It was 1976 when Cyn met a Belgian Shepherd named Katie when she was assigned to her as her guardian and companion. She worked for a year as the only female employee at a wilderness camp for troubled teens. 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.
With her certification from the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (NADOI), 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. Now having grown to a class 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. In support of her son and his service to the US Army 160th SOAR, she works extensively with veterans who can benefit from a service dog companion after their return from active duty. 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. A successful service dog can be a life changing intervention for veterans facing physical, mental, and emotional challenges.
Aaron Thompson grew up in Warren, MI. Joined the United States Marine Corps in July of 2005 out of Kansas City Missouri at the age of 27. Shipped to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego boot camp in September of 2005. After graduation he went to Marine Combat Training for 21 days at Camp Pendleton, CA. Once finished went to Pensacola, Fl to start the first phase of Aviation Airframe Mechanic training. In the first phase of training, he was selected to work on KC-130T Fixed Wing Cargo/ Air Refueler for his first enlisted contract of 5 years, but still had to do the Second phase of his training in Cherry Point, NC. Once completed he got Orders for his first Duty Station in Newburgh, NY. Aaron Thompson Reenlisted for his second contract in February of 2010 and changed jobs to go work on CH46 dual rotor Helicopter and moved to Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, CA. In 2013 Aaron Thompson got selected to go to Recruiting Duty and did the training right there in San Diego CA where his whole journey started. After graduation Aaron got orders to Pittsburgh, PA where he would finish out his third and last enlistment in the Marine Corps in December 2016. In January 2017 Aaron enlisted in the PA Army National Guard where he continued to be a recruiter for the military until April of 2018 when Aaron was injured in a Physical Fitness Test which resulted over the next 3 years of multiple surgeries and therapies which concluded Aaron Thompson's military Career. Official Medical Retirement was October 2021. Since retirement Aaron Thompson has used his own experiences to work with Veterans and become an advocate by helping them gather proper information and resources to file their own claims, manage financial resources, and creating stability. Aaron is an advocate in getting Veterans the help they deserve with Mental Health assistance through various Nonprofits.
Bobby serves as Vice President of K9 Paws of valor. His leadership has been rooted in public service, and a deeply personal commitment to helping others find stability, healing, and a renewed sense of purpose. Bobby started off his career of service as a firefighter with the Sewickley Fire Department from 1998 - 2001, later enlisting in the United States Air Force from 2001 - 2004 serving as a Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance Specialist. He was stationed out of Guam, and did a deployment to Afghanistan. Following his military service, Bobby continued his dedication to public safety as a firefighter in North Carolina from 2004 - 2009.
Since Joining K9 Paws of Valor in July 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, Ryker. Through his journey, Bobby has become more comfortable in social situations and has seen a significant reduction in anxiety while in crowded environments. Bobby's commitment to K9 Paws of Valor is deeply personal as he states, "My sole goal as Vice President, is to give back to the community and the veterans who are struggling and need help."
No one should have to go through what i've had to go through alone, and if I can help prevent the loss of another veteran, then this work matters to me. I have finally found my purpose in life." Through his service, leadership, and life experience, Bobby brings an authentic and compassionate voice to K9 Paws of Valor, remaining steadfast in his dedications to veterans, service dogs, and the communities they represent!
Michael Clark is a retired U.S. Army Major and Veteran leader with 23 years of dedicated service to our great nation. He began his military career after commissioning as a Second Lieutenant through Penn State University's ROTC program, where he rose through the ran to Major, through proven performance in demanding roles.
Michael Deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, where he led teams in complex, high-risk operations, fostering resilience, discipline, and innovative problem solving skills. His tenure in the military emphasized strategic oversight, resource management, data-driven decision making skills, and mentoring diverse teams to achieve objectives efficiently and safely.
Now transitioning his expertise to the civilian sector, Michael brings a wealth of transferable skills in leadership, analytics, compliance, and finance to K9 Paws of Valor. Passionate about leveraging his skills and love of service animals for Veterans and First Responders, he is eager to serve as our Treasurer. Committed to excellence and continuous growth, he values collaboration, integrity, and impactful results.
Maura enlisted and served in the PA Army National Guard for 8 years. During her enlistment, she served as a non-commissioned officer supporting Operation Enduring Freedom with a POMLT deployment in 2012. Her group successfully trained and graduated the first female class of Afghan National Police Force officers. Works for the VFW Regional Office in Pittsburgh, PA as a Service Officer. Her responsibilities include aiding and assisting veterans and spouses with filing service connected disability and pension claims through the VA.
Cecelia (Cece) Peterson is a retired registered nurse who has been involved with handling and volunteering with therapy dogs since 2018, when her first therapy dog was certified. She has since been very active with her dogs, providing comfort and support in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, the local airport and courthouse among other places. Cece’s two dogs are certified with Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD), and her older dog is also certified with HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response (HOPE). Cece is a Tester/Observer for ATD, and also assists in the screening process for potential HOPE teams. She is currently a board member with 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.
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.
Jason Brown – Director of Puppy Trainers
Joan Stewart – Director of Photography
Kelly Lavelle – Director of the Breeding Program
Matt Wilson – Director of Advanced OB
Nancy Cole – Director of Statistics & Documentation