Lila's FriendsService Dogs • Independence • HopeOur board & leadership
Our board brings together military experience, dog-training knowledge, financial stewardship, and a shared commitment to responsible service-dog partnerships.
01Founder, President & Master Trainer | U.S. Army Veteran
Sarah is a combat veteran, Navy spouse, experienced dog trainer, service-dog handler, and advocate for military families. She founded Lila's Friends after seeing how difficult it was for military children with disabilities to access appropriately trained service dogs. Her work now also creates trainer-guided partnerships for disabled veterans.
02Vice President | U.S. Army Veteran
Shorty is a retired U.S. Army veteran who served in Operation Enduring Freedom. Her own experience with service dogs drives her commitment to helping veterans and military families experience greater independence, confidence, and freedom.
03Board Treasurer
Renee brings more than 25 years of bookkeeping, finance, and dog experience to the board. With generations of military service in her family and a daughter serving on active duty in the U.S. Navy, she is deeply connected to the families Lila's Friends serves.
04Sergeant of Arms
Marc is the father of a U.S. Army veteran and the son of an Army servicemember who served in Korea. His steady leadership and respect for both military service and the human-dog partnership help support the organization's mission and accountability.
05Director of Technology, Marketing & Creative Development | U.S. Navy Veteran
Styx is a nine-year U.S. Navy veteran who served as a Master-at-Arms and holds a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity. She brings experience in military law enforcement, security, technology, and software development to the board. Styx is partnered with Talos, her actively working service dog and a Dutch Shepherd–Belgian Malinois mix. Together, they are also trained in scent detection for search and rescue, giving her firsthand experience with the dedication, training, and unique bond involved in working-dog partnerships.