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Warrior Canine Connection enlists recovering Warriors in a therapeutic mission of learning to train service dogs for their fellow Veterans.
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Tag Archive for: MBTR

Warrior Spotlight: Angela Bonanno Finds Healing Through Service and Dogs

July 15, 2025

Angela Bonanno is the kind of person who makes you wonder if there’s anything she doesn’t do.  

She’s a mom, a wife, a dog lover, an X-ray and MRI tech and a Coast Guard Veteran. And now, she’s training to become a Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) Team Leader and preparing to raise her first Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) service dog in training. 

It’s a life full of movement and purpose—traits that first led Bonanno to military service. But behind her drive and positivity are the lasting, invisible wounds she carries from that time. Her journey from injury to healing has been long—and ongoing—but throughout it all, a deep commitment to service has remained her compass. 

“9/11 played a major role in my decision to join the Coast Guard,” she says. “I was in college when the towers fell, and it changed everything. A month later, I was in the recruiter’s office enlisting—I felt a strong pull to do something that truly mattered.” 

Bonanno served for six years, including aboard the U.S. Cutter Jarvis and at Sector San Francisco, where she worked as an electrician. But it was during her time at sea that everything changed. A military sexual trauma and traumatic brain injury altered the course of her life—and her career. 

She was discharged in November 2007. What followed was one of the darkest chapters of her life. 

“I felt completely lost,” she says. “The first year out was brutal. I didn’t know where to turn. I had no direction, and I was in pain—emotionally and physically.” 

Then she found the Wounded Warrior Project. 

“I started with baby steps,” she says. “Just showing up to events, meeting other Veterans who got it. That connection saved me.” 

WWP introduced her to a supportive community—and to Warrior Canine Connection. Dogs, as it turns out, had always been part of her story. 

“I grew up with Labs. After my first therapy stay at the Menlo Park VA in 2010, I met some of the service dogs on site and just fell in love,” she recalls. “There’s always been a dog in my life helping me stay grounded.” 

In 2024, Bonanno participated in WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program at the Menlo Park VA, where Veterans help train future service dogs for fellow Warriors. 

“I didn’t realize how much I was missing until I started working with the WCC dogs. My mood shifted. I felt calmer, more present. I knew then—I wanted to raise one of these dogs.” 

That dream is now coming true. Angela has completed puppy-sitter training and will soon become a WCC Puppy Raiser. She and her family are preparing to welcome Rudy, a service dog in training, into their home. Her 3-year-old daughter Gianna is equally excited. 

“She’s obsessed with dogs,” Bonanno laughs. “She makes report cards for the Puppy Raisers and brings them to training sessions. She’s going to be the best helper.” 

Her husband, Robert, a firefighter, is fully onboard. WCC puppies have even visited his fire station. 

As if that weren’t enough, Bonanno is also training to become a WWP Team Leader, which will allow her to host peer-support events and help guide other Veterans on their own paths to healing. 

“I’ve been through it—I am still going through it,” she says. “But now I know how to navigate it, and I want to help other Veterans find that light too.” 

That’s exactly what WWP and WCC have given her: belonging, purpose and hope. Whether through raising service dogs, mentoring others, or simply showing up, Bonanno is committed to continuing her mission of service. 

“Service was what led me into the military,” she says. “And service is what’s helping me heal. This is the next chapter, and it’s a good one.”
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Meet Tugger: The Phillies’ newest service pup in training

July 1, 2025

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A service puppy in training will make his big debut at Tuesday’s Phillies game against the Padres.

Tugger is a yellow labrador retriever. He was born on April 24, just two days before his namesake, 1980 World Series champion and U.S. Marine Corps reservist, Tug McGraw, made his debut with the Phillies. Listen to the full story on KYW Newsradio here.

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Inside the Mission Healing Veterans with Puppies

June 19, 2025

On a recent episode of Coffee with Ken Biberaj, host Ken visits Warrior Canine Connection in Boyds, Maryland to sit down with founder Rick Yount and explore how this pioneering nonprofit is transforming the way we support veterans. Through an innovative model, Warrior Canine Connection enlists service members to help train future service dogs—giving them purpose, connection, and a path to healing from PTSD and combat-related trauma. Watch the full interview on Coffee with Ken Biberaj here.

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WCC’s Jimmy Meets Namesake’s Daughter

May 29, 2025

Visitors to the Jimmy Stewart Museum’s recent 30th anniversary celebration in Indiana, Pennsylvania, came for the nostalgia, movie memories and a touch of Hollywood history—but it was a four-legged guest who stole the spotlight. The surprise star of the event? Warrior Canine Connection’s (WCC) Jimmy, a Labrador Retriever and service dog in training named in honor of the iconic Jimmy Stewart.

WCC’s Jimmy is one of the Service Dogs-in-Training at WCC’s program site located at Duquesne University—and the only dog with a name that honors a beloved local legend. The on-campus site offers WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training program to Veteran students and community members. MBTR taps into the power of the human-animal bond by having Veterans train service dogs for fellow Warriors. Along the way, those participating in the program often experience their own therapeutic benefits, building connection and a renewed sense of purpose, while also improving sleep, emotional regulation and impulse control, and reducing stress, depression and hypervigilance. 

At the event, Kelly Stewart-Harcourt, daughter of the late U.S. Army Veteran and Hollywood star Jimmy Stewart, had the chance to meet WCC’s Jimmy in person. She shared how moved she was when she was first approached about naming a future service dog after her father.

“All I thought was dad would be so happy—dad would be so proud to be working with this organization,” shared Stewart-Harcourt. 

WCC’s namesake program was created to honor and celebrate our nation’s heroes. Each of its service dogs in training is named after a Service Member or Veteran, both past and present, who has served our country. Jimmy Stewart was not only a treasured actor but also a decorated World War II pilot—known for his strong sense of patriotism and his deep love of animals, something some fans may remember from his touching poem, Beau, written about his own dog.  

At the museum that bears her father’s name, Stewart-Harcourt said it felt especially fitting that his legacy now includes helping Veterans in such a meaningful way. 

As she patted WCC’s Jimmy’s head, she added, “It’s just a perfect match.” 

Perfect, indeed.
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PTSD Awareness Month: Honoring Veterans and advancing healing

May 27, 2025

June marks Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month, a time to recognize the invisible wounds many Veterans carry—and to reaffirm our commitment to supporting them in their healing journeys.

At WCC, we know that healing doesn’t always happen in a hospital room or through words alone. Sometimes, it happens through a quiet moment shared with a service dog in training. Through our Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program, Veterans engage in a unique form of therapy—one that involves training future service dogs for fellow Warriors.

The efficacy of MBTR training is becoming increasingly recognized as a powerful tool for those managing PTSD. The benefits are well-documented: reduced anxiety, improved social engagement, strengthened sense of purpose and the development of meaningful, trust-based connections.

One Veteran who recently completed WCC’s 8-week MBTR program reflected on the impact it had on him.

“It was an awesome experience with WCC. The ladies are awesome, the dogs are awesome. What else can you say about my amazing experience. Training the dogs and learning how to train them in some of their tasks really helped me with concentration and slowing my mind down. I suffer from PSTD, TBI and anxiety amongst other things. My wife literally said the one day I was always in a good mood was the day I had an hour with the dogs. Before or after going.”

WCC’s MBTR program is grounded in science, empathy and connection (and adorable dogs). Veterans participating in the program often report improvements in mood, social functioning and overall well-being. While a service dog is not a quick fix for PTSD, the structured interaction, responsibility and emotional bond created during training can make a lasting difference.

“It can be extremely challenging for many who have served to ask for, or even accept, assistance for themselves,” said Mar Leifeld, assistant director of MBTR programs, WCC. “I think the power of WCC’s MBTR program is in the fact that we are not saying ‘you need this to improve your PTSD symptoms,’ but rather, ‘we need YOU to help us prepare these dogs for a fellow Vet.’ We want our Veterans to know that they are valued, and their service is still needed in this country—even if what that service looks like may change as they progress through life.”

This month serves as a reminder: PTSD is real, and help is available. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing, but for many, programs like MBTR are a critical step forward.

If you or someone you know could benefit from WCC’s MBTR training, please reach out to Mar Leifeld at mbtr@warriorcanineconnection.org. And if you or a loved one needs immediate support, the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255) is available 24/7.

Let’s use PTSD Awareness Month not only to recognize the challenges Veterans face but also to advocate for compassionate, evidence-based solutions that support their recovery—one paw at a time.
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New Faces at WCC: Sheila Jackson and Vivian Leven

May 19, 2025

As summer approaches, we’re excited to share two new faces who have joined the WCC team in recent months. Each brings valuable experience and a shared commitment to our mission. Take a moment to get to know them—and join us in welcoming them to the pack!

Sheila Jackson
Please join us in welcoming Sheila to WCC—this time in a new role as part-time Government Contracts Specialist! While this may be her official title, Sheila is no stranger to the WCC family. She’s been a devoted volunteer since 2017, helping as a puppy sitter, puppy raiser and whelping box volunteer. She and her husband Gerry, a retired U.S. Coast Guard Reserve Commander, are also proud pup parents to WCC’s Andrea.

Sheila brings decades of experience in government contracting and business development, including leading large-scale programs supporting the Department of Labor and managing wellness programs for federal agencies. Most recently, she worked with 4S-Silversword, where she managed WCC’s Animal-Assisted Therapy contract at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) at Walter Reed—the very same program she’ll now support directly as WCC steps into the prime contractor role.

Sheila comes from a proud military family, with a father who served as a WWII Army paratrooper and brothers who graduated from West Point and the Naval Academy, making her commitment to serving Veterans deeply personal.

“I love WCC because I see the direct and powerful impact the dogs and this mission have on Veterans and their families—including mine,” she says. “It’s an honor to support this work.”

Outside the office, you’ll find Sheila traveling with Gerry to visit their daughters, hiking, training her dogs or volunteering with her church.

 

Vivian Leven
We’re pleased to welcome Vivian Leven as our newest Service Dog Training Instructor supporting the Northern Virginia (NoVa) region. Based at Fort Belvoir, Vivian joined WCC in February and is already making an impact by combining her deep experience in dog behavior and training with a passion for helping people.

Originally from Sweden, Vivian has called Alexandria, Virginia home for more than 20 years. Her career began in animal welfare policy and research, and a chance adoption of a behaviorally challenged Doberman set her on a path to becoming a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Behavior Consultant. She went on to lead training programs, run her own consulting business, and even served as a court-certified mediator focusing on sensitive family and youth cases. Whether she’s training dogs, supporting Veterans, or finding resolution in high-stakes situations, Vivian brings compassion, insight, and steady leadership to everything she does.

“I joined WCC because I love the idea of combining the people side with the animal side,” Vivian says. “There’s always more to learn. Dogs are incredibly present — they draw us into the moment with their honesty. People wear many masks, but dogs are just who they are.”

Vivian shares her life with her daughter Isolde, two dogs, two cats and two horses.
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Daughter of Jimmy Stewart Meets Service Dog “Jimmy” at Museum Celebration

May 19, 2025

The Jimmy Stewart Museum celebrated its 30th anniversary on Saturday, and in attendance was one of Jimmy’s daughters and the service dog that bears his name. Check out the full story from WCCS Radio here.

https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white_sm.svg 0 0 WCC Comms https://warriorcanineconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/logo_white_sm.svg WCC Comms2025-05-19 18:59:272025-05-19 18:59:27Daughter of Jimmy Stewart Meets Service Dog “Jimmy” at Museum Celebration

Warrior Spotlight: Jonathon & Hutton’s Journey

May 19, 2025

When Army Veteran Jonathon Kohl woke up in a hospital bed in 2013, doctors told his parents he would likely never walk again. He had survived a helicopter crash while serving in Afghanistan—just four months into his deployment and three years into his military career. The traumatic brain injury he sustained, along with other physical wounds, erased his memories and changed the course of his life forever. 

Jonathon doesn’t remember the crash. In fact, he has limited memories of his life before it. But what he does remember is what’s come since—especially the impact of Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) and Warrior Canine Connection (WCC). 

Jonathon is an active participant in WWP’s Independence Program, which provides long-term support for Veterans with moderate-to-severe brain injuries. Through the program, he receives help with transportation, attends music and art therapy and participates in adaptive sports like rock climbing, Soldier Ride and his personal favorite—golf. 

“I won’t say I’m any good, it’s just for fun,” shared Jonathon. 

The Independence Program not only supports Jonathon with connections, appointments and daily needs—it also gives his parents, Micha and Paul, a much-needed break to focus on their own responsibilities and well-being.  

Jonathon also regularly attends WWP’s virtual peer support groups and finds connection and motivation among other Warriors walking similar paths. 

It was through WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program that Jonathon met Hutton, the dog who would become his constant companion and a key part of his healing journey—providing daily support, comfort and stability. Veterans in the program help train service dogs for fellow Warriors, and Jonathon and Hutton officially graduated as a WCC Veteran Service Dog Team in 2022. 

“He’s very loyal,” says Jonathon. “He predicts things I need and does them without me asking—like picking up dropped items or getting my cane. He’s given me another responsibility. I think about him more than myself sometimes.” 

The match has been life-changing, not only for Jonathon but for his entire family. His parents Micha and Paul, who have been active in his recovery since the accident and took over as his full-time caregivers after his divorce, also went through WCC’s advanced handler training so they could better support “Team Hutton.” 

“He now has responsibilities,” said Paul. “He makes sure Hutton is fed, and we team up for baths and nail trims. Hutton’s become a big part of our lives.” 

Jonathon’s involvement with WCC didn’t stop at graduation. He continues to participate in MBTR and helps socialize future service dogs, giving back to the community that has given him so much. 

In recognition of his perseverance and spirit, Jonathon was honored as the first recipient of WCC’s “Spirit of Gabe” award at the organization’s inaugural Ruff Mudder event. When he’s not working with Hutton or training other dogs, you might find him lifting weights or hanging out with the drone club at Walter Reed. 

The road hasn’t been easy. But through WWP, WCC and the loyalty of a dog named Hutton, Jonathon Kohl has found healing, independence and a renewed sense of purpose. 

To hear Jonathon talk about his relationship with Hutton, visit https://youtu.be/D-FuoOj5Mu0?si=m8d6MXWZVvGDDqGd. 

Learn more about Wounded Warrior Project’s Veteran programs and support here.

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Ongoing Health Initiative Foundation grant supports Warrior Canine Connection’s MBTR Program

April 22, 2025

BOYDS, Md. – Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) is proud to announce continued support from the Healthcare Initiative Foundation (HIF) through a grant to advance its Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program. This year marks a decade of partnership between WCC and HIF—a collaboration that has helped bring innovative, community-based mental health programming to Veterans in Montgomery County since 2015. Through HIF’s sustained support, WCC has expanded its reach and impact, offering Veterans a powerful path to healing through the human-animal bond.

“We are grateful to the Healthcare Initiative Foundation for its steadfast support of our MBTR program,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director of Warrior Canine Connection. “This partnership has helped us bring meaningful, evidence-informed support to Montgomery County’s Veterans. With HIF’s continued investment, we’re able to bring the healing power of the human-animal bond to even more Warriors—and help them rediscover a sense of purpose through service to others.”

With support from HIF, WCC launched its Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic in Silver Spring in 2020. The goal was to complement traditional counseling services with a unique, hands-on approach to healing. MBTR taps into the power of the human-animal bond by having Veterans train service dogs for fellow Warriors. Along the way, those participating in the program often experience their own therapeutic benefits, building connection and a renewed sense of purpose, while also improving sleep, emotional regulation and impulse control, and reducing stress, depression and hypervigilance.

“HIF is honored to be able to continue our partnership with Warrior Canine Connection,” said Kathy Stevens, president & chief executive officer, HIF. “Since 2015, HIF has invested $168,000 into this work, ensuring that our nation’s military veterans and their families have access to innovative therapeutic programming here in Montgomery County. This most recent grant to Warrior Canine Connection will continue to allow the Mission Based Trauma Recovery program to flourish, for people and puppies.”

Building on the success of its programming at the Cohen Clinic, with the help of HIF WCC is now expanding the MBTR model to the Silver Spring Vet Center (SSVC), which serves 400 to 500 Veterans and family members each month—many of whom seek support for post-traumatic stress. The addition of MBTR to SSVC’s suite of therapeutic offerings—which already includes yoga, meditation and equine therapy—will further enhance the center’s ability to support Veterans’ behavioral and mental health needs.
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About Warrior Canine Connection
Warrior Canine Connection is a pioneering organization that utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery model to empower returning combat Veterans who have sustained physical and psychological wounds while in service to our country. Based on the concept of Warriors helping Warriors, WCC’s therapeutic service dog training program is designed to mitigate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other challenges, while giving injured combat Veterans a sense of purpose, and help in reintegrating back into their families and communities. For more information, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.

About the Healthcare Initiative Foundation
The Foundation’s mission is to support organizations that offer solutions to improve the quality and delivery of health and wellness services for residents of Montgomery County, Maryland. Within our geographic and focus area, HIF considers efforts to improve the quality and delivery of healthcare, expand the availability of comprehensive healthcare, build appropriate capacity in the healthcare network, and grow the healthcare workforce. To learn more, please visit: http://www.hifmc.org.

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New Faces at WCC: Sue Watson

March 25, 2025

Please join us in welcoming Sue Watson to Warrior Canine Connection’s pack! A dedicated advocate for Veterans and a WCC Puppy Raiser, Sue brings a deep passion for service and a commitment to making a difference.

Sue is WCC’s new Area Program Manager & Service Dog Training Instructor at our Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania location, where she supports Veterans and Puppy Parents at Duquesne University. As the daughter of WWII Marine Sergeant Jack Watson, Sue has always been deeply connected to the Veteran community. She practices what she calls “upstream, compassion-first” advocacy—listening to the needs of Veterans and their families, connecting them to resources, and creating pathways for growth and resilience.

“This brings together two of my greatest passions,” says Sue. “Dogs and Veterans just go together. Being part of WCC allows me to support both in a meaningful way, and I couldn’t be more excited.”

Many in the WCC family already know Sue as a dedicated Puppy Raiser, having started with WCC’s Retzer and now raising WCC’s Jimmy Stewart. A lifelong dog lover, Sue found her passion for service dogs after losing her beloved Golden Retriever, Eli, a trained therapy dog. Wanting to continue making a difference, she became Pittsburgh’s first Puppy Raiser, embracing WCC’s mission to support Veterans through the healing power of dogs. And now, we’re proud to have her as a member of our team.

Outside of work, Sue enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors, catching up with friends over coffee, and helping others in any way she can. A retired teacher, she also has a love for antiques, upcycling and fitness—especially kettlebell workouts. Please join us in welcoming Sue to the WCC team!

 

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Contact Us

14934 Schaeffer Road
Boyds, MD 20841

(T) 301.260.1111
info@warriorcanineconnection.org

Warrior Canine Connection
is a 501(c)(3)
Nonprofit Organization
# 45-2981579

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