Tag Archive for: MBTR

WCC’s Jimmy Meets Namesake’s Daughter

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

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

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

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.

Warrior Spotlight: Jonathon & Hutton’s Journey

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

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.

New Faces at WCC: Sue Watson

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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Heath, a yellow Labrador, has inextricably bound two UMSON employees at the Universities at Shady Grove.

Warrior Canine Connection’s (WCC) Heath, a yellow Labrador, was named after a World War II sailor, U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Charles Thomas Heath. WCC’s Heath, a service dog in training (SDIT), was born April 10, 2023, as one of a litter of six and bounded into Brigitte Bard’s life when he was 9 weeks old; she had volunteered to serve as a Puppy Parent, raising and training Heath for 18 to 24 months, preparing him for an eventual life with a veteran. WCC is a nonprofit organization that trains service dogs for wounded veterans. Read the full story in The Elm.

Dealer eProcess Teams Up with Warrior Canine Connection by Sponsoring a Service Dog for a Veteran in Need

We’re excited to announce our partnership with Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) as we sponsor the two-year training journey of a veteran’s future service dog! This sponsorship plays a pivotal role in the dog’s development, covering essential costs such as obedience and service training, pet supplies, and veterinary care.

What is Warrior Canine Connection?

WCC is a proud, accredited member of Assistance Dogs International (ADI), a global organization promoting excellence in assistance dog acquisition, training, and partnership. At WCC, service dogs are more than just assistance dogs—they’re partners for American veteran Warriors on a path to healing. Through its Mission Based Trauma Recovery model, WCC helps wounded Warriors reconnect with life, families, communities, and each other.

Every day, WCC commits to its service dog training program carefully designed to ensure each dog is fully equipped to assist a veteran in need. There are three main stages:

  1. Puppy Enrichment Center (Birth – 3 Months): Puppies are raised in an enriching environment so they can grow and develop the essential traits they need such as calmness and responsiveness.
  2. Puppy Raising (3 – 24 Months): Puppies are placed with volunteer puppy “parents” who care for them and conduct basic obedience training while continuing their socialization.
  3. Advanced Training & Placement (18 – 24 Months): After rigorous training and health evaluations, puppies are matched with a veteran, and the partnership begins!

Additionally, we’ll be honoring another veteran by naming the sponsored puppy after them. This tribute will be featured in the WCC’s Hall of Heroes, where names and stories of veterans and service heroes are memorialized.

Together, We Can Make a Difference

At Dealer eProcess, supporting our community and honoring our veterans isn’t just something we do—it’s part of who we are. Our commitment to giving back has led us to participate in initiatives like the Honor and Educate Golf Tournament, and now, we’re taking that dedication even further.

“When we learned about Warrior Canine Connection (WCC), it felt like a perfect fit for us,” remarked our CEO, Joe Gillespie. “Sponsoring a puppy in training means we’re helping forge a life-changing bond between a veteran and their service dog.”

This sponsorship isn’t just about financial support—it’s about recognizing the profound impact of animal-human connections. Together, we can make a real impact on those who’ve served our country.

We invite you to learn more about Warrior Canine Connection by visiting their website.

Mae Philanthropies awards grant to Warrior Canine Connection to expand service dog training program for Veterans

BOYDS, Maryland – Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) is expanding its impact thanks to a major, multi-year grant from Mae Philanthropies. Committed to sparking sustainable change, funds from Mae Philanthropies will be used to enhance WCC’s PAWS and MBTR programing, bringing more animal-assisted therapy to Veterans and increasing the number of highly trained service dogs placed with those who need them most. Together, Mae Philanthropies and WCC are ensuring more Veterans experience the life-changing support of a service dog.

“This incredible support from Mae Philanthropies means more Veterans will experience the impact of a service dog,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director of Warrior Canine Connection. “Their generosity helps us grow our PAWS programming at VA hospitals, train more service dogs and connect more Veterans with the healing power of these remarkable animals.”

This generous grant from Mae Philanthropies will help WCC expand its impact in several ways:

  • Enhance PAWS Act Pilot Programs – Funds will be used to support WCC’s work at two PAWS Act pilot sites in North Carolina and California, ensuring more Veterans with PTSD receive the benefits of service dog training. Signed into law in 2021, the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act calls for the VA to integrate the training of service dogs as part of its PTSD treatment program at VA hospitals.
  • Expand WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) Program – The grant will support WCC’s MBTR training program at all WCC locations, where Veterans train service dogs for fellow service members while developing skills in communication, confidence and emotional regulation.
  • Cover Service Dog Placement Costs – The grant will also help place more highly trained service dogs with Veterans who need them.
  • Increase Service Dog Availability – Through this partnership, Mae Philanthropies and WCC will collaborate to explore how to best grow the number of skilled service dogs available to Veteran clients.

Mae Philanthropies’ investment in WCC underscores a shared commitment to supporting Veterans through evidence-based therapeutic programs and service dog placement. By addressing both immediate needs and long-term sustainability, this partnership will create lasting change in the lives of those who have served.

For more information about Warrior Canine Connection and its programs, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.

 

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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 Mae Philanthropies
Mae Philanthropies is dedicated to addressing critical societal challenges by partnering with organizations to provide resources, expertise, and support that drive impactful and measurable change. Guided by its mission to foster collaboration and continuous learning, Mae Philanthropies envisions a world where enduring solutions are created through collective efforts. For more information, visit www.maephilanthropies.org.

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