Terry began training dogs over forty years ago. His early focus was with German Shepherds and advanced obedience training. In the late 1990s he was introduced to Golden Retrievers and quickly fell in love with the breed. Terry served in the Military from 1972 to 1977 and from 1979 to 1987.
Kyria Henry Whisenhunt was raised with her father’s German Shepherds, and successfully convinced her family to “cross-over” to the Golden Retriever breed, receiving her first puppy when she was 10 years old. Since that time, Kyria has been enveloped in the world of dog training, dabbling in disciplines such as advanced obedience, agility, rally, behavior modification, and scent work; but her true love and expertise is Assistance Dogs.
Mark P. George was born in Dothan, Alabama on 14 June 1976 and grew up in Panama City, Florida. He graduated from Chipola Junior College in 1996 with an A.A. in Business Administration and transferred to Florida State University to pursue a B.S. degree in Finance and Real Estate.
Will Cameron is from Wilmington, NC and received a B.S. degree in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Donna Shiro is a six-year volunteer with paws4people and has been involved with the Derby4Dogs Charity event as well as providing tours of ADDIE’S Way and interviewing new volunteers and placing them where they fit within the organization.
George Zimmerman is a Business Executive with Experience in non-profit and for-profit organizations providing leadership and consulting services related to facilities planning and project management, process, and systems development, fundraising, strategic planning, technology development, supply chain management, and innovation.
Chris Lantz has over 25 years in higher education with the last 19 serving in several leadership roles. He currently serves as the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the College of Health and Human Services at UNC Wilmington and previously served 5 years as the director of the School of Health and Applied Human Sciences.
Rob Maino is a former Navy Submarine Officer and
a retired paper industry executive. He earned a B.S. in Civil
Engineering degree from The Citadel, and has extensive manufacturing and business
experience. Rob has been an active volunteer for paws4people since
2023, providing a wonderful home for his Career Change Dog TIDE. In 2024, Rob
welcomed home his Ambassador Service Dog, LUCILLE, and together they serve as liaisons with our foundation’s partners and sponsors throughout the East Coast, as well as Community Ambassadors in events around the Wilmington area.
Master Chief Petty Officer Tonya Callahan reported to Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois, in May 2001. She went on to graduate from Hospital Corpsman “A” School at Naval Station Great Lakes, IL. She was promoted to Master Chief Hospital Corpsman in January 2025. She has served several sea duty assignments, including 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit Service Support Group, 2d Medical Battalion, 2d Marine Logistics Group, G-1, II Marine Expeditionary Force, and most recently as the Navy Senior Enlisted Leader, 6th Marine Regiment and Senior Enlisted Medical Advisor, 2d Marine Division. Her previous shore tours include Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune in Mother Baby Unit in Camp Lejeune, NC, Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point as Command Career Counselor in Cherry Point, NC, Recruit Training Command as Recruit Division Commander and Medical Liaison at Great Lakes, IL, Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune as Directorate Leading Chief Petty Officer of Directorate of Medical Services and Clinical Support Services, and the Navy Senior Enlisted Leader for Pers-45 at Naval Personnel Command, Millington, TN. HMCM Callahan is a graduate of the Navy Senior Enlisted Academy, a graduate of the Command Master Chief & Chief of the Boat course, and she holds an Associate of Science in Health Science Degree from Kaplan University. Additionally, she has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal (five awards), and various other personal and unit awards. Master Chief Callahan is currently serving as the Senior Enlisted Medical Advisor, II Marine Expeditionary Force, headquartered at Camp Lejeune, NC. She is married to Bryan Callahan, HMCS(Ret), and they have two children Cameron (18) and Ryley (8). Why she is especially connected to paws4people Tonya Callahan brings a deeply personal perspective to our mission: she is the wife of Bryan Callahan, a current paws4people/paws4vets client, and has witnessed firsthand the profound impact that a certified Assistance Dog can have on a family’s independence, resilience, and quality of life. Over the years, Tonya and Bryan have accompanied us to several high-profile sponsor events, including gatherings with the Robert Irvine Foundation, where she has served as an exemplary ambassador for paws4people. Tonya’s passion for our work — and her ability to connect authentically with donors, sponsors, and community partners — positions her uniquely to contribute to the Board of Trustees, offering insight grounded in lived experience, heartfelt advocacy, and fundraising strength.