Meet Lila's Friends

Founder / President / Master Trainer

Sarah Riley is a combat veteran, Navy spouse, and passionate advocate for military families. As the founder of Lila’s Friends NFP, she is dedicated to providing highly trained service dogs to children of military and veteran families. These service dogs are specifically trained to meet medical and emotional needs, offering life-changing assistance and fostering greater independence.

As a service dog handler herself, Sarah understands firsthand the profound difference these dogs can make in someone’s life. Her own service dog, Bellatrix, accompanies her during training sessions, helping to prepare future service dogs for their vital roles.

Sarah takes a personal approach to her work, focusing on one or two service dogs at a time to ensure they are fully prepared for their future handlers. She believes deeply in the power of service dogs to enhance quality of life and bring hope to families facing unique challenges.

As a mother and a committed supporter of the military community, Sarah is devoted to making a meaningful impact, one service dog at a time.

Vice President / Board Member

Shorty Ogden-Moles is the Vice President and a dedicated board member of Lila’s Friends NFP. A retired U.S. Army veteran, Shorty served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2003. Her personal journey with service dogs has fueled her passion for empowering others through these life-changing companions.

In 2022, Shorty was paired with her service dog, Annie Bananie, after the heartbreaking loss of her previous service dog of 12 years. From the moment they met, Shorty knew Annie was the one. Annie has transformed her life, giving her the confidence to travel independently and allowing her family to simply be her family when they are out together.

Shorty is a fierce advocate for veterans, especially those with unseen disabilities, ensuring they have access to the tools and resources needed to live life freely. Her firsthand experience with the healing power of service dogs drives her commitment to helping others find the same support and independence.

With Annie by her side, Shorty continues to inspire others and works tirelessly to fulfill the mission of Lila’s Friends NFP: providing highly trained service dogs to children of military and veteran families.

Board Member / Trainer

Sonia is a dedicated board member and trainer for Lila’s Friends NFP, bringing a wealth of compassion and experience to her role. She has spent much of her life helping others, from her early days assisting at her father’s bakery to her work as an advocate for women and children at the Citrus Abuse Shelter Association (C.A.S.A.) in Florida.

After returning to Chicago to be closer to her family, Sonia became a Stationary Engineer, a career she excelled in for 16 years before a work injury led to a life-changing journey. During her recovery, Sonia formed a profound bond with her dog Thor, who offered her unwavering support and helped her persevere through challenging times. This experience inspired her to pursue a new path: training service dogs to support individuals facing trauma and medical challenges.

Sonia earned her dog training certification through Animal Behavior College, along with CPR and first aid credentials. She continues to deepen her expertise through advanced training courses and seminars. Her passion for helping others and her love for dogs drive her commitment to the mission of Lila’s Friends NFP: empowering children through life-changing service dogs.

When she’s not working, Sonia enjoys spending time with her husband, Paul, their four children, and six grandchildren. She also remains an active member of the International Union of Stationary Engineers Local #399.

Board Treasurer / Board Member

Renee is the treasurer for Lila’s Friends NFP, bringing her expertise in bookkeeping and finance to support the organization’s mission. With a deep family history of military service—her Poppy and uncle both served, and she is a proud Daughter of the American Revolution (DAR) on both sides of her family—Renee’s commitment to serving the military community runs deep. Her connection to service continues with her daughter, who is proudly serving on active duty in the U.S. Navy.

For over 25 years, Renee has also raised and trained her own dogs, calling them one of life’s greatest blessings. Her love for animals and her compassion for others make her an integral part of Lila’s Friends NFP.

Renee is honored to combine her skills, her heart for service, and her passion for dogs to help empower children of military and veteran families with the life-changing support of service dogs.

Sergeant of Arms / Board Member

Marc serves as the Sergeant of Arms for Lila’s Friends NFP, combining his respect for military service with a deep compassion for the bond between service dogs and their human companions.

As the proud father of a U.S. Army veteran and the son of an Army servicemember who served in Korea, Marc has a strong connection to the military community. He is also a devoted grandfather to six grandchildren, which gives him a personal understanding of the impact a service dog can have in a child’s life.

Marc’s appreciation for the life-changing support service dogs provide makes him an integral part of Lila’s Friends NFP. His dedication ensures the organization continues to empower children in military and veteran families through the incredible abilities of these remarkable dogs.