ABOUT US
Rebecca Golian - Executive Director
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 position of Executive Director in January 2024.
Chuck Curtis - Board Chair
Chuck is a Sr. Account Executive for ePlus Technology, inc. With over 30 years of experience in sales and sales management, Chuck is responsible for helping clients leverage technology to drive competitive advantage. As a customer advocate, Chuck prides himself on understanding clients’ challenges, identifying the right solution to solve the problem, and fostering a team approach to implementing technologies to achieve the desired outcomes.
Chuck met his wife, Lisa, at Bowling Green State University on Valentine’s Day 1991 and they’ve been happily married for nearly 30 years. They are blessed with three wonderful children, Jason, Craig, and Seth, and proud “parents” of two incredible dogs, Teddy and Murphy. Murphy is a Project 2 Heal pup, now 5 years old!
Chuck has previously served as a past board member for Mira Via (formerly Room At the Inn), including President for two years. During his tenure on the board, Mira Via completed a successful capital campaign leading to building a new residential facility for single pregnant women and their children. Chuck has also served as a member of the pastoral council at St. Matthew Catholic Church, and he continues to serve as sacristan and pastoral care minister bringing Holy Communion to the residents of White Oak nursing home in Waxhaw.
Bill Shriver- VP Chair
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.
Michele Amoroso - Treasurer
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.
John Muller - Secretary
John Muller is a securities and corporate governance attorney with a deep understanding of banking, capital markets, laws, and regulation. His expertise also includes governance, risk, and compliance. John is a senior lawyer with USAA and is responsible for supporting the Chief Financial Officer organization including the Treasury function. He is also involved in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Prior to USAA, John was a senior lawyer with both Wells Fargo and Bank of America and held a variety of roles over his tenure at those companies.
John and his wife Karen are originally from St. Louis, Missouri where John attended Washington University School of Law. After graduating law school John worked in private practice at a law firm in Chicago, Illinois and he and his family moved to Charlotte in 2007.
John’s community work includes serving on the board of Justice Initiatives, a non-profit devoted to education and advocacy related to the court system. He is also involved in pro bono activities including Wills for Warriors. John and his wife Karen have two children, Jack (25) and Kate (22), and two dogs, Foster and Colton. John is an avid hockey fan and he and his son play in local adult hockey leagues.
Mariah Bridges
Native to North Carolina, Mariah is extremely excited to be part of such an important cause right here in her home state. Mariah's calling has always been leadership and giving back to her community. With decades of non-profit experience, she also brings that energy to her corporate life.
Mariah is currently the Vice President of Customer Retention for InsideTracker. With over 15 years of experience in marketing, Mariah is responsible for helping companies tell their stories and keep customers engaged.
In her spare time, Mariah enjoys spending time with her family, sailing, and being with her rescue dog, Maverick.
Joe Colucci
Joe is a Senior Project Manager and Group Leader at The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company. He has 19 years of experience in Commercial Construction with a wide range of clients from Office, Hotels, Industrial, Manufacturing, and Mission Critical Construction. He is local to the Charlotte Office in Ballantyne and is responsible for the planning, design, and construction of all of his projects. Joe has a “customer delight” driven attitude and has been able to serve the Charlotte area for the last 13 years. He acts as the company’s Southeast Recruiting Lead as well as the Southeast’s Mission Critical coordinator.
He met his wife, Kara, in Greensboro, and they have been happily married for 12 years in Charlotte. They have been blessed with 5 children: Joey, Annabeth, Ali, Jude, and Kobe. The family enjoys being outdoors, playing soccer & golf, horseback riding, and playing with our Project 2 Heal dog, Cypress! They attend Hickory Grove Baptist Church and serve in the children’s ministry.
Joe has been involved at Project 2 Heal ever since he attended the Putt 4 Pups event several years ago as a guest. Joe has always led a service-driven life and immediately resonated with the mission that Project 2 Heal strives for. Seeing how this organization can change and save a life is something that Joe and his family are very passionate about and they felt very convinced to jump in with both feet. Annabeth, Joe’s eldest daughter, has been Project 2 Heal’s biggest advocate, walking our Project 2 Heal dog in the neighborhood and seeking out neighbors to discuss the Project 2 Heal mission. For all of her hard work, Charlie has made Annabeth an official Junior Board Member!
Joe and his family look forward to reaching neighbors both locally and in a wider area to further advance the mission of Project 2 Heal.
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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.
Saket Pradhan
Saket is Technology Director at Wells Fargo. He has worked in the financial industry over 20+ years mainly in IT Service Operations driving process improvements & standardization to improve customer experience. Saket is an analytical thinker, intuitive and activator.
After completing Bachelor in Electronics Engineering, Saket completed his master’s in computer science from University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Saket is married for 22 years to my wife Swati. Proud father to son - Soham (20) and daughter - Saanvi (16). They have two dogs, Milo (Siberian husky) and Leo (Chocolate Lab). Saket loves spending time with family, traveling, visiting new places, and meeting new people. He is a huge sports fan and his son plays tennis and his daughter does competitive gymnastics.
He believes in Project 2 Heal vision to provide a great service to our community by increasing the availability of service dogs for veterans, children with special needs, and adults with disabilities. It provides a sense of satisfaction!!
Marci Turso - Director of Operations
Marci is a seasoned leader with over 25 years of experience in enhancing business operations and driving success across various industries. She excels in team development, process improvement, and strategic change, with a proven track record in project management and operational efficiency.
As President of TurSales, LLC, under contract with Peet's Coffee & Tea for over 11 years, Marci successfully managed sales territories in Northern Virginia before returning to oversee new and emerging markets in North and South Carolina. Her strategic vision and leadership earned her recognition for driving substantial growth.
Her professional journey is complemented by a deep love for animals, especially dogs. Marci and her family have raised and placed three service dogs and are raising their fourth, Margaux, who will become a Guide Dog. Their beloved dog Oliver also brings joy and has served as a therapy dog in various settings, including assisted living homes, hospices, and children’s hospitals.
Originally from Miami, Florida, Marci completed her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration at Queens University of Charlotte. During her time there, she was a dedicated starter for the Royals Softball Program, served as Treasurer for her sorority, and was a Resident Assistant. It was at Queens that Marci embraced the principle of "non ministrari sed ministrare"—“not to be served, but to serve”—a value that continues to guide her both personally and professionally. She later earned a Master of Health Science Administration from Armstrong Atlantic State University.
Marci balances a fulfilling family life with her professional work and is deeply committed to advancing the mission of Project 2 Heal. She is driven by the challenge that less than 1% of those who qualify for a service dog receive one, due to cost and availability. Marci and her team are dedicated to addressing these issues, enhancing service dog availability, and collaborating with partner organizations to create positive change and make a meaningful impact in the service dog community.
Manoella Martin - Puppy Program Manager
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.
Morgan Listebarger - Digital Marketing Manager
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 the Project 2 Heal team in January 2024 as the Digital Marketing Manager, where she quickly became an integral part of the organization. Her love for dogs extends beyond her work—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 the organization, embodying the mission that Morgan diligently promotes every day.
Morgan’s journey reflects her commitment to both her professional growth and her love for animals, making her a key contributor to Project 2 Heal’s ongoing success.
OUR HISTORY
Founded in Waxhaw, North Carolina, the work of Project 2 Heal traces back to 2004 when founders Charlie and Sandy Petrizzo looked to pursue a more intentional life of serving others through their shared love of Labrador Retrievers.
Operating for seven years as a self-funded labor of love, Project 2 Heal was formed to tackle the biggest issue ever to plague the service dog industry, a problem that had never before been formally addressed. The issue is that most service dog organizations have no breeding program, typically leaving no other choice but to train dogs taken from shelters.
Unfortunately, an average of only 1 out of 12 dogs taken from shelters becomes a successful service dog. This inefficiency leads to costs of $25,000—$40,000 and waiting periods of up to 4 years.
Founded on the pioneering idea of breeding, nurturing, and donating world-class Labrador Retriever puppies to service dog training organizations nationwide, the demand for our work eventually became so great that in 2011, we became a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Our goal is to make the life-changing gift of a service dog more accessible to those in greatest need— veterans, children with special needs, and adults with disabilities. Since 2011, we've partnered with more than 30 service dog organizations and have placed between 350-400 dogs.
