Meet our Board members
Michael Hinkle, President & Co-Founder
Michael Hinkle, President & Co-Founder is a proud U.S. Army veteran who served from 1982 to 1990 as a Military Police Officer (95B). Stationed with the 287th Military Police Company in the Berlin Brigade, Michael played a critical role in maintaining security and order in one of the most historically significant postings of the Cold War era.
As a Team Leader, Michael was responsible for leading and mentoring fellow soldiers, ensuring operational readiness, and upholding the highest standards of military discipline. The exceptional leadership environment within the Berlin Brigade played a pivotal role in shaping Michael’s approach to leadership—emphasizing accountability, adaptability, and teamwork.
Throughout his service, Michael developed a deep commitment to leading by example, fostering unit cohesion, and making sound decisions under pressure. These leadership principles, forged in the demanding environment of military service, have continued to influence his professional and personal endeavors beyond the Army.
Michael has now been retired for 4 years and in a Wheelchair. Upon returning to Lebanon, Mo in April 2022, Michael received a service dog “Fred” who he trained, and they are always together either at a race or listening to live music or on cold days can be found in the afternoons at Lowe’s playing with a tennis ball. Michael is highly motivated to pay forward his gift with a service dog nonprofit,
Keli Stone Vice President & Co-founder
Keli Stone – Founder & Director, Show Me Shooting Sports Keli Stone is the Founder and Director of Show Me Shooting Sports, a nonprofit organization dedicated to Para and Veteran archery and air rifle. With over 20 years of advocacy for inclusion, Keli is passionate about providing adaptive sports opportunities for individuals of all abilities. As a USA Archery Level III Coach and an NRA Range Safety Officer Trainer, Keli has worked closely with athletes, empowering them through skill development and community support. Her firsthand experience with service dogs, both as an owner and advocate, inspired her partnership with 4 Pawz 4 Heroes. Having personally experienced the life-changing impact of service dogs like Belle and Woody, she is committed to helping others gain the same independence and support. Keli looks forward to continuing her mission—fostering partnerships that change lives.
Jennifier Hirakawa Director of Training
Jennifer Hirakawa is a professional with over 30 years of experience in canine training, program management, and behavior. After retiring from the U.S. Army Military Police Corps as a Master Sergeant in May 2012, she dedicated her civilian career to enhancing the human-canine bond.
During her military service, she completed multiple deployments, including IFOR, SFOR, and OEF. She successfully passed the German National Dog Trainers Exam, adding international credentials to her expertise.
Since founding Kawa Farms K9 Training in 2012, Jennifer has focused on training dogs and their handlers across various breeds and temperaments. Although she does train pet dogs, conducting behavior consultations, and teaching basic/advanced obedience. Her passion is with teaches canine behavior in working dog programs, specializing in odor-detection dogs and service dogs. Based in Winterset, Iowa, she also travels to assess and collaborate with operational K9 teams.
Currently, in the SAR world Jennifer is working with K9 Billie in Human Remains Detection (HRD -NNCDS Certified). Her experience includes HRD in the wilderness, HRD in water, Area search (Live non-scent specific), and K9 mapping programs such as SARTOPO. She has held certifications in AERIE (HRD), AERIE (Area Search – live), and NNCDS (HRD Water—Shoreline and Boat).
As for the Service Dog world, Jenn has placed 7 dogs from start to finish as service dogs for a variety of skills and needs for their handlers and has assisted in the training and placement of over 30 dogs in the last 10 years working with 2 major service dog organizations.
Jennifer is committed to professional development. She holds memberships in organizations such as the Alliance for Emergency Response Examiners (AERIE), where she serves as an instructor and examiner, and the National Network of Canine Detection Services (NNCDS), where she evaluates land and water HRD. the International Association of Animal Behavioral Consultants (IAABC), Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), and other CUE-requiring dog training organizations, including the Academic Standards Board—Dogs and Sensors Committee.
Marion Sivard Board Member
Married with seven children and seven grandchildren. I have dedicated over 25 years to raising Boxers and am proud to own Mardardogs, where we show and breed these wonderful dogs. In addition to breeding, we also offer high-quality dog treats and toys. I hold a Master's degree in Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice, and I have a background in law enforcement. Currently, I serve as the Security Director at Highland Springs.
Tiffany Foxx
Bio coming soon...