Mary Jo has an extensive history working with the media as well as a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology at Northern Illinois University. Mary Jo has worked for companies such as Gannett, News Bank Inc., E.W. Scripps Company, Lee Enterprises, Pulitzer, Inc., Arthur Andersen and has been involved with Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. since 2011. Ms. Brandt has had many hours of training in leadership, coaching and mentoring. Her teams have consistently been highly effective in support of organizational mission and goals. She has one son, Paul who is currently in the Navy, and a daughter, Amanda in college and working full-time for a law firm in Naples. Ms. Brandt began volunteering with Guardian Angels after both her father, and previous employer received a Guardian Angels Service Dog in 2011. Seeing the incredible difference service dogs could make in the lives of their recipients, she became involved through volunteering her time & talent to Guardian Angels. Ms. Brandt was then asked to join the Board of Directors and has served as a Board Member since 2013. Recently, Mary Jo has been named as a 2021 Patriot Scholarship recipient from Colorado Technical University. When asked why this scholarship and completing her Master’s Degree in Business Administration was so important to her, she responded, “This scholarship represents how important education is to our military/veterans and their families. I am honored to be part of this unique community. I am already in a career that demonstrates my commitment to helping others, I expect finishing this degree will allow me to be much more effective in my pursuit of working with our Veterans. This scholarship isn’t just about me. It is about how I can help others.” Today we face an even bigger challenge that none of us saw coming during the midst of the pandemic and world-wide economic collapse beginning to unfold. Yet again, Mary Jo is stepping up to the plate to be sure that our organization continues to serve those that need us, as we triumph in the face of untold adversity of today’s world. Businesses will only survive these difficult times because of leaders like Mary Jo.
Sergeant First Class Nathaniel R. Burney is a native of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. He attended Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training with Alfa Company 787th MP Company, Fort Leonard Wood Missouri in Sep 1999. Sergeant First Class Burney’s military education includes: PLDC, BNCOC, SLC, Physical Security Course, Military Working Dog Handler’s Course, Military Working Dog Kennel Master’s Course, Basic Instructors Course, Airborne School, Air Assault School, Unit Armorer Course, Equal Opertunity course and Combat Life Savers Course. His civilian education includes a Bachelor of Business Management from Radford University, VA; he also has two Associate Degrees from the Community College of the Air Force, one in Criminal Justice and the other in Military Science and Instructional Technology. Sergeant First Class Burney’s military assignments include: Gunner, in the 549th MP Company Fort Stewart GA; Driver in the 3rd MP Company Fort Stewart GA; Team Leader in the 3rd MP Company Fort Stewart GA; Team Leader in the 194th MP Company Fort Campbell KY; Squad Leader in the 194th MP Company Fort Campbell KY; Squad Leader in the 947th MP Detachment Fort Meyer VA; Plans and Training NCO in the 947th MP Detachment Fort Meyer VA; Kennel Masters in the 947th MP Detachment Fort Meyer VA; Instructor at the Military Working Dog School in the 701st MP BN, Lackland AFB TX; Instructor Supervisor at the Military Working Dog School in the 701st MP BN, Lackland AFB TX; Kennel Master at the 95th MP Detachment Fort Lewis WA; Force Protection/Physical Security Senior Manager at the 593rd ESC Fort Lewis WA. Sergeant First Class Burney’s deployments include: Bosnia-Herzegovina (2000), Operation Enduring Freedom Kuwait (2002), Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-2004/2005-2006). Sergeant First Class Burney’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (3 OLC) Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (4 OLC) , Good Conduct Medal (5th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal (4 Campaign Stars), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Development Ribbon (3rd Award), Army Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Drivers Badge. Sergeant First Class Burney has been married to Dawn for the past 12 years and together they have one child, Taya Jane Burney(8).
Gwyn has over 20 years of administrative and office management experience in the private sector, as well as owning and operating a small commercial print shop for 22 years. She is assisting GAMSD with day-to-day financial activities as well as onboarding new hires and various other Human Resources duties.
Gwyn has an AA and an AS in Allied Health. She has spent the last 10 years assisting the geriatric population in rehabilitation from strokes, joint replacements, fractures, etc. as an occupational therapy assistant. The transition from hands-on assistance for patients to regain their independence to an organization whose goal is to help veterans and first responders achieve their “new normal” through the utilization of these intelligent, loyal, loving dogs has been satisfying to Gwyn.
Gwyn has a chiweenie and two cats. She relishes spending time with her family, including her adorable granddaughters. Gwyn likes traveling and dining out, and when at home, she enjoys wooden puzzles and baking.
Connie has an AS in Allied Health, and for the last 20 years, has dedicated herself to assisting the senior population to regain their functional mobility following illness, surgery, injury, and a variety of life changing medical events. She also assists her husband to manage taxes, inventory and scheduling for his home based business. Connie describes herself as having” a patriotic heart”, a true love and appreciation for our veterans and first responders and a desire to assist them to live their best life. Connie has six mini dachshunds, two cats, 3 goats, and ~20 chickens. She takes great pleasure in spending time with her adult sons and their wives. She enjoys gardening and food preservation as hobbies.
Maranda is our National Recipient Relations Director and comes to us with over 12 years of experience in the human service field. She relocated to Williston, FL for her position at Guardian Angels in October of 2017. Within this position, Maranda is responsible for working with the individuals who are interested in receiving one of our wonderful medical service dogs. By having ongoing communication with those individuals, Maranda is able to ensure information is gathered from those qualified, so the most appropriate match can occur. In addition to communication with the potential recipients, Maranda works with those who have been paired with their medical service dogs. Recipients are able to note progress with the pairing and know there is someone there to offer support when needed.
Prior to starting her position at Guardian Angels, Maranda worked as a social worker for Child Protective Services, a supervisor for direct support staff, a case manager for adults with mental illness, and a childcare worker at a group home. Originally from Maryland, Maranda went to Towson University for her bachelor’s degree, majoring in Sociology. In 2008, Maranda relocated to North Carolina with her significant other, who was in the Army and stationed at Fort Bragg, and she remained there for almost 10 years.
In 2015, she obtained her Master’s in Human Services, with a specialization in social and community services as well as a concentration in Forensics through Capella University. During the course of the Master’s program, Maranda had experienced life changes, including the birth of her first daughter, and yet, maintained a 4.0 GPA. Maranda has raised awareness for various mental and physical illness and disabilities, including participating in walks and raising funds to find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis. In 2017, after the suicide of her brother-in-law, she, along with her significant other, joined as a team to complete a “virtual 5k” for the organization To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA), raising awareness for those with mental illness and to help prevent suicide. The team has done multiple 5ks for TWLOHA and Maranda has been able to add Guardian Angels to the resources offered on TWLOHA’s webpage. Maranda is also an animal lover with two dogs of her own, Hero and Akasha. She enjoys spending time with her family, baking, and finding fun activities to do around Florida.
Maranda loves her position at Guardian Angels as she has always enjoyed helping others and she is able to see the positive outcome once her assistance has provided to the recipient.
Hailey is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania but currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina. She joins our team with years of experience working in Higher Education. Hailey has earned a Bachelors in Hospitality Management, and a Masters in College Student Personnel Services. She also has many years of experience in administration, customer service, learning and development and events.
Hailey’s fiancé is a U.S Marine Corps Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient who suffers from TBI. She is thrilled to be working for an organization that not only gives dogs a genuine purpose but also gives deserving people a new found sense of hope and quality of life.
Hailey enjoys visiting Myrtle Beach, SC, working part- time at AR Workshop, trying new restaurants and traveling. She has an overwhelming love for animals and adores her rescue dog, Kaia.
“You can’t buy love, but you can rescue it.”
Jack Wagner has a long and distinguished political career in Pennsylvania state and local government. In 1983, Jack was elected to Pittsburgh City Council where he served for ten years, the last four as Council President. In 1994 Jack was elected State Senator representing Allegheny County. Over his 10-year tenure as a Senator, he chaired the Senate Banking and Insurance Commission and served on five other committees, one of which was Veterans Affairs, and served on the Pennsylvania Veterans Memorial Commission. In 2005 Jack became Pennsylvania’s 50th elected Auditor General, the independent fiscal watchdog of a 30-billion-dollar budget. For two terms (8-years) with his leadership and excellent staff saved Pennsylvania taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.
Looking back on all his remarkable achievements, however, Jack reflects that the experience he is most proud of was his service as a U.S. Marine and the Marines he served with. Jack is a combat veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a recipient of the Purple Heart and other military commendations for infantry service in the Vietnam War. In the demilitarized zone between North and South Vietnam, Jack was injured when his squad was caught in an ambush. Jack was extremely fortunate to have survived – seven men died. After the war, Jack attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) on the GI bill and graduated with a degree in Safety Management. While a student at IUP, he worked as a paramedic with Citizens Ambulance Service and taught evening emergency responder courses. Jack received IUP’s Distinguished Alumni Award for service to the community and the University in 1994. Dedicated to a life of service, Jack never stops giving back. Five years ago, Jack started a small non-profit, Pittsburgh Hires Veterans, an organization that provides free support and assistance to U.S. Military Veterans and current service members (and spouses) in search of education, training and employment opportunities. So far, Pittsburgh Hires Veterans has helped more than 400 individuals find employment. Jack is also involved with Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc., (GAMSD) an organization that rescues, raises and trains medical service dogs. With a focus on veterans, dogs are trained for those in need including those suffering with balance/mobility issues, Post-Traumatic Stress, Traumatic Brain Injury and seizure disorders. There is never a cost to the recipients of these dogs. Since 2010, GAMSD has paired more than 360 medical service dogs with deserving veterans. Part of Jack’s responsibility is to help build the first GAMSD campus outside of Florida – in Western Pennsylvania, to double GAMSD’s capacity of providing service dogs. Recognition for Jack’s continuing efforts to assist veterans has included the Veteran to the Year Award from the Veteran Community Initiatives, the Veteran of the Year Award from the Vietnam Veterans Leadership Program, the Outstanding Legislator Award from the Pennsylvania Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Outstanding Service Award from the Pennsylvania War Veterans Council. He is actively involved in a variety of other veteran organizations, including Vietnam Veterans, Inc., The Military Affairs council of Western PA, University of Pittsburgh, Center for Military Medical Research, Sharing and Caring Inc., American Legion, disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Chris has over 10+ years of Donor/customer relations experience. His passion for helping those with disabilities comes from his own battle and personal experience dealing with one. In 2016 at the age of 34 Chris suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury in a high-speed motor vehicle accident that left him needing to rebuild his life from the ground up. Through many struggles and with many miracles Chris has been able to recover month after month and year over year. He knows just how hard the fight can be and that is why he is so passionate to help others achieve their New Normal by getting them a Guardian Angels Medical Service Dog by their side. In his free time, he enjoys hanging out with his wife, working out and walking his dog (Not a Medical Service Dog but a life saver nonetheless). Chris feels there is no greater gift than to give those who need it another shot at a life well lived.
