Mailing Address for Donations: PO Box 1047, Pleasanton, Texas 78064
Worship Leaders
Welcome Speaker Chaplain Jill Powell
Jill joined Canines for Christ in 2017 and has loved being a part of a therapy dog ministry that claims the Good News of the Gospel. She has a background in Christian Education.
She began her Canines for Christ journey with her dog, Haley followed by Mollie who are both now retired from serving. She currently serves alongside Rocco and Ryley, two rescued dogs that have their own stories of redemption.
Jill's passion is empowering potential in people to help them live out God’s Call on their life. Through God’s grace, she and her husband (Ross) have been instrumental in growing the San Antonio, TX Chapter of Canines for Christ as well as growing the national ministry through operational changes and program development.
She is an AKC CGC Evaluator, loves anything to do with dogs, and is an IFOC Chaplain serving in many capacities within her community.
Jill serves as our Board President, Director of Membership, and Board Liaison for the Care Partner Ministry.
Gather Speaker Pastor Gene Loeffler
Pastor Gene Loeffler, a San Antonio native, has been faithfully pastoring since 1992. The first 25 years of his ministry he and his family lived & pastored in California. He and his wife have been married for 34 years and are blessed with four sons and one grandson. Today he is the President of Lighthouses of Prayer International (LPI), a ministry that was established in 1997 for the Billy Graham Crusade in San Antonio, TX.
Pastor Gene has been leading LPI since January 2020. Under his leadership, LPI continues to inspire prayer movements throughout the city, fostering unity and collaboration with various prayer organizations to strengthen the spiritual community throughout San Antonio.
Go Worship Speaker Officer Doug Greene
Officer Doug Greene was raised in Woodsboro, TX. He has been a member of the San Antonio Police Department for 15 years. He broke out as a patrol officer on the shallow West side of San Antonio serving and responding to calls for service for four years. SAPD later selected Officer Greene as the department’s public information officer where he served for six years in the Media Services Unit.
He currently serves in the Chief’s Office as a Community Engagement Officer. Officer Greene spearheads the department’s Success Through Respect and Handle with Care programs as well as The Brave Cowboy presentation. Prior to joining the department, Officer Greene worked in the TV production industry for ten years. Officer Greene has an Associate Degree in Radio, TV, and Film, and a BA in Communications-Media. In 2016, the San Antonio Police Department named Officer Greene Officer of the Year.
He currently serves as a board member for Community Bible Church and an advisor to multiple organizations in San Antonio. He is married to his lovely wife Christine of 21 years. They have three children, two dogs and one hamster.
Worship Leader Alana Cavazos RISE Worship Collective
Alana Cavazos has been leading worship for over 20 years, bringing energy, authenticity, and a deep love for people to encounter Christ. She’s known for her warm, down-to-earth style and her ability to make every worship experience powerful and personal. She’s passionate about helping others grow in their faith and experience God in real and impactful ways.
Whether on stage or in one-on-one conversations, she’s all about creating spaces where people feel seen, loved, and inspired to step into their God-given purpose. A Pastor’s wife, mom of 3, and Registered Nurse, she’s intentional about cultivating His presence, building real community and connecting to others to the heart of the Father."
Worship Leader Ayo Akindona RISE Worship Collective
Ayo is a passionate worshipper with over 20+ yrs of experience. Born and raised in Houston, Ayo has recently began serving in the San Antonio area after relocating from Michigan in 2022. He loves to steward the presence of God and invite others to have a personal encounter with him.
With his wife, Marsha, and his son, Adonis, by his side, worship is more than just singing songs but a lifestyle that reflects the very image of Christ to our neighbors, community, and the world.
Workshop Leaders
Lisa Gainer, Canine Workshop
Chaplain Allison Hanscom, Canine Workshop
Chaplain Allison Hanscom, Canine Workshop
Lisa, a life-long resident of Brewton, Alabama, her husband, Allen and their Toy Poodle, Lily work with C4C in south Alabama and northwest Florida visiting children and the elderly. Together, they have represented C4C at various speaking engagements and Lisa has led training workshops for interested chapters.
Lisa is a graduate of Victoria
Lisa, a life-long resident of Brewton, Alabama, her husband, Allen and their Toy Poodle, Lily work with C4C in south Alabama and northwest Florida visiting children and the elderly. Together, they have represented C4C at various speaking engagements and Lisa has led training workshops for interested chapters.
Lisa is a graduate of Victoria Stilwell Academy and a CPDT-Knowledge Assessed Trainer (nationally certified). As an AKC Evaluator, she offers CGC (All levels) and titles in Puppy Manners and Trick Dog (All levels). She has been professionally training dogs since 2020, when she retired from a small community college in south Alabama after twenty-seven years of teaching history.
As a trainer she specializes in teaching basic manners and novice and intermediate tricks. She also helps owners manage and eradicate nuisance behaviors and is particularly skilled at managing resource guarding and separation distress.
Lisa is especially fond of puppies and Poodles!
Lisa and Allen are active in their church, East Brewton Global Methodist.
Lily has earned six AKC titles.
Chaplain Allison Hanscom, Canine Workshop
Chaplain Allison Hanscom, Canine Workshop
Chaplain Allison Hanscom, Canine Workshop
Allison, a Chicagoland native, has been involved in the dog therapy world with her Golden Retriever Lucas since 2016, and a member of Canines for Christ since 2022.
She helped start and currently co-leads the C4C Chicagoland/NW Indiana chapter. She and her husband Doug have been married 43 years and have two daughters, two grandsons, and
Allison, a Chicagoland native, has been involved in the dog therapy world with her Golden Retriever Lucas since 2016, and a member of Canines for Christ since 2022.
She helped start and currently co-leads the C4C Chicagoland/NW Indiana chapter. She and her husband Doug have been married 43 years and have two daughters, two grandsons, and a granddaughter. Allison is a musician and private piano instructor, having taught hundreds of students over the last forty years. She is also a dedicated volunteer of ten years at a local animal shelter, where she trains and socializes dogs, getting them ready to go into loving homes.
Allison is grateful to be part of the Canines for Christ ministry because it allows her to integrate her love for Jesus, her passion for people, and her delight in dogs in a way that blesses others and glorifies God. Allison feels that every day is a gift - to live each day with love in one’s heart, praise on one’s lips, and gratitude in one’s soul is the essence of true joy.
Keli Caraveo, Prayer Workshop
Chaplain Allison Hanscom, Canine Workshop
Jeremy Garza, Evangelism Workshop
Keli Caraveo is a former school teacher, military wife, and mother of three. In August of 2019, the nation was on the heels of multiple school shootings, and she had been seeking the Lord as to how the Church could employ more offensive methods in protecting children and campuses.
She woke up to the Lord repeatedly saying, “I want watchm
Keli Caraveo is a former school teacher, military wife, and mother of three. In August of 2019, the nation was on the heels of multiple school shootings, and she had been seeking the Lord as to how the Church could employ more offensive methods in protecting children and campuses.
She woke up to the Lord repeatedly saying, “I want watchmen on the wall.” She heard the roar of shields coming together and locking over cities. She saw families praying over schools and churches coming together as the family, united as one, covering schools in prayer. As she ran with the vision God gave her, Lock the Shields was born.
We believe this initiative is a battle strategy from the Lord to lift up local schools and to combat school violence and tragedy in our city, state, and our nation.
Jeremy Garza, Evangelism Workshop
Chaplain Fred Wetzel, Crisis Response Workshop
Jeremy Garza, Evangelism Workshop
Pastor Jeremy Garza is a native of Pleasanton, Texas. At age 12, he encountered the love of God. Jesus saved him from bondages of sin, suicidal tendencies, and out of an abusive home filled with drugs and alcohol.
Pastor Jeremy Garza is a native of Pleasanton, Texas. At age 12, he encountered the love of God. Jesus saved him from bondages of sin, suicidal tendencies, and out of an abusive home filled with drugs and alcohol.
It is now his heart to share the life changing message of the Gospel with others so they may experience that same freedom.
He is the founder of an evangelistic ministry,
Nights of Hope, that crosses denominational
boundaries in order to train Christians in
evangelism and host events to reach the
unchurched, especially young people, with
the love of Christ.
He and his wife, Abbie, met in Baton Rouge, LA while attending Bible College. They are the proud parents of Joshua.
Chaplain Fred Wetzel, Crisis Response Workshop
Chaplain Fred Wetzel, Crisis Response Workshop
Chaplain Fred Wetzel, Crisis Response Workshop
First, I love Jesus as my Lord and Savior and desire to be a positive example for Him in all I do and say. My wife Jill and I have three wonderful children and four grandchildren.
The Lord has blessed me with great dogs, cats, snakes, etc. in the past and am now extra blessed with a miniature Aussiedoodle named Dusty. We love working toge
First, I love Jesus as my Lord and Savior and desire to be a positive example for Him in all I do and say. My wife Jill and I have three wonderful children and four grandchildren.
The Lord has blessed me with great dogs, cats, snakes, etc. in the past and am now extra blessed with a miniature Aussiedoodle named Dusty. We love working together as a Christian therapy team day to day and in Crisis Response.
I retired from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, with time from the US Forest Service, after 41 years of forest fire and emergency management. I also worked for the Arkansas Forestry Commission for seven years. Throughout my career I was a member of many Federal Incident Management Teams that managed landscape-scale forest fires, hurricanes, and tornados throughout the country, coordinating with local, commercial, and state agencies.
I finished my career in Washington, D.C. as the National Wildland Fire and Emergency Management Advisor for the US Fish and Wildlife Service. I like to think that after I was saved as a teenager, I began fighting both spiritual and physical fires throughout life. My wife says I was a paid Pyromaniac, and she is usually (always) right.
Joseph Olan, Crisis Response Workshop
Chaplain Fred Wetzel, Crisis Response Workshop
Chaplain Fred Wetzel, Crisis Response Workshop
Joseph Olan M.Ed. is currently the lead presenter at Global Readiness LLC. Joseph is also a school administrator in New Mexico.
When Mr. Olan was the school principal at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Uvalde TX. (2020-Feb. 2023), the school was selected for the Business of the Year Award for 2022-2023 by the Uvalde Chamber of Commerce for
Joseph Olan M.Ed. is currently the lead presenter at Global Readiness LLC. Joseph is also a school administrator in New Mexico.
When Mr. Olan was the school principal at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Uvalde TX. (2020-Feb. 2023), the school was selected for the Business of the Year Award for 2022-2023 by the Uvalde Chamber of Commerce for providing a safe nurturing learning environment for students and being a Beacon of Hope in the community after the Robb Elementary tragedy.
Joseph engaged in a wonderful relationship with Canines 4 Christ after the Robb tragedy to support the mental and spiritual well-being of the children at Sacred Heart Catholic school. Joseph is an Army veteran and U.S. Distinguished Fulbright Educator who has also facilitated over 60 presentations on numerous educational and workplace topics related to neuroeducation/engagement/best-practices nationally and internationally.
He presented at two Regional Global Teaching Dialogues in the U.S.; presented at the U.S. Department of Education Conference: “Equity and Excellence: HSIs Educando for the Future; Presented for various educators in The Republic of Singapore face-to-face, Belgium and London, England (virtually).
Serving Panel - Hospitals, Hospice, Nursing Homes
Neva Fernandez
Chaplain Rob Steinbrook
Chaplain Rob Steinbrook
Neva is a small business owner in San Antonio Texas since 1998 with her dog Henry as her CPO (Chief Pup Officer). She began her volunteer journey shortly after getting her first dog, Henry, just before the pandemic.
Neva and Henry were one of the first teams to arrive in Uvalde, Tx, less than 24hrs after the tragic even in May of 2022, a
Neva is a small business owner in San Antonio Texas since 1998 with her dog Henry as her CPO (Chief Pup Officer). She began her volunteer journey shortly after getting her first dog, Henry, just before the pandemic.
Neva and Henry were one of the first teams to arrive in Uvalde, Tx, less than 24hrs after the tragic even in May of 2022, and continues visits to those survivors and the community of Uvalde. With over 250 visits, Neva and Henry's regular volunteer visits include military and civilian hospitals, pediatric clinics, elementary schools, adult assisted facilities and police stations. Neva and Henry's experience in hospital settings has established her as the contact and trainer for Canines for Christ San Antonio Chapter for those wanting to visit hospitals.
Her marketing experience and artistic know-how has positioned her as the social media person for the San Antonio Chapter and the "sticker girl" for her creation of fun and beautiful stickers for volunteers and their beloved canines to hand out during visits.
Chaplain Rob Steinbrook
Chaplain Rob Steinbrook
Chaplain Rob Steinbrook
More to Come!
Chaplain Leslie Parish
Chaplain Rob Steinbrook
Chaplain Leslie Parish
Chaplain Leslie Parish is a New Hampshire native. She currently lives in Big Sandy, TX with her husband David, Therapy Dogs Jessie and Seamus, and three cats. David and Leslie are both U.S. Army veterans. They have been married since 1978, have three daughters, five grandsons, one granddaughter, and one granddaughter-in-law.
A Christ follo
Chaplain Leslie Parish is a New Hampshire native. She currently lives in Big Sandy, TX with her husband David, Therapy Dogs Jessie and Seamus, and three cats. David and Leslie are both U.S. Army veterans. They have been married since 1978, have three daughters, five grandsons, one granddaughter, and one granddaughter-in-law.
A Christ follower since eleven years old, Leslie has held leadership positions at the local church, associational, and state levels of the Women’s Missionary Union; she was a member of an evangelistic mission team to Moree, Australia, formed and sang with a Christian ladies quartet, was president of Cypress Symphonic Band for five years, and currently serves as treasurer and board member of Big Sandy Missionary Alliance and Agape House Ministries as the Canines for Christ chaplain representative.
Leslie joined Canines for Christ in 2017, became a Chaplain in 2018, and joined the Board in 2019. She sends out the monthly renewal notices, writes sympathy cards for volunteers and therapy dogs who have passed away, manages the Circle of Prayer Facebook page, and is a Care Partner.
Leslie serves as our Corporate Secretary and Director of Prayer and Bereavement.
Serving Panel - Local Chapter Best Practices
Chaplain Laurie Moquin
Chaplain Laurie Moquin
Chaplain Laurie Moquin
Laurie joined Canines for Christ in 2020. Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, she first discovered her love and dedication for pet therapy in 2004. Laurie joined a local pet therapy group along with her six-year-old Cardigan Welch Corgi, Slugger. They became an amazing team right away bringing joy to seniors in their last days in hos
Laurie joined Canines for Christ in 2020. Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, she first discovered her love and dedication for pet therapy in 2004. Laurie joined a local pet therapy group along with her six-year-old Cardigan Welch Corgi, Slugger. They became an amazing team right away bringing joy to seniors in their last days in hospice care with visits of comfort for them and their families.
Laurie became a Chaplain in 2021. She has her AKC Canine Good Citizenship Evaluator Certification and is in the process of getting her AKC Canine Ambassadorship Certification so she can begin teaching K9 safety classes in local schools in Tennessee where she now resides with her eight-year-old Newfoundland Andrew (C4C Assisted Therapy Dog) and her five- year- old lab mix Elli.
TBD
Chaplain Laurie Moquin
Chaplain Laurie Moquin
TBD
Chaplain Laurie Moquin
TBD
More to Come!
Serving Panel -First Responders
Officer Joel Pope
Chaplain Amanda Haas
Officer Joel Pope
Joel Pope is a San Antonio Police Officer who is currently assigned to the Chief’s Office Community Engagement Unit.
Joel has spent 16 years developing police training programs centered around enhancing quality law enforcement services intended to bolster police legitimacy. These programs are based in realistic scenario training, with
Joel Pope is a San Antonio Police Officer who is currently assigned to the Chief’s Office Community Engagement Unit.
Joel has spent 16 years developing police training programs centered around enhancing quality law enforcement services intended to bolster police legitimacy. These programs are based in realistic scenario training, with an emphasis on stress control techniques and performance phycology as it relates to critical police response.
Joel has consulted for the International Association of Chiefs of Police working with major cities across the United States. Joel currently consults for The Department of Justice assisting with implementing community engagement and officer wellness programs internationally. Preparing police officers to be healthy and effective inspires Joel’s work due to the direct impact it has on the community they are serving and their wellbeing.
Joel is a local, state and federal trained police instructor with 28 years of law enforcement experience. Joel has trained and provided training programs for numerous local, state, national and international police agencies, corporate and community members alike. Joel works closely with multiple community youth groups and non-profit organizations throughout San Antonio.
Emery Johnson
Chaplain Amanda Haas
Officer Joel Pope
Founder of Against All Odds Rise (AAOR)
We are dedicated to fostering unity by bridging the gap between the community and police officers. Our goal is to create a space for education and progressive dialogue, bringing together the community and law enforcement.
By working together, we aim to build trust that leads to true and lasting change
Founder of Against All Odds Rise (AAOR)
We are dedicated to fostering unity by bridging the gap between the community and police officers. Our goal is to create a space for education and progressive dialogue, bringing together the community and law enforcement.
By working together, we aim to build trust that leads to true and lasting change. Join us in our mission to create a safer, more connected community for everyone.
Emery was raised in Indian Creek on the Southwest Side of San Antonio. Deacon at Lighthouse Christian Temple. A husband, father and grandfather.
Chaplain Amanda Haas
Chaplain Amanda Haas
Chaplain Amanda Haas
I have been working with dogs for almost 30 years. I own Animal Magnetism, we offer training, boarding and grooming. It's been my main job since 1996.
I was a firefighter EMT for 17 years and learned scent work with my partner, Joe Bracamonte in the fire service and his arson k-9's. I have two children, one of which passed away February
I have been working with dogs for almost 30 years. I own Animal Magnetism, we offer training, boarding and grooming. It's been my main job since 1996.
I was a firefighter EMT for 17 years and learned scent work with my partner, Joe Bracamonte in the fire service and his arson k-9's. I have two children, one of which passed away February 6, 2022. He was a firefighter/EMT as well.
My daughter works with me in our business. I have been married for 31 years to a man that loves God as much as I do. We have six dogs, two of which are therapy dogs for Canines 4 Christ, one in training to be a therapy dog when Bindi retires, a feral dog which was a failed foster, a chihuahua/corgi that thinks she's feral, and a bulldog /pittie mix that scents water leaks.
I am also a 4H leader and help run the canine club on my late son's lot. I also work with our local Humane Society and Animal Control to take dogs that were considered unadoptable because of behavioral issues and get them trained and in the appropriate homes.
Serving Panel -Schools
Margaret Judson
Dr. Andrea Gonzalez
Margaret Judson
Margaret currently, serves as Executive Director of School Connect SA.
She began her career in Washington, DC as a Legislative Assistant working for Texas
Congressman Tom Loeffler and Congressman Lamar Smith.
Upon return home to San Antonio, Dr. John Howe, President of the UT Health Science
Center, asked her to help lead a successful project
Margaret currently, serves as Executive Director of School Connect SA.
She began her career in Washington, DC as a Legislative Assistant working for Texas
Congressman Tom Loeffler and Congressman Lamar Smith.
Upon return home to San Antonio, Dr. John Howe, President of the UT Health Science
Center, asked her to help lead a successful project to convince the Texas legislature to
establish the first Regional Academic Health Center in south Texas. This was the
precursor to the establishment of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of
Medicine.
Margaret has served on various non-profit boards in San Antonio, most recently as an
elected Trustee for the Alamo Heights School District where she was elected to two
consecutive terms and served as Board President.
Margaret and her husband Jeff have been married for 35 years and have three adult
children.
Michelle Bain
Dr. Andrea Gonzalez
Margaret Judson
Michele is an active member of Calvary Solid Rock Church right here in San Antonio where you can always find her in the hospitality area. She enjoys meeting new people that visit the church and she volunteers on the cleaning team as well as heads up the kitchen for Vacation Bible School. If there is any activity at church that involves
Michele is an active member of Calvary Solid Rock Church right here in San Antonio where you can always find her in the hospitality area. She enjoys meeting new people that visit the church and she volunteers on the cleaning team as well as heads up the kitchen for Vacation Bible School. If there is any activity at church that involves cooking or being the kitchen, you can find Michele right in the middle.
She has been in education for 27 years during those years she has served as a special education teacher, counselor and received her Principal Certification however, her love is counseling. As a counselor Michele has served as lead facilitator on the District Crisis Team. She has gone through intense training on how to respond to a crisis and has helped develop crisis plans for various organizations.
During her spare time she is involved in the community Feral Cat Program. She is trained in TNR and helps others getting feral cats fixed. She has been married to her husband Lonnie for 32 years and they have a fur baby Pepper. He is a rescue Toy Fox Terrier/Chihuahua Mix. Michele helps her husband in his business with bookkeeping, customer service and keeping an eye on Pepper who comes to work with them every day. They enjoy hosting friends for dinner, taking Pepper on walks and enjoying a great cup of coffee.
Dr. Andrea Gonzalez
Dr. Andrea Gonzalez
Dr. Andrea Gonzalez
Dr. Gonzalez is licensed by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists as an LPA, independent practice. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Texas at San Antonio, her M.A. in Clinical Psychology from St. Mary’s University and her Psy.D (Doctorate in Psychology) from Our Lady of the Lake University.
She comple
Dr. Gonzalez is licensed by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists as an LPA, independent practice. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Texas at San Antonio, her M.A. in Clinical Psychology from St. Mary’s University and her Psy.D (Doctorate in Psychology) from Our Lady of the Lake University.
She completed her Clinical Psychology Internship and Residency Training Program at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, Department of Psychiatry. She has worked in psychological and counseling services in a wide variety of settings since 1990, to include in-patient and day treatment psychiatric hospital facilities, juvenile probation, public schools, Any Baby Can, the Center for Health Care Services, the VA hospital and PTSD clinic, St. Mary’s University Counseling Center and OLLU Community Counseling Services. Her primary clinical rotations were at Kerrville State Hospital and Clarity Child Guidance.
Dr. Gonzalez is currently the school counselor for Incarnate Word High School in San Antonio, Texas.