Amie Schwinghammer

Founder/Executive Director

I am a grateful American, duty-disabled retired law enforcement officer (LEO), and absolute dog lover. I was born in St. Cloud and have never left the area. Education is one of my biggest “hobbies”; I graduated from Apollo High School, and attended St. Cloud State University (SCSU) for the better part of 19 years to finish my B.S degree in Elective Studies with an emphasis in Criminal Justice. I then completed the Criminal Justice Master’s program at SCSU in 2012, which included a summer semester studying abroad in the UK. After sustaining an injury at work, I started the Doctor of Executive Leadership program at the University Of Charleston West Virginia; I completed the coursework phase with honors, but COVID-19 challenged my ability to complete the dissertation portion of the program, so that is still an unfinished experience in my odyssey. 

In June 2022, I had to leave my career in law enforcement, and I needed to find my new purpose/passion. In the fall of 2022, I embarked on a new odyssey to become a dog trainer. Out of the formal training I received as a certified canine training specialist and countless hours working with client dogs, volunteering at the Tri-County Humane Society, working with the Veterans and their companion dogs at The Nest, and reading/podcasts/online classes/and learning from my mentors, Heroes has evolved as a non-profit organization that combines my passions for supporting veterans, first responders, dogs, education, community, and personal development.

Kathy Zenzen

Chairperson

Kathy lives in St. Joseph, MN with her dog, Rosie and two cats. She has two grown children and five grandchildren, who she sees and spends time with often. She’s the Vice President of Operations at Engel Metallurgical where she has oversight of Finance, Administration, Marketing, Human Resources and Information Systems. Rosie, a border collie, accompanies Kathy to work most days and is a great employee. Prior to joining Engel Metallurgical Kathy held several management roles including St. Cloud Wireless Holdings (Cellular 2000/Sprint) and United Way of Central Minnesota. Kathy has served on several boards including the Center for Non-Profit Excellence for Central Minnesota’s board. She brings a wealth of knowledge to the board chair position. Outside of work and dogs, Kathy’s passion is the ocean, sitting by it, snorkeling over it, or scuba diving into it. However, being landlocked and thousands of miles away from the sea, she travels frequently to warmer climates where the waves crash against the shore.

Sean Haney

Vice Chairperson

Sean Haney brings over two decades of experience in the county correctional system, where he developed an understanding of rehabilitation and resilience, and saw firsthand the importance of second chances. His professional background has shaped his belief in the value of service and the transformative power of support. An advocate for both people and animals, Sean is passionate about connecting dogs with veterans and first responders who are in need of or seeking a new start. In his role as Vice Chairperson of Heroes K-9 Odyssey, he plays a part in guiding the organization’s mission to train dogs and provide renewed purpose to those who have served their country and communities. Sean’s work is driven by a core belief in the dignity and worth of every life, best reflected in one of his favorite quotes: "I know in my heart that man is good. That what is right will always eventually triumph and there's purpose and worth to each and every life." - Ronald Reagan

Jeannine Miller

Secretary 

Jeannine is a dedicated professional with 30 years of experience as a Special Education Coordinator. As a single parent of two active high school boys, she understands the importance of patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement—qualities she brings to training her own dog, Doug. An avid outdoors enthusiast, Jeannine loves hiking, rock hunting, and camping with her loyal canine companion by her side. Her passion for dogs, quality education and consistency, and commitment to helping others make her a trusted partner in this exciting endeavor.

Cheryl Weatherford

Treasurer 

Cheryl is a healthcare executive with over 30 years of business experience.  She has been married to her husband Paul for 35 years, and they have two adult children and two grandsons.  She strongly believes that we need to honor and support those “heroes” who put themselves at risk to serve and protect us at the top of the list and do all that we can to support them on their journeys.  In her spare time Cheryl enjoys hiking, gardening, cooking, and watching college football.  Her desire to give back to those that are truly “heroes” and business acumen is key to her being a part of this odyssey.

John Freihammer

Board Member

John is an Air Force veteran with 17 years of corrections work. He left corrections a few years ago and has been back working in plumbing and heating since. John likes to read non-fiction books, travel around the state to visit different breweries, and while he is no longer playing recreational sports with friends, he still enjoys a good competition which is represented by playing board games or poker. John’s favorite hobby is Texas or Omaha Hold’em poker. Poker requires knowledge, reasoning, math, attention to detail, and constant learning, but it is still a social activity that allows for engagement with other people and friends. John hopes that the same attributes his hobbies encompass will help Heroes.

Matt Majetich

Board Member

With a strong foundation in canine behavior and years of hands-on experience, I started my own business, Hi Level Canine Training, helping dogs and their owners build trust, discipline, and lasting bonds. I later co-owned Peaks-9 Dog Training, expanding my reach in the dog training world. I then transitioned into public service and completed the mini academy at Larimer County Jail to become a deputy.

Outside of work, I care for 8 dogs and 2 horses, and I actively compete in disc competitions in Loveland with two of my dogs. Whether it’s working with animals or serving the community, I’m driven by discipline, dedication, and the desire to make a difference.

Andrew LaCount

Board Member

Andrew lives in Buffalo, MN, with his wife Carlie and their beloved K9, Bosco. Andrew has spent a decade committed to the well-being of employees through his career in HR. Currently, he is the Area Director of Human Resources for US Foods. Andrew thrives on the ability to be a “dinner table conversation” for those he positively impacts and is motivated to impact as many people as possible. He and his wife love adventuring; whether around the great state of Minnesota or overseas, they are constantly on the move!