ABOUT US

About Mark Lord

Mark Lord serves as Executive Director of Project 2 Heal, bringing more than 30 years of leadership experience spanning military service, global corporations, consulting, and executive advisory roles. Throughout his career, he has focused on developing leaders, strengthening organizations, and building the operational foundations that enable lasting impact.

A third-generation Army veteran, Mark was raised in a military family before serving ten years as a U.S. Army officer. His military experience instilled a lifelong commitment to servant leadership, integrity, accountability, and thoughtful decision-making in complex environments. Those principles continue to shape his leadership philosophy and approach to serving others.

Following his military service, Mark held senior leadership positions with General Electric, Ingersoll Rand, and Trane Technologies, where he led strategic, operational, and business transformation initiatives across large, complex organizations. His experience includes operational excellence, leadership development, and cross-functional leadership, helping organizations improve performance while building strong, people-centered cultures.

Prior to joining Project 2 Heal, Mark served as an executive leader and strategic advisor, partnering with CEOs, nonprofit organizations, and leadership teams to strengthen operations, align strategy with execution, and position organizations for sustainable growth. He has also dedicated his time to mentoring entrepreneurs and emerging leaders, helping mission-driven organizations navigate growth and organizational challenges.

As Executive Director, Mark is committed to building a strong organizational foundation that enables Project 2 Heal to expand its impact while remaining focused on the veterans, children, and families it serves. He believes meaningful mission outcomes are achieved through compassionate leadership, operational discipline, trusted partnerships, and a culture rooted in service.

Mark and his wife have called the Charlotte area home since 2000, where they have built their lives and raised their family. They have been married for 28 years and are the proud parents of two adult children, Savannah and Mason. 

About Janelle Zander

Janelle Zander is an accomplished nonprofit consultant with more than 20 years of experience helping mission-driven organizations grow with clarity and impact. She specializes in operations, marketing strategy, and donor management—bringing deep expertise to organizations working to scale their efforts and strengthen their internal systems.

Janelle has worked with dozens of nonprofits across a range of causes, guiding leadership teams through strategic planning, brand development, marketing automation, and data-driven donor engagement. Her approach combines big-picture vision with operational precision, ensuring that marketing efforts align with mission goals and deliver measurable results.

With a strong background in marketing strategy and CRM optimization, she helps organizations streamline processes, improve donor retention, and build campaigns that inspire action. She has also led major rebranding and digital transformation initiatives that significantly elevated fundraising outcomes and audience reach.

About Bill Shriver

Bill was born and raised in South Buffalo, NY in a large Catholic family and educated in a parochial grammar school and high school steeped in the traditional Franciscan tradition. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology, completed coursework towards a Master of Science in Manufacturing Systems Engineering at State University of New York at Buffalo, has a Master of Business Administration from Duke University, Fuqua School of Business, and attended the Northwestern University J. L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management Executive Development Program.

Bill began his career as an executive with General Motors and is an alumnus Partner of Ernst & Young Consulting LLP and Capgemini Consulting and is a former co-founder of Spectrum Supply Chain Solutions, Spectrum Security Solutions and Blue Ridge of the Carolinas, a real estate investment and services firm.  He currently has the honor of serving as CEO of Setech Supply Chain Solutions consistently delivering innovation and significant annual return on investment to his clients. The Setech team is proud to partner with many veterans’ support organizations including Project 2 Heal. Serving the Project 2 Heal mission aligns perfectly with his love for English labs and passion for helping others in need.

Bill and his best friend and wife of over 30 years, Maureen, have a son, Matt and are long time parishioners at St. Gabriel Catholic Church.  

About Michele Amoroso

Michele serves as Project 2 Heal’s Board Treasurer and brings over 25 years of financial expertise.

Early in her career, she earned her CPA designation while working at Deloitte in Boston and subsequently moved to corporate accounting at IBM in Cambridge, MA. She holds a B.S. in Business Administration and completed all CFP requirements to move into financial advising. Michele’s commitment to financial management extends to her work with small businesses, individuals, and community-based organizations.

As an active partner at Social Venture Partners Charlotte, a non-profit venture philanthropy organization, she contributes to social innovation programs (SEED20) and consulting on Spark Teams, showcasing her dedication to positive community impact.

Michele and her husband Greg are currently part of Project 2 Heal’s chaperone program. Their pup, Montana, was named in memory of a dear friend who cared deeply for dogs and passed too early. When not working with numbers, you'll find her hiking with Montana and enjoying time with their two grown sons, friends, and family. The Amoroso family is delighted to play an essential role in Project 2 Heal’s mission.

About Cindy Burns

Cindy Burns is a retired Vice President of Operations from Wells Fargo, where she led the Real Estate Leasing and Records division and oversaw $1.5 billion in annual expenditures. During her career, she managed large, coast-to-coast operations teams while guiding strategic planning, budgeting, risk management, and team development initiatives. She also held roles in marketing with American Express and served as Cash Manager for WR Grace Restaurant Division.

Cindy has always been deeply committed to community service. She founded a mentorship program for at-risk students in partnership with public school counselors and continues to support local and national nonprofits. Since 2024, she has been an active volunteer with Project 2 Heal, serving in multiple capacities. She is currently helping raise Suki as a puppy raiser for future service work and recently joined Kelly Patterson in assisting with volunteer coordination efforts for the organization.

Originally from Michigan and raised in Virginia, Cindy has called Charlotte home for 40 years, where she raised her two sons, Jonathan and Matthew. She shares her home with a sweet Yellow Lab and an energetic English Shepherd.

About Peter Chryst

Peter Chryst retired from the U.S. Army in 2017 after 22 years of service, spending most of his career in Field Artillery. He served in positions ranging from Howitzer Cannoneer to Battalion Master Gunner and deployed throughout the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, Adriatic Sea, Africa, Kuwait, and Iraq.

After retiring from the military, Peter began a second career with the Monroe Police Department in Monroe, North Carolina, serving on the civilian staff as a Crime Analyst.

Born in Minnesota, Peter moved to Matthews, North Carolina at age seven. He and his wife, Natasha, were married in 1999 and have one son, Ethan, and three dogs—Posey, Penny, and Prince.

In December 2025, Peter received Prince, a mobility service dog, trained to assist with symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, including walking, balance and coordination, freezing, anxiety, and depression. In recognition of his experience and commitment, Peter was voted onto the Project 2 Heal Board beginning in January 2026.

Peter enjoys spending time with his family, fly-fishing in the mountains and ocean, woodworking, hunting, and being outdoors.

About Frances Deller

Dr. Deller grew up in Charlotte, starting her veterinary career working at Long Animal Hospital at the age of 16. She enjoyed the mentorship of many of the doctors, still practicing at the hospital, as she followed her childhood dream to become a veterinarian. Dr. Delller obtained a Bachelor's in Animal Science, a Master's in Animal Science Reproductive Physiology, and a DVM from North Carolina State University. After completing veterinary school, she practiced outside Washington, D.C., in Alexandria, Virginia, for 3 years. She was happy to return to her hometown in 2015 and married her husband, Dan, that same year. 

Dr. Deller loves practicing veterinary medicine at Long Animal Hospital and has a special interest in internal medicine, soft tissue surgery, and dentistry. When she is not practicing veterinary medicine, she enjoys spending time with her family as well as their 3 dogs. Oscar, Emmy (M&M), and Ron (Toblerone), and 2 cats, Loli (Lollipop) and Poppy (Pop Rocks)...all named after candy. She also enjoys cooking, cycling, and running.

About Sean Deller

Sean is a 25-year Army veteran with deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Egypt, Israel, Korea and Panama. He started his career as an aviator, piloting both the UH-1 “Huey” and the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, and served in a variety of leadership positions such as Company Commander, Flight Operations Officer, Battalion Logistics Officer, and Analysis Branch Chief, where he led analytical efforts to shape the future Army. Sean earned his Masters and Doctoral degrees in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University.

Following his transition from active duty, he led analytical efforts in the defense industry supporting the development of future military capabilities. Sean currently works in a biotech company where he directs the manufacture and distribution of a novel therapy in a clinical trial for a rare, and lethal, pediatric neurodegenerative condition. He and Pam recently moved to Waxhaw along with their two sons, Brendan and Thomas, and two labradoodles, Maxwell Smart and Agent 99. Sean has experienced the tragic loss of fellow veterans and believes deeply in the mission of Project 2 Heal.

About Michael Richardson

Michael dedicated over 30 years to service as a U.S. Army Medical Service Corps officer, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel with deployments to Iraq, Kuwait, Kosovo, and Bosnia. His leadership included commanding the Warrior Transition Battalion–Europe and serving on the Office of The Surgeon General staff, where he directed the Army’s Integrated Disability Evaluation System in partnership with the VA.

After retiring from the military, he joined Wounded Warrior Project as Vice President of Mental and Brain Health, overseeing nationwide programs and a budget of nearly $90 million to support wounded veterans and their families.

In 2022, Michael and his wife Beth, also a retired Army officer and nurse, sold their home and spent three years traveling the world before settling in Charlotte in late 2025. He holds degrees in economics and public administration and enjoys outdoor activities, especially spending time with his grandchildren. His experiences strongly align with the mission of Project 2 Heal, honoring his family’s Labradors, Harley and Sierra.

About Ruthie Smith

Ruth Smith is a seasoned development and marketing professional with over 20 years of experience driving growth and building strong donor relationships for mission-driven organizations. She has served in key leadership roles, including Vice President of Development at KNPB Public Television and Development Director at the Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows, where she expanded major donor programs and increased corporate giving.

She has also been actively involved in numerous charitable organizations, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, National Charity League, Casa De Vida, Junior League of Reno, and the St. Mary’s Foundation.

Originally from Tennessee, Ruth moved to Nevada after graduating from the University of Alabama, where she raised her three children, Blake, Ellie, and Will. After retiring, she relocated to Charlotte in 2019 to be closer to family. She enjoys traveling, running, and spending time with her children, and is now the proud owner of Penny, a Golden Retriever, and Cora, an English Lab who serves as a Chaperone Dog with Project 2 Heal.

About Rebecca Golian

Rebecca grew up in Frederick County, Maryland and found her passion for working with animals at a young age. She competed as an equestrian athlete for over 15 years and ran a successful equestrian training and sales business in Maryland and Northern Virginia.

Rebecca started professionally training dogs in college. While attending the University of Maryland, Rebecca offered a variety of dog training services in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Rebecca also raised and trained German Shepherds for The Seeing Eye, a Guide Dog school based in Morristown, NJ. In 2010, Rebecca graduated with honors, receiving her B.S. degree in Psychology with a minor in Animal Science. In 2012 Rebecca decided to pursue working with dogs full time and moved to New York City to start a professional dog training company. ​

In 2015 Rebecca was offered a rare opportunity to enter an apprenticeship program to become a Qualified Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (GDMI) at Guide Dogs for the Blind. A GDMI trains guide dogs for people who are blind or visually impaired, matches trained guide dogs with clients, conducts client training and O&M support, and offers follow up services for guide dog users throughout the United States and Canada. In addition to her work at Guide Dogs for the Blind, Rebecca started offering private service dog training, and in her five years living out West, she trained and placed over 100 service and guide dog teams.

In 2019 Rebecca moved back to the East Coast and started Love in the Lead Canine Training, LLC in Charlotte, NC. In just four years she has built a successful seven figure dog training company that offers a variety of dog training services, and her business has grown to be one of the top dog training companies in the area. Rebecca and her team also train service dogs and guide dogs for organizations in the US and abroad. Rebecca began working with Project 2 Heal in 2020 and accepted the Director of Training and Programs in 2024.

About Manoella Martin

Growing up in Manaus, Brazil, Manoella developed a profound love for animals, which later shaped her career path. After relocating to the United States and completing international college programs, she settled in Michigan and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Walsh College. Her banking career, which began in 2002, saw her rise swiftly through the ranks.

In her spare time, Manoella nurtured her passion for dogs, starting with her first Australian Shepherd. This marked the beginning of her dedication to the breed. After moving to North Carolina, her Australian Shepherd, Bentley, became a pillar of support during challenging times, further solidifying her commitment to dogs.

This passion eventually led her to Project 2 Heal, where she discovered her true calling as a volunteer.

Following a personal loss and a departure from her banking career, Manoella shifted her focus to breeding, training, and raising dogs. She holds various certifications in dog care, including AKC breeder certifications, Animal CPR, and grooming, and is actively pursuing her Vet Tech certification.

In addition to breeding, Manoella dedicates her time to volunteering with her certified therapy dogs at local organizations, bringing joy and comfort to many. Her efforts have resulted in multiple dogs becoming certified service animals, positively impacting individuals with disabilities. Collaborating with esteemed trainers, Manoella is determined to ensure the success of Project 2 Heal's breeding and puppy program, leveraging her expertise for the benefit of the organization and the community.

About Morgan Listebarger

Growing up in Wilmington, North Carolina, Morgan developed a deep love for dogs that has been a guiding force throughout her life. Surrounded by family pets from an early age, she cultivated a natural connection with animals that would later shape her career.

While pursuing a degree in mass media communications at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Morgan honed her skills in media relations. She managed social media accounts for her sorority and local businesses, where she gained significant experience in digital marketing and media strategy. In June 2022, she transitioned into the dog industry, seamlessly blending her professional expertise with her passion for canines.

Morgan joined Project 2 Heal in January 2024 as Digital Marketing Manager and quickly became an integral part of the team. She is the proud owner and handler of two dogs, Cocoa and Billy. Billy, who serves as Project 2 Heal’s ambassador, plays a special role in advancing the organization’s mission.

On a personal note, Morgan married her childhood sweetheart, Jordan Lopez, in October 2025. Together, they share a love for animals and enjoy building a life centered around family, community, and their dogs.

About Kelly Patterson