corporate sponsors with local and national media outlets. Eva Stimson is an award-winning marketing communications specialist […]