Our Pack - Shelter to Soldier™

Graham Bloem

Founder, President & 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 & Vice President

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 […]
Nicky Moore

Director of Training and Operations

Nicky is our Director of Training and Operations, and a graduate of Animal Behavior College’s Professional Dog Training Certification program. Originally from Cincinnati, OH, Nicky has a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Management. After years of training her own dogs, pet-sitting, and working with animals at a veterinary hospital, she decided in 2016 to […]
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 […]
Tommy Moore

Veteran & Community Outreach Representative

Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Tommy joined the Navy in 2008. In his role, he brings his passion for helping his brothers and sisters in arms, and the animals he cares so much for. His experience and training in the military and as a sexual assault victim advocate helps him be better prepared to connect with […]
Callie Espinoza

Veteran Services

Callie, a proud San Diego native, has nurtured a deep bond with animals since childhood. Her early years were filled with caring for family dogs, rescuing strays alongside her mom, and riding horses. Growing up as a military brat, she became accustomed to the frequent moves, but the camaraderie of service members and their families […]
Jade Lancaster

Development and Special Events Coordinator

Originally from Bakersfield, California, Jade has always loved dogs—a passion that started when she was a kid. She pursued her education at San Diego State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. During her time at SDSU, Jade was not only committed to academics but also involved in various aspects […]
Jessica Anderson

Development Assistant

Jessica’s journey has been driven by a deep passion for animals, nature, and making a meaningful impact. Growing up in a small suburb in Ohio, she developed an early love for the outdoors and wildlife that set the course for her future career. Jessica attended Arizona State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science […]
Lauree Gollner

Kennel Manager

Lauree was born in Oceanside, moved away as a young child, and has returned “home.” She has a BA in Kinesiology and Physical Education. After teaching middle school for more than 20 years, she recently retired, and is fulfilling her lifelong dream of working with dogs. She has a passion for the rescue community, has […]
Kayla Buford

Dog Trainer

Kayla is originally from Gulf Shores, Alabama, where growing up, her family always had pets and dogs were always her favorite, but Kayla never thought about working with them until recently. Kayla received a masters degree in applied behavioral analysis and initially worked in the field for three years with children who have autism spectrum […]
Shelby Burdette

Dog Trainer

Shelby began her career as a dog walker/pet sitter for a dog walking company in San Diego and gained experience as a volunteer at the San Diego Humane Society. She has worked around and raised livestock for her FFA program in high school and during college where she found her interest in animal behavior. After […]
Kris Rivas

Dog Trainer

Kris is the latest addition to our service dog training team, bringing a wealth of experience in dog nutrition and specialized training for veterans and first responders. Known for his exceptional communication skills, he has successfully trained a diverse range of clients, from pet dog owners to service dog handlers and police K9 teams. Kris’s […]
Hailey Isbell

Trainer Assistant

Hailey grew up basking in the sun-soaked beauty of San Diego, where her love for dogs blossomed in her childhood. From a young age, she eagerly helped train and raise her family’s pets, igniting a lifelong passion. After graduating from Mission Hills High School, Hailey took a bold step toward her dreams by enrolling in […]
Mailee Labrecque

Trainer Assistant

Mailee, a proud Carlsbad, CA native, has demonstrated an extraordinary bond with animals, especially dogs, since childhood. Her deep passion for canine companionship inspired her to delve into the fundamentals of dog training. With a year and a half of hands-on experience at a reputable training company, she has honed her skills in this rewarding […]
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 […]
David 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 […]
Michael Ford

Board Member

Michael is a San Diego native passionate about supporting the communities in which we live and work. He has worked with Cox Communications for 14 years now and is a member of their Public Affairs team, specifically focused on Community Relations and corporate giving. He currently oversees the programs and support for the Cox Charities […]
Brian Lukacz

Board Member

Brian is originally from the east coast but moved to San Diego when he was stationed at Camp Pendleton. Brian flew helicopters in the Marine Corps for 13 years and completed two combat tours in Iraq in ’04-’05. Seeing the ravages of PTSD on his fellow veterans first hand has made him determined to help […]
Jordan Thompson

Senior Lead Animal Care Attendant

Jordan, originally from Vacaville, California, has always shared a special bond with dogs. Growing up surrounded by a variety of breeds, from Newfoundlands to Huskies to Jack Russell Terriers, she developed a deep understanding of canine care. With extensive experience in grooming and dog handling, Jordan currently serves as the Senior Lead for the ACA […]
Carissa Rodriguez

Lead Animal Care Attendant

Carissa, a native of Oceanside, serves as one of our Lead Animal Care Attendants at Shelter to Soldier. With a lifelong passion for animals, she is deeply committed to working with our STS trainees each week. Outside of her role at Shelter to Soldier, Carissa enjoys running, spending quality time with friends and family, and […]
Felixx McWilliams

Lead Animal Care Attendant

Felixx, the Closing Lead ACA, is a proud USMC “brat” from Jacksonville, North Carolina. His father served in the Marine Corps for 20 years, with California being his final station. Growing up, dogs were always part of the family, and that love for dogs has continued into Felixx’s adult life. Currently, he’s the proud owner […]
Rachael Doty

Animal Care Attendant

After the passing of her beloved senior rescue poodle, Princess, at the age of 16, Rachael found herself drawn to a new path in animal rescue. Inspired by the profound bond she shared with Princess, she began fostering and volunteering at the very rescue where she adopted her. This pivotal experience led Rachael to leave […]
Ryleigh Taylor

Animal Care Attendant

Ryleigh is originally from Oregon, but after high school, she moved to North Carolina. When her husband joined the Marines, they found themselves in California. Growing up, Ryleigh was always surrounded by dogs, and her love for animals only grew stronger over the years. From a young age, she knew she wanted to work with […]
Christyona Arballo

Animal Care Attendant

Christyona is from Perris, California, and has been working with dogs for several years. She’s deeply passionate about helping dogs find their forever homes, with the ultimate goal of opening her own rescue one day. When she’s not working, Christyona loves spending time with her two puppies and her cat, who keep her on her […]