It was 1976 when Cyn met a Belgian Shepherd named Katie. The dog was assigned as her guardian and companion. She worked with troubled teens in a wilderness setting. Katie was by her side every day and ignited a lifelong passion for working dogs. She went on to study German shepherds, dog health, breeding and training practices. Her goal was to one day achieve one of the highest obedience titles, the IPO 3 BHOT. This meant she would not only have to own, handle, and train her own dog, she would have to have her own breeding line. Twenty years and five generations of healthy, stable, working line German Shepherds later, she achieved her goal and so much more. Her puppies have been chosen for work in law enforcement, detection, competition obedience, for service dog work and as family guardians.
Cyn started Von Bahneman K9 Training in 1990 with just twenty dogs. Her training program follows the AKC standard and features classes from puppy to adult, and includes Canine Good Citizen (CGC), CGC Advanced, CGC Urban, and Therapy dog training and testing. Unlike other training programs, Von Bahneman K9 Training works with every dog and owner to assess their different needs and expectations. Von Bahneman is not a board and train program, but one that tailors a unique approach using methods and tools that will meet you and your dog where you are and lead you to your own success. Cyn started Von Bahneman with 20 students, and 30+ years later we continue to grow and schedule with more than 10 trainers and volunteers and over 150 dogs weekly, the program beginning with puppy imprinting is focused on teaching humans how dogs learn and building a bond, not just Sit, Down, and Come. Changing the lives of people and dogs for the better and for the future through understanding.
After personally experiencing the benefits of a service dog herself, Cynthia expanded her training program to include classes and individualized training for service dogs in 2010. Her training program builds the bond between the veteran and their dog and empowers them with the knowledge to learn side by side with their four-legged partner on their training journey. The program has expanded to work with any person who would benefit from a service dog to overcome the challenges of PTSD, TBI, Mobility, Agoraphobia, Autism, Hearing issues and other physical or emotional challenges. The program has also included alerting for specific life saving measures such as seizure alerts, high / low sugar levels alerts, and cardiac alerts. A successful service dog can be a life changing intervention for veterans and their family members and first responders.
As things begin to grow Cyn has stepped back from the VBK9 Training program; handing it over to Instructors that Cyn has trained for the past 10 years. Cyn is putting all her time and emphasis on the Service dog program.
She is currently involved in achieving her certifications through the ADI/Assistance Dog International and IGDF/International Guidance Dog Federation and NADOI/National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors.
Kelvin L. Morris serves as President of K9 Paws of Valor, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans, advocating for dogs, and strengthening the bond between service members and their canine companions. Coming from a family of military veterans, Kelvin has a deep respect for those who have served our country and is committed to giving back to the veteran community through the organization’s mission.
He earned his undergraduate degree from Radford University and his Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law. A lifelong animal enthusiast, Kelvin has a passion for dogs and horses and is the proud owner of a German Shepherd named Max.
Outside of his professional and nonprofit work, Kelvin enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking with Max, attending sporting events, and experiencing live music.
Jerry Monk is a United States Marine Corps Veteran and IT professional who is passionate about service, ethics, and making a difference. He started out his service enlisting out of Dubuque Iowa, and shipping out to San Diego California for basic. He spent time training in 29 Palms as a Field Radio Operator and was stationed in Camp Pendleton, where he spent the remainder of his time as a Help Desk Support Technician.
He joined K9 Paws of Valor in June 2025, he has firsthand experience with the transformative impact of the organization's mission. As a participant in the program, he is currently training alongside his GSD puppy, Panacea. He contributes to K9 Paw of Valor by managing their website and digital outreach, helping connect service dogs with veterans, first responders, and individuals who benefit most from their companionship. Drawing on his military experience, and understanding the challenges faced by those who serve and is dedicated to using his skills to help the organization bring comfort, healing, and hope to the communities it serves
Chris comes to K9 Paws of Valor bringing personal experience as a Service Dog owner and as a Veteran having served in the West Virginia National Guard as a Private First Class 1. She then obtained her Secretarial Sciences Degree from Salem-Teikyo College in West Virginia. Upon relocating to Pennsylvania, Chris enjoyed a successful career in the Transportation, Healthcare and Education Lending Industries for companies including Penn Machine Company, Continuum Pediatric Nursing and PNC Bank LLC where she excelled at organizing events and fundraisers for the Transportation and Banking industries. Chris looks forward to bringing her skills to K9 Paws of Valor.
Caitlin is a licensed clinical social worker with over 11 years of experience in counseling and social work. She has worked in case management, therapy, and administrative positions in both public / private mental health and addiction treatment facilities. She obtained her Psychology and Criminology degrees from Penn State University in 2014, followed by her Master's of Social Work degree from Edinboro University in 2014, followed by her Master of Social Work in 2020. Caitlin is committed to helping individuals find hope, comfort, balance, and healing on each person's unique path. Caitlin is the owner of a 10 year old GSD and a 6 month old GSD. As a committed dog owner and animal lover, she understands the mental and emotional benefits that accompany the companionship and bond with a dog. Caitlin looks forward to helping individuals involved with K9 Paws of Valor connect with resources and support.
Jason Brown – Director of Puppy Trainers
Joan Stewart – Director of Photography
Matt Wilson – Director of Advanced OB
Nancy Cole – Director of Statistics & Documentation