Led by Those Who’ve Served. United by Purpose.

At CVSDT, leadership isn’t just a title—it’s a calling. Our dedicated team of veterans and patriots brings service, strength, and unwavering commitment to our mission. Take a look at their profiles so you can learn more about the leaders guiding our vision.

Jennifer Barnwell
President, Board of Directors

Jennifer Barnwell serves as the President of the Board of Directors for Carolina Veterans’ Service Dog Training (CVSDT). She provides leadership, guidance, and strategic oversight to ensure CVSDT remains accessible, mission-driven, and committed to supporting veterans.

A United States Air Force veteran, she served as a Security Police Officer from 1987 to 1992, including deployment to the theater of operations during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. During that time, she became part of Air Force history when her likeness was painted as nose art on an F-16 Fighting Falcon. Nicknamed “Hammer Time, Jackhammer Jenny,” the artwork featured her riding a bomb in patriotic colors, wearing her beret with long blonde hair blowing in the wind. The jet flew 46 combat sorties—including flights by General Horner himself—and was the last of its kind to retain original nose art after the war. Her time in uniform shaped a strong sense of accountability, protection, and service—values that remain at the heart of her leadership today.

Following her military service, she spent 27 years as a Registered Nurse specializing in Oncology and Hospice care, including pediatric palliative support. Certified in both specialties, she provided compassionate care in hospitals, clinics, infusion centers, and patients’ homes—guiding families, including many fellow veterans, through complex systems with dignity, clarity, and unwavering support.

Dogs have always been central to her life. From Irish Setter pups in her playpen to her first Sheltie after leaving the barracks, she has shared every chapter of life with a dog by her side. Her deep love for Shelties led to years in the conformation ring, where she bred and raised a small number of litters that produced AKC Champions and National placement winners.

She now trains alongside her own service dog, Ollie, whose impact has been life-changing. Through her personal experience, she understands the barriers many veterans face in accessing traditional service dog programs and believes deeply in CVSDT’s mission to offer a supportive, veteran-led path to training.

Jennifer brings to CVSDT a rare blend of leadership, empathy, clinical experience, and lifelong canine knowledge. Her heart for service continues to guide the organization’s growth.

Outside of CVSDT, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Ray, whom she adores. She stays busy with her dogs, her orchids, and whenever possible, her three young granddaughters.

Daniel Shuford
Vice President, Board of Directors

Daniel Shuford serves as the Vice President of the Board of Directors for Carolina Veterans’ Service Dog Training (CVSDT), where he also contributes as a trainer and certified AKC evaluator. His leadership helps guide the organization’s direction, training standards, and outreach to fellow veterans in need of support and connection.

A proud United States Marine Corps veteran, he served a total of 12 years, including deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. His time in uniform shaped his belief in teamwork, discipline, and purpose—values he continues to carry into every training session and veteran interaction.

For the past four years, he has worked directly with service dogs both as a handler and instructor. As a certified American Kennel Club (AKC) evaluator, he brings hands-on expertise and calm confidence to the training field, helping teams progress through every milestone. His approach is rooted in patience, experience, and a deep understanding of the veteran-dog bond.

His decision to join CVSDT was driven by a desire to serve again—this time by walking alongside fellow veterans and helping them develop lasting, life-changing partnerships with their service dogs.

Daniel brings to the team a grounded perspective, a sharp eye for training, and the ability to connect with others through shared experience. His commitment to the mission reflects a quiet strength that helps CVSDT remain both inclusive and mission-ready.

Outside of CVSDT, he enjoys shooting, gaming, and time spent with the veteran community he proudly serves.

Nancy Cook
Treasurer, Board of Directors

Nancy Cook serves as the Treasurer of the Board of Directors for Carolina Veterans’ Service Dog Training (CVSDT). She brings decades of experience in the world of competitive dog training and shows, paired with a deep respect for and unwavering commitment to the nation’s veterans and their continued service.

Although not a veteran herself, Nancy comes from a family with a proud history of military service. Her passion for supporting those who’ve served is reflected in her dedication to the CVSDT mission and the powerful bonds she sees between veterans and their dogs.

Her involvement with dogs began in 1971, when she started competing in AKC obedience. Over the next decade, she titled several dogs and soon expanded into conformation, where she would spend the next 38 years finishing multiple champions. Along the way, she also titled two Dachshunds in tracking—a discipline she particularly loved. Today, she actively trains and works with three Shelties in obedience, rally, and soon scent work. Her newest addition, a miniature longhaired Dachshund named Opal, is currently training in conformation, earthdog, and tracking—and continues to impress with her versatility. She is also a certified AKC evaluator, bringing professionalism and standards-based knowledge to every training effort.

For Nancy, working alongside military veterans and their service dogs has brought a new depth to the meaning of teamwork. Seeing the mutual trust, focus, and companionship between a veteran and their dog has been a humbling and inspiring experience.

She brings to CVSDT a wealth of canine knowledge, a lifelong commitment to ethical training, and the steady presence of someone who understands the value of discipline, community, and heart. She’s proud to support the organization’s growth and to play a part in strengthening the lives of those who’ve served—one team at a time.

Tina Balsewicz
Secretary, Board of Directors

Tina Balsewicz is the Secretary of the Board of Directors for Carolina Veterans' Service Dog Training (CVSDT). In her role, she supports policy development, assists with public affairs and training coordination, and helps ensure the organization remains mission-focused.

A retired Command Sergeant Major/Staff Sergeant Major with 31 years of service in the U.S. Army Reserves, Tina led with distinction across multiple disciplines including combat sustainment, civil affairs, training, and detainee operations—serving on active duty assignments at the Pentagon and in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and New Dawn. A deep commitment to mentorship and selfless service marked her military career.

Tina also brings 25 years of law enforcement experience as a retired police officer and detective, having served in various roles, including patrol, investigations, crime prevention, and community outreach. She is an accomplished public speaker and advocate, passionate about empowering others through leadership and service.

Tina has been around dogs her entire life and was a foster mom to several Labradors. She now trains with her service dog, Sarge—a goofy, strong, and sensitive partner who reminds her daily of the power of the veteran-dog bond.

She brings to CVSDT a unique combination of leadership, policy expertise, organizational skill, and heartfelt dedication to the veteran community. For Tina, service didn't stop when the uniform came off—it simply evolved.

When she's not serving her community, Tina enjoys endurance cycling, outdoor adventures, and staying active. She is married and loves spending time with her family and pups. Tina is proud to be part of CVSDT and has found an extended family here while continuing to find purpose in helping fellow veterans grow stronger—together.

Con Farley
Member at Large, Board of Directors

Con Farley serves as a Member at Large on the Board of Directors for Carolina Veterans’ Service Dog Training (CVSDT). He brings decades of leadership experience in both the military and private sector, along with a deep, personal understanding of how life-changing a service dog can be. In his board role, he actively supports governance, helps guide the organization’s growth, and ensures the mission remains veteran-centered and accountable.

A proud U.S. Navy veteran, he served from 1983 to 2005 as part of the elite Seabees Combat Warfare (SCW), reaching the rank of Petty Officer First Class and deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His time in uniform instilled in him a lifelong dedication to teamwork, mission focus, and supporting fellow veterans—values that continue to guide his post-service work.

Following his military career, he served as Director in the automotive manufacturing industry and continued giving back through veteran leadership roles. He has served as a Commander in the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), is a member of the American Legion and Sigma Chi Fraternity, and remains active with Rolling Thunder Chapter 2.

Dogs have always been part of his life. He trained his own service dog and has worked alongside others doing the same. Today, he shares an extraordinary bond with his dog, Moses, whose steady companionship helped him reach a place of such peace and healing that he no longer requires weekly psychiatric visits to the VA.

Con brings to CVSDT a powerful combination of veteran advocacy, nonprofit insight, corporate leadership, and lived experience. Supporting veterans is his passion, and he believes in the strength of CVSDT’s mission to build community, purpose, and resilience—one veteran-dog team at a time.

Ray Barnwell
Member at Large, Board of Directors

Ray Barnwell serves as a Member at Large on the Board of Directors for Carolina Veterans’ Service Dog Training (CVSDT), where he also supports the organization as a trainer. A founding visionary behind the CVSDT program, he brings leadership, operations experience, and a deep belief in the life-changing impact service dogs can have on veterans.

He served in the United States Air Force from 1987 to 1993, including deployment during the Gulf War from 1990 to 1991. As a member of the Security Police, he developed the discipline and sense of duty that would continue to guide him throughout his career and volunteer service.

After leaving the military, he spent over 25 years in local law enforcement, beginning with five years on patrol before advancing to the role of patrol sergeant. At the ten-year mark, he had the opportunity to specialize in crime scene investigations and ballistics, all while serving as the sniper team leader with SWAT and as a firearms instructor. A lifelong South Carolinian, he retired from the local Sheriff’s Office but continues to serve his community—maintaining strong professional relationships and supporting outreach efforts through trusted local networks.

He has more than a decade of experience raising and training hunting dogs, and over the past two years, has focused on learning and instructing within the service dog community. His ability to connect with veterans and guide them through hands-on training reflects both technical skill and compassion. He is also an active volunteer at Beth Shiloh Presbyterian Church, where he supports a variety of ministry efforts and represents the church within CVSDT.

Ray brings to the team a strong operational mindset, a talent for planning, and a deep commitment to helping veterans live fuller, more independent lives. His firsthand observations of how service dogs support veterans in everyday life continue to drive his dedication to the CVSDT mission.

Whether he's in the training field, coordinating behind the scenes, or representing his community, Ray is proud to serve those who’ve served—and honored to be part of a team making a difference.

Ray Fernandez
Member at Large, Board of Directors

Ray serves as a Member at Large on the Board of Directors for Carolina Veterans’ Service Dog Training (CVSDT). He contributes to board governance, supports training activities, and helps lead public outreach efforts to expand awareness of the organization’s mission.

A United States Marine Corps veteran, he served honorably from 1966 to 1970, including deployment to Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. His experience in the Marine Corps shaped a lifelong commitment to supporting fellow veterans and giving back through quiet service and action.

Following his military service, he dedicated himself to serving the veteran community through numerous volunteer efforts. He has held roles with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) as a Judge Advocate, and is actively involved with the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), and Rolling Thunder. He has also contributed to therapy programs like RideAbility SC.

He brings to CVSDT a deep passion for helping veterans live more connected, supported lives. He believes in the power of community and contributes his time to help veterans feel welcomed, understood, and equipped with the tools they need to thrive. Through outreach and networking, he helps extend CVSDT’s reach and impact.

Ray’s motivation to serve stems from personal experience: his own dog transformed his life. Now, he helps others train and bond with their dogs so they too can regain confidence, independence, and connection—just as he has.

Michael Gegoski
Member at Large, Board of Directors

Michael Gegoski serves as a Member at Large on the Board of Directors for Carolina Veterans’ Service Dog Training (CVSDT). As a Vietnam veteran and lifelong dog lover, he brings personal experience, quiet wisdom, and a strong sense of purpose to the veteran-dog teams he supports.

He served in the U.S. Army from April 1968 to April 1971 during the Vietnam War. As a Communications Team Chief within a tank battalion, he was responsible for equipment readiness, maintaining communication operations, and mentoring junior Soldiers. He loved his time in the Army—especially the travel, exposure to new cultures, and the educational opportunities that came with military life.

Following his service, he spent 35 years as a machinist—a career that deepened his appreciation for precision, craftsmanship, and contributing to something larger than himself. Whether in uniform or on the shop floor, he took pride in doing meaningful work that made a difference.

Dogs have been constant companions throughout his life. He trained his own dogs to respect property boundaries and now shares that experience with fellow veterans in CVSDT. His bond with his current dog, Armi, is a source of daily purpose and joy. He understands firsthand the healing and grounding effect of a service dog and is always ready to offer encouragement to others walking a similar path.

He brings to CVSDT a steady presence, a strong work ethic, and a veteran’s heart. He believes deeply in the mission and considers it a privilege to give back to those who’ve served. Whether offering support, sharing wisdom, or simply showing up—he stands ready to serve, one conversation, one team at a time.

Outside of CVSDT, he enjoys classic cars and served as the longtime treasurer of a local hot rod club. His favorite? A two-door 1972 Buick Skylark—comfortable, clean, and with a console shifter that, in his words, “screamed.”