New Faces at WCC: Leilani Shore and Riley Spickler

Please join us in welcoming two new members to the WCC pack! Both Leilani Shore, puppy program outreach coordinator, and Riley Spickler, puppy development assistant, joined WCC in December helping to fulfill important roles — learn more about out new team members!

Leilani Shore, Puppy Program Outreach Coordinator

An animal lover at heart, Leilani has always gravitated to dogs and horses. While attending Ohio University, she also worked for an equine program that supported Veterans through therapeutic horsemanship.

After graduating with a dual bachelor’s in psychology and animal science, she went on to work for an equine program that provided support for kids in foster care. She then worked for an animal biotech company that provided at-home cat DNA tests; the results are used to give owners a comprehensive report on their cats.

When she saw the opening at WCC for a Puppy Program Outreach Coordinator, it was one she knew she couldn’t pass up.

“I love my job,” said Leilani. “It’s not very often people can say that.”

Although still new to the role, Leilani works directly with WCC’s Puppy Parent program to help recruit new volunteers and support those already providing crucial aid and care for its service dogs in training.

“The Puppy Parents are awesome … it’s amazing that people are willing to volunteer their time and do what it takes to raise these dogs for us; we couldn’t do what we do without our Puppy Parents,” said Leilani. “I’m always in awe of them with how they sacrifice their time for us and help us out.”

When not working, Leilani enjoys spending time with her two dogs, Luna and Rosco, and her two horses, Ramsey and Maverick.

Riley Spickler, Puppy Development Assistant

Also joining WCC in December is Riley Spickler, our new Puppy Development Assistant. In her role, Riley works in WCC’s puppy department and helps with the socialization and care of WCC’s older pups and eventually be taking on the position of boots rank instructor.

A Maryland native, Riley graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, with a bachelor’s in animal and avian sciences. During her sophomore year, she helped co-raise and sit service dogs for the Guide Dog Foundation and has spent countless hours walking and pet sitting dogs since then. She was also very involved in her campus ministry during college and loves connecting with new people.

“I have had a long-time dream of working with Veterans and service dogs, so this job is a perfect combination of both,” said Riley.

Riley’s supervisor says she has made an immediate impact in her new role.

Outside of work, Riley can often be found attending University of Maryland basketball games, spending time with friends and she also hosts trivia at a local brewery.