Our Team

Christine Myran - Executive Director

Professional Experience

Passionate about the therapeutic benefits dogs bring to the lives of veterans, Christine Myran’s goal is to not only help those who served transition from military to civilian life, but also validate the style of therapy the foundation supports. As a clinician, Christine is drawn to environments and tools that help individuals recover and cope with injury and illness. Bringing to the table a combination of clinical experience, a charitable spirit, and an aspiration to enrich the lives of others, Christine has taken on the challenging role of Executive Director for Blue Star Service Dogs. Previously in the role at Eisenhower Center as Vice president of programs developing unique treatment programs such as the Enrichment Center. a therapy farm in Manchester Michigan, and the After the Impact Program, a residential program for military and professional athletes seeking treatment for TBI, CTE, PTSD, and behavioral issues.

Mission

Inspiring Hope, Confidence, and Purpose Blue Star Service Dogs, a non-profit organization, has been rescuing, training, and placing qualified canines with military veterans for some years. After being asked to run the organization in December of 2018, Christine continues to be inspired and dedicated to helping improve the lives of veterans who have selflessly served and protected their country.

OUR BOARD

Mark Jewell

Vice President

Professional Experience

Mark Jewell may be retired, but don’t let that status fool you. After building his own company from the ground up, he sold it fifteen years later, and since then, has been dedicating his time to his community. With a mind for business and a heart for volunteer work, Mark is involved with a number of foundations, and contributes his time and expertise to charities and organizations he feels he can make the most positive impact on.

Mission - When a Calling Becomes a Hobby

Former owner of Automated Technologies Ltd., Mark turned his automation hobby into a vocation, and believes the key to success is to have passion and plenty of it. Blue Star Service Dogs is what he’s focused on now, and Mark is proud to be working with a non-profit organization that helps rescue, train, and place qualified canines with military veterans most affected by PTSD, TBI, and other disabilities. Mark’s work within the organization includes strategic planning, improvements to training facilities, and fostering. Mark also has his own dogs at home and has definitely proven to be invaluable supporter of all things canine-friendly.

Solving Problems and Contributing to the Community

His first year with Blue Star Service Dogs has been both remarkable and rewarding, and Mark is excited to continue working with the team. When he is not donating his time to charity, Mark enjoys scuba diving, golf, mountain biking, and of course, playing with his dogs.

Tina Peterson

Board President

Professional Experience

Driven by both a passion for real estate and a love of dogs, Tina Peterson is combining her expertise in home buying and selling with a most-worthy cause. As a seasoned expert in the world of real estate, Tina is not only an advocate for her clients, but for her co-workers and community as well. Compassionate, tenacious, and dedicated, Tina is looking forward to bringing the same level of service and commitment to her position as President of Blue Star Service Dogs.

Mission - For Love of Dogs & Veterans

Blue Star Service Dogs, a non-profit organization dear to Tina’s heart, has been rescuing, training, and placing qualified canines with military veterans for some years. Veterans who experience PTSD, TBI, or other disabilities are the sole benefactors of all the love, time, and dedication of the organization. As a real estate agent, Tina has years of experience working with veteran clients, and has close, professional relationships with team-members who have also served. Introduced to Blue Star Service Dogs by a veteran client, who was also a Veteran Caseworker for the House of Representatives, Tina first started out as a volunteer, but was soon approached for advice and expertise with a real estate matter. The organization needed assistance navigating and meeting township requirements and Tina knew she could help!

Accomplishments and a Charitable Spirit

Recognized as one of Michigan’s Real Estate All-Stars, Tina went to work on ensuring Blue Star Dog Services could continue rescuing, training, and placing dogs with veterans most in need. With the mission of the foundation in mind, Tina set out to form a lasting bond and partnership with those at the organization that expanded outwardly to include her real estate team. Together, they created the first annual Blue Star Dog Services fundraiser, which raised a stellar $17,000, with all contributions going directly to the organization. In addition to adopting a pup (who fell just a little short of the service dog training requirements!) Tina is also a full-time wife, mother, and grandmother.

Our Supporters

We appreciate organizations, companies, and individuals that support our dogs and veterans with monetary donations, supplies, services, and event support! Thank you!!