​Mission:
Service Dog

Meet The Team

Lola Carter
As a mother to a paralyzed child and the devoted spouse of a 100% disabled veteran, Lola brings a profound understanding of the daily challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. This firsthand experience has ignited her passion for making a meaningful impact on their lives through service dog training. With over 23 years of experience as a private dog trainer and 16 years training service dogs, Lola has honed her skills in understanding canine behavior, effective training methodologies, and the intricacies of matching service dogs with individuals having diverse needs. Her extensive background has solidified her reputation as a seasoned professional in the field, trusted by clients and industry peers alike. What sets Lola apart is her unique approach to training, which is not only informed by industry best practices but also shaped by the real-world needs of her own family. This personal perspective allows her to develop training programs that specifically address the challenges faced by individuals with paralysis and disabilities resulting from military service. Lola is known for her empathy and deep understanding of the caregiving journey, having navigated the complexities herself. This compassion is reflected in the careful and personalized attention she gives to each client and their unique requirements, ensuring that every service dog partnership is tailored for success. Committed to ongoing learning and staying at the forefront of industry advancements, Lola guarantees that her clients receive the most effective and up-to-date services available. Her active engagement within the disability and veteran communities further enhances her ability to provide holistic support beyond training, fostering a sense of community and shared understanding. When you choose Lola as your guide in service dog training, you're not just gaining a skilled professional; you're partnering with someone who truly understands your journey and is dedicated to helping you achieve greater independence and companionship through the power of trained service dogs.

Stephen Carter
Stephen Carter is a permanently disabled combat veteran who served honorably in the U.S. Army as a member of the 101st Airborne Division. He enlisted straight out of high school, driven by a sense of duty and a desire to serve his country. During his military career, Stephen completed 26 months of deployment in Afghanistan, where he endured the physical and emotional toll of combat. Injuries sustained while serving ultimately led to his permanent disability, but his commitment to supporting fellow veterans never wavered. In 2012, Stephen met his wife, Lola, when he hired her to train his first service dog. That partnership marked the beginning of both a lifelong relationship and his involvement in the service dog world.
Since then, Stephen has remained actively engaged in the service dog industry, volunteering his time and insight to help others navigate their own journeys. Today, he serves as the veteran liaison for Mission: Service Dog, offering a unique and invaluable perspective as someone who has lived through the transition from active duty to civilian life with the support of a service dog. His ability to relate to and advocate for other veterans makes him an essential part of the Mission: Service Dog team. Outside of his volunteer work, Stephen is a devoted husband and father of two, and he continues to find purpose in giving back to the community that helped him heal.

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