Bonnie-Jill Laflin

President/CEO

Bonnie-Jill Laflin has a number of firsts in her career. She is the first and only female NBA scout, holding the front office position with the Los Angeles Lakers. She is the first to dance on a professional level for three teams, in two sports, starting with the NBA and the Golden State Warriors, and moving…

Chris Heyde

Director of Policy

Chris is the founder of Blue Marble Strategy, LLC, in Washington, D.C. As the nation’s leading animal protection lobbyist, Chris has been involved in every federal animal legislative effort undertaken in the last 20 years, ranging from initiating and continuing to lead the national campaign against horse…

Regina Rodman

Director of Fundraising

Regina has been passionate about storytelling for pretty much her entire life. As a little girl, she loved to entertain family and friends with her stories, and vivid imagination. Today she continues her tradition of storytelling as an award winning film director, writer, and author. Her love of life includes…

Abeer Shofanis

Director of Fostering

Abeer is the owner and head trainer at No Bones About It Pet Care. She has over eight years of experience as a dog behaviorist and canine-training, including relationship-building,confidence building via play, socialization through pack walks, and off-leash play. Equipped with strong intuition, clear ...

Briana Flores

Vice President

Briana is no newcomer in the animal world. Her journey started 22 years ago working with S.E.A.A.C.A (South East Area Animal Control Authority). She has since fostered for many reputable rescues. She is known in the rescue world as the “Doggy Doula Supreme”. She helps mama doggies deliver their babies, teaches…

William L. Miltner

Director of Legal Affairs

William is the founder and managing Partner of Miltner and Menck, a San Diego based civil litigation firm that specializes in Real Estate, Construction and Intellectual Property related disputes. Mr. Miltner obtained his bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University, and his law degree…

John Flores

Director of K-9 Training

John is the founder of the IPittytheBull Foundation as well as, HumbleK9. He has been rehabbing dogs for the past 10 years which has included fostering all breeds of dogs as well as medical cases. He is also a trainer for the Pawsitive Change Program which helps teach inmates to become dog trainers…

Hollie Huggins

Director of Equestrian Programs

Hollie is the territory business manager for an immune cell therapy company and Vice President of Becky's Hope Horse Rescue in Wolfe City, TX (www.beckyshope.com). She is mom to Mason (7) and Anniston (2) and they share their home with Rufus (Chinese crested), Ralphie (just passed away March 2022), 3 fish…

Theresa Faith-Eister

Director of Development

Seasoned in the travel / casino industries and CEO of Más Awesomer, Theresa has also specialized in working within the nonprofit sector since 1999. Theresa’s approach to Hounds and Heroes is to work with our veterans, shelters, volunteers and community to provide and possess…

Dr. Jeff Weber

Director of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Jeff Werber is an Emmy award winning, nationally renowned veterinarian and former
president of the Association of Veterinary Communicators. He also served on the advisory
boards of Veterinary Economics magazine, is a board member of Hounds and Heroes…

Mike Dowling

Director of Veteran Affairs

Mike grew up in the Bay Area where he and his family fostered and raised dogs for the Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael, California. He then served in the marines as a military working dog handler from 2001-2005 and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004 with ...

Bernard Abellada

Director of Social Media

Bernard is a veteran of multiple industries in entertainment. He's worked as a casting director for several years in film and multiple award winning music videos and television projects. He's also worked extensively in video game publishing working at Activision / Blizzard with many of their Call of Duty and…