Mailing Address for Donations: PO Box 1047, Pleasanton, Texas 78064
Our Board of Directors
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, a rescue dog that has his own story 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, & Board Liaison for the Care Partner Ministry.
eMail: jill@canines4christ.org
Chaplain Ross Powell
Ross is an entrepreneur who has founded several successful companies relating to finance and retirement. Ross was raised in San Antonio, Texas, graduated from the University of Texas, and is a Naval Officer veteran.
Ross joined Canines for Christ in 2017 with his wife Chaplain Jill Powell and they began building the San Antonio chapter together. Having a blended family of six children, two grandchildren, and five dogs' life stays busy.
Ross enjoys innovation and how to make operations more efficient while focusing on customer service and the personal touch that our members expect and enjoy.
Ross serves as our Board Vice President & Director of Operations / Finance.
eMail: ross@canines4christ.org
Chaplain Rob Steinbrook
Rob is the VP of Spiritual Care Services for Astella Home Health and Hospice. He is an ordained minister and registered chaplain. He has served as a pastor for 22 years and as a chaplain for 6 years.
He joined Canines for Christ with his dog Bonnie in 2019 and became a chaplain with Canines 4 Christ. Rob and Bonnie travel the state of Texas ministering to people in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and in the homes of patients of Astella Home Health and Hospice.
He is passionate about helping people spiritually, mentally, and physically. His mission statement is best summarized by this quote by Coach John R. Wooden: “Nothing can give you greater joy than doing something for another.”
Rob serves as Co-Leader of our Pastoral Care & Support Team.
eMail: robsteinbrook@gmail.com
Chaplain Samantha Sivils
Samantha is a God-fearing, Jesus-loving, Holy Spirit-filled, Bible-believing, child of God. She has been blissfully married to her best friend, Tommy, since 1997. She is the proud momma to her four greatest blessings and is Vida to her “grandest” adventure yet.
Believing God called her to work with dogs in ministry, Samantha became a therapy dog handler in 2004. After the passing of her first therapy dog, Samantha took a break. When God stirred her heart to return to therapy work, Samantha was delighted to learn of Canines for Christ and now serves alongside her Golden Retriever, Love, and her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Paddington.
Samantha and her family recently relocated to Tupelo, Mississippi. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, drinking coffee, volunteering with various organizations, writing, and taking pictures of old church buildings and of her much-loved dogs.
Samantha serves as Director of Chaplains, Co-Leader of Pastoral Care & Support Team along with Board Liaison for the Jr Handler Program.
eMail: samantha@canines4christ.org
Chaplain Allison Hanscom
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 leads the C4C Chicagoland/NW Indiana chapter. She and her husband Doug have been married 45 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-plus years. She is also a dedicated volunteer since 2013 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.
Allison serves as Corporate Secretary & Board Liaison for the Canine Program Facilitator.
eMail: ahhanscom@sbcglobal.net
Chaplain Fran Murr
Fran Murr joined Canines for Christ in 2018 after welcoming two very important coworkers into her life—Tucker and Rosie. With them by her side (and often in her lap), she began a new chapter after semi-retiring from her career as an industry CPA—though truth be told, she’s probably busier now than ever, just with a lot more fur in the mix.
Born and raised in South Texas, Fran is a proud graduate of The University of Texas. She now lives in College Station, surrounded by her three children, their families, and six adorable grandchildren who keep her on her toes (and occasionally raid her cookie stash).
When she’s not out on visits with Tucker and Rosie, Fran can often be found behind a camera or in the kitchen baking up something delicious. Together, she and her pups bring comfort, laughter, and smiles to schools, hospitals, and community events. One of their favorite activities is visiting classrooms to share their very own book, Tucker and Rosie Go to School—a heartwarming tale of friendship, kindness, and wagging tails.
Fran likes to say, “We have the best job ever, which is just to make people smile and forget about their worries for just a bit.” And if you’ve ever met Fran, Tucker, and Rosie, you know—she’s absolutely right.
Fran serves as our Director of Local Chapters.
eMail: fran@canines4christ.org
Joseph Olan
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).
Joseph truly believes in the mission of Canines 4 Christ! All for Jesus!
Joseph serves as Board Treasurer & Board Liaison for the Crisis Response Program as well as First Responder Care.
eMail: joseph@canines4christ.org