About Us

Lani serves as the Executive Director of Patriot K9s, a role he has held since 2021. His journey with the organization began as a volunteer, working alongside a dedicated team while managing operations at a local trucking company. Lani’s exceptional leadership and passion for service quickly propelled him into the Executive Director position, where he continues to champion the organization’s mission of providing service dogs to disabled veterans.

A proud United States Marine and former member of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, enlisting at the age of 17. Although too young to fulfill his dream of becoming a K9 handler, Lani’s determination led him to train as a Motor Transport Maintenance third and fourth echelon mechanic. His expertise in working on tactical vehicles took him to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and Naval Air Station Dallas, Texas. A tireless overachiever, Lani expanded his service by becoming a Safety NCO and Inspector Instructor Staff.

After completing his military service, Lani transitioned to the transportation industry in Wisconsin, where he built a diverse career spanning mechanic, driver, dispatcher, and operations manager. His versatile experience in the field has further honed his leadership and problem-solving abilities.

Lani has been a lifelong dog enthusiast, with a rich history of owning, training, and caring for a variety of breeds, including Dobermans, German Wirehaired Pointers, Huskies, three wolf hybrids, and Beagles. However, his true passion lies with the German Shepherd Dog—he currently owns four titled dogs in the sport of Schutzhund. As an active member of the O.G. Inselstadt Schutzhund Club, Lani also serves as Vice President, where he contributes to the development and promotion of canine sport and training excellence.

As a dedicated father to three daughters, Lani is proud that his legacy of service continues through his family. One of his daughters followed in his footsteps by serving in the United States Marine Corps, and his two younger daughters have also enlisted, carrying forward the proud tradition of Marine Corps service in their family.

Lani’s vast experience in both military and civilian sectors, his passion for K9 training, and his unwavering dedication to serving others make him a respected leader in the community.

For inquiries, Lani can be contacted via email at info@patriotk9s.org.

Sarah joined the organization in December of 2023. In her current role, she oversees all aspects of the program and works closely with the Executive Director to ensure that the program is the best it can be.

Before joining Patriot K9s, Sarah worked for several years as an EMT and Firefighter. She later chose to pursue her passion for animals, becoming a professional dog groomer and trainer.

Sarah’s dedication to working with veterans comes from witnessing the often invisible challenges faced by people with PTSD and seeing firsthand the life changing impact a service dog can have on their independence and well-being.

She has worked with a wide range of breeds and temperaments throughout her life and currently shares her home with a German Shepherd, a Pyrenees mix, and a handful of children. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys hiking and playing games with her family, both two and four legged.

Mara Mayland joined Patriot K9s of Wisconsin in Fall 2025 as our Business Manager. She brings fresh energy and a strong foundation in nonprofit leadership, having earned her Master of Business Administration from Concordia University Texas. During her academic journey, Mara actively served with several nonprofit organizations, where she discovered a deep passion for mission-driven work. 

Originally from the Midwest, Mara spent the past decade in Texas and is now embracing the return to northern winters. She’s excited to be back in Wisconsin and proud to be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact through Patriot K9s mission

Terese is a trainer with Patriot K9s of Wisconsin.

She is a retired professor from the biology department at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. She served for many years as the faculty advisor of the UWSP Veterans Club.

Terese has been training dogs for more than 25 years and has titled dogs in UKC agility and AKC obedience. She is on her fourth therapy dog registered with Therapy Dogs International, Inc. She teaches therapy dog preparation classes and is a TDI evaluator and AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator. She has experience as a puppy raiser for Paws with a Cause and was a volunteer for many years for Golden Retriever Rescue of Wisconsin. She is active in search and rescue and is a member of Wisconsin K9 SOS with two of her three dogs, one of which is certified for live-find and the other certified for human remains detection.

Terese refers to herself as a member of “team floppy ear,” having raised and owned predominantly retriever breeds. She is currently owned by two Golden Retrievers, and a Flat-coated Retriever, plus one cat.

She comes from a military background, with two siblings who are career military. She is the proud wife of a combat Vietnam veteran who served in the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division as a UH-I crew chief and door gunner.