Our Team
My name is Raelene, and I am a retired Sergeant from the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office, where I proudly served for 28 years. My career also included roles as a Dispatcher, EMT-I, and Search and Rescue team member. The inspiration for my current work arose from a training session with another group, where I witnessed firsthand how service dogs significantly aided soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
My personal connection to this cause runs deep—my son, Jeremiah, a Marine who served in Iraq, returned home profoundly changed. Motivated by my desire to help him, I embarked on learning how to train service dogs, hoping to provide him with the support he needed.
Dogs have been a constant in my adult life, serving as friends, confidants, and sources of joy. Over the years, I have loved and cared for Great Danes, Corgis, and a few mutts, but I have a special affinity for Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherds.
In 2017, I found myself in need of a service dog. Luckily, I had Jack, a dog I initially purchased for another purpose but quickly grew to love. He has been my constant companion and an incredible partner in my work.
Since 2014, I have been a dedicated Professional Dog Trainer, leveraging my lifetime of experience in various training disciplines. Some of my key professional accomplishments include:
AKC Evaluator for CGC and Trick Dogs
AKC Fit Dog Instructor
Graduate of the Detection Dog Course by Dick Stahl
Judge for Detection Dog Trials
Off-Leash K9 Course Graduate
Certified in First Aid & CPR
Specialized Training in Dealing with Dangerous Dogs with Heather Beck of K9 Lifeline
My mission is to aid those in need of a service dog, restoring the freedoms they lost while serving our country—whether in the military or as first responders in our cities. I feel incredibly blessed to help these individuals reclaim their independence and dignity through the companionship and assistance of a service dog.
I warmly invite you to join our big family, where we face challenges together and celebrate every victory, one paw at a time.
Hey, I'm Chauntil Thain, but everyone calls me Tilly. I am a proud Utah native who grew up immersed in the world of farming and mechanics. I am married to a wonderfully patient man who supports me in all my endeavors, and together we have an amazing little girl who is my sidekick and a bonus daughter.
My passion for helping Veterans and First Responders led me to stumble upon the Rocky Mountain Service Dog Project (RMSDP) at a local coffee shop. It was love at first sight—with the mission, the people, and, of course, the dogs. I initially joined RMSDP as an events coordinator and fundraiser, but my dedication and success in these roles soon earned me the position of Vice President. My mission is to elevate RMSDP into a well-known organization that furthers its impact on Veterans and First Responders.
I’ve been a professional dog trainer since 2021, and my love for dogs and commitment to excellence in training has led me to achieve several notable credentials:
AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
Detection Dog Trial Judge
Certified in Animal CPR and First Aid
Specialized in Service Dog Specific Training
I am deeply committed to working with people with disabilities and improving their quality of life through the use of service dogs. My personal mission aligns with the broader goals of RMSDP, and I am dedicated to fostering a supportive community for our veterans and first responders. Every day, I strive to make a difference, one service dog at a time. Thank you for supporting our mission and joining us on this incredible journey.
Hi, I am Courtney Rose Whitney a dedicated Captain for the Utah Department of Corrections, with a career in law enforcement that began in 2008. I earned her Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Auburn University in 2006 and is currently pursuing a Master's in Law Enforcement Leadership. I believe in the mantra, "If you aren't learning, you aren't growing," and continuously seeks opportunities for personal and professional development.
In 2017, my life took a significant turn when I adopted a female Belgian Malinois named Maya. Tragically, Maya passed away due to a botched surgery, profoundly impacting myself and my son. Shortly after, I adopted her service dog, Sarge, who has since transformed my life in countless ways.
In 2018, I was diagnosed with PTSD. Raelene, a pivotal figure in her life, coordinated training for Sarge to help Courtney manage her night terrors. The support and training provided by Rae and the Rocky Mountain Service Dog Project (RMSDP) were instrumental in improving my quality of life. Inspired by the profound impact of this support, I decided to join the RMSDP to help others as Rae helped her.
I have been an advocate for PTSD and suicide prevention for many years. My involvement with the RMSDP has amplified my ability to reach and support individuals affected by these challenges. Recently, I was honored with the FOP Wellness Award for my invaluable work with veterans and first responders, a recognition made possible through my association with the Rocky Mountain Service Dog Project.
My commitment to helping those in need and my passion for making a difference shine through in all I do! I am proud to be a part of the RMSDP family, knowing that their work is changing lives for the better.
Growing up in a family deeply rooted in military and police service has profoundly shaped my values and outlook on life. The importance of discipline, teamwork, and dedication are not just lessons; they're ingrained in my very being. From my little brother, a Marine, to my stepdad who served in the Air Force, my older brother who transitioned from the Marines to the Navy and ultimately retired from the Army, and my mother, a retired law enforcement officer and corrections officer, I have witnessed first-hand the sacrifices and commitments that these brave individuals make for our country.
Joining the board is not just an honor but a calling for me. It’s an opportunity to channel my knowledge and experiences into making meaningful contributions to this organization and the broader community we serve.
On a personal note, I am blessed with a loving partner, five wonderful daughters, one son, and five grandchildren. They are my source of joy and a constant reminder of why I strive to make a positive impact in our community. Each day, their love and support fuel my passion for service and community improvement.
As a board member, I am committed to promoting inclusivity and diversity in all aspects of our organization. I believe that embracing different perspectives and backgrounds leads to more innovative ideas and better decision-making. Additionally, I am dedicated to advocating for mental health awareness and support within our community. As someone who has struggled with anxiety and depression in the past, I understand the importance of destigmatizing these issues and providing resources for those in need.
I am also passionate about education and youth development. Growing up in a low-income household, I know firsthand the power of education to break cycles of poverty. As a board member, I will strive to ensure that our organization provides opportunities for underprivileged youth to thrive
Adding another layer of companionship and support in my life is Gladys, my Belgian Malinois service dog. Over the past two years, Gladys has been more than just a service dog; she’s been an invaluable member of our family. Previously trained for another owner, her incredible intelligence and dedication have made her indispensable in assisting me with my daily life.
I am excited to work alongside all of you as we continue this important journey together. Together, let's strive to make a difference and create a better tomorrow for our community.
With a lifelong passion for animals, my career has always gravitated towards their care and well-being. My early years were spent riding horses for professional cutting horse trainers, a role that honed my skills in equine care and laid the foundation for my future endeavors. Transitioning from riding to troubleshooting training barns, I dedicated myself to improving the quality of care provided to horses, ensuring that each facility operated at its highest potential.
In 2007, a major life change brought me from Missouri to Utah, where I discovered my true calling as a pet groomer. Over the past 20 years, I have built a reputation as a professional groomer and proudly hold certifications in Animal CPR and First Aid. My commitment to excellence in grooming led me to establish not one, but two successful businesses, allowing me to reach even more animal lovers and their beloved pets.
My career took an inspiring turn when I met Rae and Tilly through a mutual friend. Drawn to their mission and vision, I knew I wanted to contribute to their cause. It wasn't an immediate transition; proving my potential and value to the program required time and dedication. But with perseverance, the stars eventually aligned, and I became an integral part of this incredible initiative.
Today, alongside my trusty Service Dog, Gauge, I dedicate myself to helping people access the support they need and organizing events to fund these efforts. Together, we strive to make a positive impact, one that reflects the same dedication and care I have always given to animals. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to use my skills and passion to serve this community, and I look forward to continuing to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
In addition to my work with Service Dogs for Independence, I also continue to run my successful grooming businesses, using them as a platform to raise awareness and support for the program. Through partnerships with local animal shelters and rescue organizations, I am able to further promote the importance of responsible pet ownership and encourage others to join in our mission.
I am proud to be a part of an organization that not only helps individuals living with disabilities but also promotes the well-being of animals. Our four-legged friends have always held a special
Join us on this journey—together, we can make a difference.
Hello! My name is Sara Orahood. Born and raised in the sunny, surf-filled city of Huntington Beach, California, I retired to the tranquil Cache County in 2011. My husband, a retired Sergeant and K9 handler, has been my inspiration throughout our life together. Supporting law enforcement has been more than just a job for me—it's been a commitment, a cause close to my heart.
My passion for animals knows no bounds; if it has fur, feathers, or scales, I love it! This affection for animals is matched only by my love for all things Disney—a magical escape that never fails to bring joy. Professionally, I find immense fulfillment in my role at the Cache County Sheriff's Office, where every day brings new opportunities to make a difference.
Fate guided me to meet Rae, Tilly, and their incredible team at an event. Their mission to support those affected by PTSD resonated deeply with me, as this condition has personally touched the lives of my family and friends. It felt natural to join their cause, especially knowing how profoundly service dogs can transform lives. I am honored to be a part of this organization and to contribute in any way I can.
As a dedicated member of the law enforcement community, my commitment is unwavering. From supporting my husband's career as an officer to now working at the Cache County Sheriff's Office, I have seen firsthand the sacrifices that are made every day by those who serve and protect our communities.
I believe strongly in advocating for our men and women in blue, whether it be through awareness campaigns or fundraising efforts. Service dogs have also become a big part of my passion for supporting law enforcement, as they provide vital support and companionship for officers dealing with PTSD.
But beyond just supporting law enforcement, I also believe in the power of grassroots initiatives and community involvement. One person may not be able to change the world, but together we can make a difference. That's why I am always looking for ways to get involved and give back, whether it's volunteering at local animal shelters or organizing events to raise awareness and funds for important causes.
In conclusion, I am proud of my journey and all that I have accomplished thus far. But more importantly, I am excited about what lies ahead as I continue to grow both personally and professionally.
Hello! My name is Mikayla Hufstetler. I was raised in Cache Valley Utah and have spent my entire life enchanted with every animal I could learn about. So much of my time has revolved around the desire to be close to and learn from these animals. I received my Veterinary Technician certification in 2015, volunteered 200+ hours in various veterinary offices, worked in shelter medicine, shadowed in dog training, and am now working with Anita Putney as a groomer at Preece’s Pretty Paws. Animals, with dogs in particular, have been a central passion throughout my life.
I met Rae and Tilly through Anita in 2023. The passion of these ladies is absolutely infectious, not mention that the mission and goals of Rocky Mountain Service Dog Project is something that could light a fire of desire in anyone. With close family and friends serving as First Responders and grandparents who proudly served in times past, the work RMSDP does is one that absolutely strikes a chord in my heart. I am so proud and beyond supportive of our nations Veterans, Active Duty, and First Responders.
I worked for over 2 years as a Documentation Specialist, and feel I can aid this amazing organization as the grand writer. I am excited to be a part of something so life changing for so many and am thrilled to aid with the funding necessary for such a grand endeavor. I am so grateful for this opportunity and for the chance to be acquainted with the powerful people working with and for RMSDP.
Me and my Service Dog Bastian
Hi, I'm ZaBrinna, an all-around photographer of life. My passion for photography sparked at a very young age, and I've always found joy in capturing moments that often go unnoticed by the naked eye, but come to life through my lens. I started my photography journey with just a simple point-and-shoot camera, taking photos of anything and everything that caught my eye. I was fascinated by how a single click can freeze a moment in time and preserve it forever. As I grew older, my interest in photography also grew, and I invested in my first DSLR camera.
With this new equipment, I delved deeper into the world of photography and learned about different techniques such as framing, composition, lighting, and editing. I spent countless hours experimenting and practicing, honing my skills to capture even better shots.
As an all-around photographer, I don't limit myself to just one type of photography. I enjoy dabbling in various genres, from landscape and nature photography to portraits and event coverage. Each genre has its unique challenges, but that's what makes it exciting for me. One of my favorite aspects of being a photographer is the ability to tell stories through my photos. Every photo has a story behind it, and as a photographer, I have the power to bring that story to life and evoke emotions in my viewers. Whether it's capturing the beauty of a sunset or the raw emotions during a wedding ceremony, I strive to create images that tell a compelling narrative.
As a mother of two outstanding boys who keep me on my toes, I realized the priceless value of preserving our life's moments. This realization inspired me to help others capture their own cherished memories.
Photography has become more than just a hobby or profession; it's an essential part of who I am. It has taught me to be patient, observant, and creative. This is the reason I offered by services to Rocky Mountain Service Dog Project. As their photographer I can capture those moments for their clients and service dogs.
Photography is not just about taking pictures; it's about capturing moments that will never come back and turning them into memories that will last forever. In my photography, I strive to understand the essence of who or what I'm photographing. Each photo is different, unique in its own way, aiming to reflect the beauty I see behind the lens. I want their clients to see the world through my eyes, where every moment is a story worth telling as they take this great journey.
"Photography is about photographers. A camera didn’t make a great picture any more than a typewriter wrote a great novel."
—Peter Adams
TBD
Family Liaison Manager
The role of the Family Liaison Manager is of the utmost importance. This individual will provide invaluable support to the handler’s family during the transition period when welcoming a new service dog into their home. The introduction of a service dog can evoke a mix of emotions, ranging from pure happiness to occasional stress. With the dedicated assistance of the Family Liaison Manager, the journey becomes more manageable and the experience more fulfilling.
If you know someone or are interested in yourself, this is a position we are in desperate need filled by a volunteer. Please reach out to us at info@rmsdp.org .