Meet our Pack!

Diana Bakken
Executive Director and Founder
My love for these lost souls stems from my beautiful mom. Growing up, she taught me empathy and love for the helpless dogs who would be left at our doorstep or at the vet and we took a vital role in helping them. Helping a dog in need is hard-wired into the person I am. My daughter spurred on the passion of rescuing dogs when she made the decision to be involved in a rescue when she was in her teen years. We jumped into the organized rescue world with both feet and we never looked back. Over 300 foster pups have come and gone through the doors of our home and we have loved every single one and it hurts when they leave but that is how we know we are doing our job as fosters correctly. Our job is to love them, send them on their way, and then look to the next pup(s) we can help.
I am so proud to be the one to lead this amazing group of rescuers in saving as many dogs as we are responsibly able to. Rescuing the abandoned and those left wandering is where my heart lies in this horrible, yet rewarding world of rescue.
Our partnership with HASRA in Alabama is so dear to me as we work together to save as many lives as we can. My heart is on the front lines of this ongoing battle. Bringing them to safety, working on getting them healthy and loving on them is my world of rescue and I will give my every last breath in making this happen for them. I am honored to be working with so many people who share the same passion in Alabama and Minnesota alike.
I have an amazing support system in my family. My husband Kevin sees the big picture of dogs in need and understands the need to go the extra mile. My amazing children, Billy, Robby, Madeleine (Robby’s wife) and Laura all love this rescue and support me at every turn. My daughter Laura is involved in the daily activities of the rescue and her passion for these dogs leaves me amazed every day.
I am so excited to see where Warrior Dog will be in the coming years. People always tell me that my dreams are sometimes too big. I say, nothing is too big of a dream for these pups.
Meet Our Board Members

Marcy Anagnostou
Board Member, Director of Development & Dog Training Coordinator
I was moved to foster “just one dog” when I saw a post on the Warrior Dog Rescue Facebook page about a dog in need. Three and a half years later, and 66 foster pups later, I find myself feeling so grateful to be a part of this amazing rescue.
Each of the sweet fosters that have shared our home have taken a bit of our hearts with them as they journey on and find their forever family. There are tears shed with every departure, but being witness to a dog and their people coming perfectly together is an incredible gift that keeps us saying “YES!” to the next pup in need.
I am so thankful to my husband and my kids who support and share my passion for rescue..and for our own three pups- Bixby, Bailey, and Chloe for sharing their toys and space with all the fosters. I am also incredibly thankful to have met some of the most caring and amazing people on this journey in rescue! The team at HASRA has my whole heart. They are on the front lines of rescuing dogs from horrid situations, off the streets, and out of kill shelters. I could not be more proud of our partnership with them. The Warrior Dog family has restored my faith in humanity and gifted me with knowing some of the most empathetic, and passionate people I have ever met. Grateful isn’t a sufficient enough word for what this rescue has brought to my life.
I have a varied professional background from Director of Operations for a financial planning organization, to teaching preschool. I am thankful each day to share this life with my husband, my three kids, my son-in-law, and the sweetest grandson that there could ever be.

Leslie Kuehn
Board Member and Adoption Coordinator
I have been volunteering with Warrior Dog Rescue for about 2 years and joined the board in January 2020. I have done several things while involved with the rescue including, but not limited to: walking dogs in boarding, taking dogs to adoption events, fostering, helping at transport, home visits, adoption completions, assistance with whelping litters, bottle-feeding puppies, adoption coordinator, and board member. If I could have a hundred dogs, I would!
By education, I am an attorney and a member of the Minnesota State Bar. In my daily work life, I advise clients on income taxes, estate planning and taxes, and other financial planning matters. I am also a trustee for a private trust company,
My husband Derek and I live in Lakeville. We have had so many great foster dogs in such a short time and love being part of Warrior Dog! In my free time, I can be found hitting the walking paths with my resident pup, Harley year-round. When I get some quiet time, I also love to read, garden, crochet, do jigsaw puzzles, and cook.

Maggie Stanton
Board Member
As a child I grew up always having a dog in the house. They provided me with companionship and comfort during difficult times like my parents’ divorce, moving to a different home in a new school district away from my friends, and challenging social dynamics in school. For these reasons, and many more, I knew I wanted my four boys to grow up with a dog or two or TEN! We decided on a Golden Retriever and I trained her to be a therapy dog. I found training to be so rewarding and such a bonding experience for me and my pup, I decided to foster a dog and train him to be a companion dog for a military veteran. For me it was a win-win situation because I could give a dog a home and train him, as well as bring volunteering into our home to show my children how important it is to give.
As the pandemic first hit in March of 2020, I made a decision to fill out an application to foster for Warrior Dog Rescue. We took in our first foster Memorial Day Weekend of 2020, and within a year I met my goal of twelve dogs in twelve months. I cry every time a pup goes to their forever home; sad tears for me, but happy tears for the pup and new owner(s). Showing these sweet pups what love is all about fills my heart.
A favorite quote of mine is…“Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog the world will change forever.” I am grateful to be a person who can help change a dog’s world, and I am honored to be a part of this organization.

Spike Rickert
Board Member, Foster Mentor and Trainer
Shortly after joining a rescue organization, I received an email to help find a lost dog, so I headed right over. That’s where I met my future best friend. Her name was……Diana.
Fast forward 2 months and after a very tough, 20 second conversation with Diana, I decided to join her in starting a new rescue. Warrior Dog Rescue.
Meet Our Team

Hannah Anagnostou
Dog Training Team
Hannah Anagnostou CPDT-KA, Family Dog Mediator™
I have been captivated by the canine species literally since birth. My parents have shared that as soon as I could walk, I would launch towards every dog I saw. Our family adopted my first dog, Doby when I was three and solidified my affinity for dogs. We started fostering for Warrior Dog Rescue soon after we experienced the incredible loss of her. The wonderful (and sometimes crazy) experience of fostering now sixty-four dogs expanded my knowledge and grew our family by way of two foster fails. After two years of fostering, I attended Bergin University of Canine Studies, in Penngrove California, and graduated with an Associate of Science Degree in Assistance Dog Education. Since then, I have continued my education by passing the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers’ exam to earn the title of Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA). My education has evoked a love for teaching and sharing my knowledge with others. I have been working with Paws Abilities Dog Training since January 2022 where I truly found my niche in the community where I can make a difference in the lives of people and their dogs. I have used all that I have learned to assist Warrior Dog Rescue with their training program in educating fosters. I am excited to share what I have learned through becoming a certified Family Dog Mediator™ through Kim Brophey’s L.E.G.S. program. The education I received through their program furthered my understanding to the vastness and complexities of the canine species. My knowledge and education empower me, and I hope to share the same with dogs and their people so they can live happy and fulfilling lives together.

Laura Bakken
Medical Intake Coordinator
My heart for rescue dogs came from my mom and grandma. They taught me to love the ones who don’t have a voice and to do whatever it takes to help them. I talked my mom into getting involved with rescue and I have loved it every step of the way.
We have fostered over 300 dogs in my home and every single one is very special to me.
Watching them go from being broken to being whole is so rewarding. My happy place is at HASRA, our shelter partner in Alabama. Being there and seeing the look in their eyes when a
dog first feels safe is like no other feeling in the world. Being a voice for the voiceless has become my goal in rescue. My passion for the bully breeds is where my heart lies.
I help in many different areas in the rescue. Recently, I have taken on the role of one of the Intake Medical Coordinators. Transport time is a busy time and I am proud to be part of it.
I am so honored to be part of the rescue and stand beside my mom on this journey.

Cody Oertling
Dog House Supervisor
Hi everyone! My name is Cody Oertling and I joined WDR earlier this year and I have already learned so much in the short time that I’ve been here! I’m originally from Louisiana and moved to Minnesota in 2016 after spending 3 years in Alaska with the Army. I can’t remember a time in my life growing up where dogs weren’t around. Not only did we have our own dogs, but my mom was like the neighborhood dog mom so we would always have lots of fur babies at our home visiting!
Currently I’m a Flight Attendant and that doesn’t make it ideal to have a dog of my own but I knew I still wanted to get involved in some way helping dogs that have had a rough start to life. After doing some research I came across WDR and fell in love. The passion, love, knowledge and care that the people here have is simple amazing and I feel like I learn something new every day.
When I’m not at WDR I’m either flying the friendly skies, fishing one of the many lakes Minnesota has to offer, going to a concert, or serving as a proud member of the Minnesota National Guard. Hope to see you volunteering at our facility or at a WDR event soon!

Courtney Kaufhold
Dog House Supervisor and Dog House Volunteer Coordinator
Hi everyone! I am Courtney and between volunteering and fostering, I have been with Warrior Dog since 2019. The beginning of my Warrior Dog journey came when a close family friend contacted my family asking us to foster a pup that was being left behind on a transport leaving Alabama in 30 minutes, as not tagged by a family. I have volunteered at dog adoption events, assisted at incoming transports, perform Zoom home visits, and was a driver as part of an eye-opening dog transport from Alabama to Minnesota. My family and I have fostered puppies and adolescent dogs, giving them a safe, loving home until they are able to find their furever homes.
I am currently studying at Concordia University for Sonography but continue my passion of caring for the pups that need us the most at the Dog House, foster additional pups, and volunteer however I am able.
Remember that pup mentioned above that was going to be left behind, our first foster? Well, he ended up becoming our first foster fail as well. We have adopted one additional Warrior Dog foster to bring my family’s 4-legged count to four (3 dogs & 1 cat). I like to think I am their favorite as I spoil them rotten with homemade frozen dog treats and many car trips for pup cups & ice cream!!

Andrea Riolo
Dog House Supervisor
Hi my name is Andrea Riolo and I’m the proud momma of two wonderful fur babies (Moose pictured above.) Moose is my three year old Dachshund and I also have a 10 year old Jack Russel named Dozer. I grew up in California and for as long as I can remember my family was always rescuing and taking in lost or stray animals. I started volunteering at WDR this year and quickly fell in love with the mission, dogs and people. I mean how can you not?
When I’m not volunteering at WDR I’m working in corporate America as an accountant. My dream is to retire with enough land to have multiple fosters and continue to rescue as many animals as I can (Shhh don’t tell my boyfriend.
I fully believe we as humans don’t deserve the love of animals and I just want to give back everything I can because they deserve so much better!

Chris Floeder
Dog House Manager and Data Entry
Hi all. My name is Chris Floeder (Winterfeldt on FB). I have been with WDR since August 2019. I currently wear many hats in the Rescue; Data Entry, Doug House Supervisor, Banking, and ANYTHING else Diana asks me to do!
I have always had a passion for all animals, but especially dogs. It is such an honor to be involved with such an amazing group of people who work so selflessly to save these animals.
I just recently had the incredible opportunity to travel to HASRA, our partners in Alabama, to bring back more dogs/puppies. I can tell you that the dedication and love they have for these dogs is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
I am so proud to be a part of this group and look forward to the many lives we have yet to save.

Rosie Hamann
Dog House Supervisor
Hi! My name is Rosie. I was born and raised in Burnsville Minnesota. I have had a passion for helping animals for as long as I can remember. I’ve owned and worked with many different types of animals including dogs, goats, cats, and many others. I have always been my happiest around any sort of animal. Before becoming a supervisor I had fostered and volunteered at Warrior dog along with other rescues. I am currently still in high school and am involved with activities such as 4-H and FFA. I am planning on following my passion with animals in my decision to further my education and career.

Kaylea Hoenigschmidt
Dog House Supervisor and Adoption Coordinator
As an Adoption Coordinator, I help more with the behind the scenes aspect of Warrior Dog to help find all these wonderful pups their forever families. I am so glad I got involved with a group of people who share similar values and aspirations in life. I am proud to be a part of the Warrior Dog family, not only as an Adoption Coordinator, but also as a foster and adopter. If you share these same values of trying to save innocent lives, come join the Warrior dog family!

Kori Ennen
Foster Coordinator & Mentor, Dog Profile Coordinator, and Social Media Director
Hi all, my name is Kori Ennen and I am one of the foster mentors on the Warrior Dog team.
I am currently pursuing my nursing degree to one day be a registered nurse.
Since beginning my fostering journey, I have met some phenomenal friends and had the opportunity to meet hundreds of amazing dogs. I have been fortunate enough to be able to provide a foster home for over 35 and a forever home for our “foster fail” Little.
I have been given some once in a lifetime opportunities including driving a transport of mammas and puppies up from Alabama which is when I welcomed home my first orphan foster pup.
I absolutely love fostering dogs that have some special home life needs. Being a part of the Warrior Dog team has shown me what love and commitment truly looks like and I am so proud to be a part of it.

Kayla Lanes
Heartworm Medical Care Coordinator
I’ve been volunteering as Heartworm Coordinator with WDR since May of 2019. The rescue’s holistic approach is unmatched by any other rescue I’ve worked with in the Metro area, and I am continually impressed by the seemingly endless amounts of generosity, energy and time that members give to ensure that each and every dog receives safety, health and happiness. I am grateful and proud to be a small part of this unconditionally loving team.

Coral Feltault
Medical Intake Coordinator
My name is Coral and I am an advocate for four legged fur babies who do not have a voice of their own. I started fostering and volunteering with Warrior Dog Rescue three years ago to try to find a good fit for my resident dog, Mitzi. Well, we found our match in our second foster, Duke (now known as Cubby) and we adopted him. Then we kept fostering. We have fostered well over 50 dogs now and my heart is so full knowing that they all have better lives!
In the midst of fostering and volunteering with the rescue, I am also employed full time, married to an amazing husband and am a mom to two amazing children who share my passion in saving these pups. My patient and amazing children have broken some of our fosters out of a shutdown state when I couldn’t. They have experienced birthing a litter and crying tears of happiness when fosters leave our house for their forever home. These experiences are life changing and no words can describe how happy I am that my family is a part of this journey with me.
Life is busy and chaotic (a good chaos!) and for as crazy as life can be, I know that we won’t ever turn our backs on a dog in need.

Jen Ochoa
Transport Coordinator
My Warrior Dog Journey started in February 2020. I went to a foster event to look at a puppy my daughter wanted and ended up coming out of the event with an application to adopt and foster! In talking to the volunteers at the adoption event I knew this was an organization I wanted to be part of. Everyone said, “you feel like a family” and I couldn’t agree more. My house has been full of pups since!
By day, I am a Director of Operations for a plus size clothing company. After work, and weekends I spend my time enjoying life with family, friends, and pups.
Volunteering with this rescue has been one of the best decisions that I have ever made!

Wendy Laramy
Adoption Coordinator
Hi! I’m Wendy. My journey with Warrior Dog Rescue started when we adopted one of our dogs in 2021. From the start, I was impressed with how much this rescue cares about the dogs and finding the right fit for each of them that I started volunteering. What started out as hanging with the puppies at the dog house led to helping out at transports, events, reference checks, and then eventually fostering. As much as it’s hard to say goodbye, I love seeing my fosters find their forever homes!
My husband and I have two children and two rescue dogs, Luna and Rocket. I am a Product Manager by day. I am proud to be a part of this wonderful organization and grateful to have met some amazing people here.

Brittney Garwood
Adoption Coordinator and Event Planner
Hi everyone! My name is Brittney Garwood and for as long as I can remember I have been obsessed with animals! My parents still point out to this day that way back in kindergarten I stood on a table and proclaimed to my fellow kindergardeners–and their parents–that when I grew up I was going to have a daycare for dogs and cats.. Turns out fostering dogs can feel pretty similar to that! I have two dogs of my own: Scooby and Scrappy. Scooby is 6 years old now and still the love of my life. Scrappy was one of my fosters that simply refused to leave so I adopted him too!
In the other parts of my life I am currently a law student with Mitchell Hamline School of Law, as well as being a law clerk with the Public Defenders office in Minnesota. I am also an Adoption Coordinator with Warrior Dog, but regardless of how much I take on, I still make time to foster. It is the best feeling when you take in a scared little dog and help them find their confidence and learn how great life can be! Watching these dogs that I have helped so much grow and find their forever families is one of the best things I think we can do. Warrior Dog is a wonderful place to be and will welcome you with open arms!

Sarah Less
Dog Training Team and Medication Coordinator

Kelly Loeffler
Photographer & Instagram Manager

Christine Upton
Medical Records Manager and Vetting Coordinator
Within WDR, I have a daily reminder of what people can accomplish when they take action and the difference it can make in the life of a rescue dog.
Outside of WDR, I manage a restaurant and spend time reading and hanging out with my 4-year-old German Shepherds, Daisy Bear, and Tinker.

Shanna Braun
Medical Spay & Neuter Manager
Professionally, I’m a senior environmental scientist and vice president at an environmental consulting firm. In this role, I assess environmental and regulatory implications of development projects and work with teams to find ways to achieve project goals in a way that minimize environmental effects.
My husband and I live in South Minneapolis where you can find us hitting the trails with a local run club that we help lead – ask me what I’m training for next. We also enjoy camping, cooking, checking out local breweries, and adding stamps to our MN state parks and hiking club passports with our resident pup, Roma.

Hannah Bohrer
Dog House Supervisor

Audrey Stein
Dog House Supervisor
Hello, my name is Audrey and I’m a Supervisor at the Dog House. I have had the privilege of being part of this team since mid-2021. When not at the Dog House, I work full-time as an Executive Assistant at a large healthcare company and take care of my fur babies Dude and Grits. I love to volunteer and give back to the community. What better way to do this than spending time at Warrior Dog Rescue with all of the precious pups who need love, attention and a furever home to call their own.

Erin Lewison
Dog House Supervisor and Volunteer Coordinator

Lindsay Lanz
Foster & Reference Coordinator and Event Planner

Mia Blundetto
Volunteer Coordinator
Hi, my name is Mia Blundetto, and I was born and raised in Apple Valley, MN. When I was a little girl, I remember saying that when I grew up I wanted to be a “vegetarian” (meaning to say, Veterinarian!). Though I have taken a different route in life my love for animals, especially dogs, is bigger than I could ever imagine! I love all creatures and critters that walk the earth, but dogs will forever have a very special place in my heart.
I have been fortunate enough to rescue 4 dogs over the past 7 years, 3 that came from family members and 1 that came from Warrior Dog Rescue! I’ve known for a while now that a passion of mine is helping dogs and it was because of adopting Nala (formerly Bippity from the Cinderella litter) that I have now found myself as part of the Warrior Dog Rescue team.
When I’m not volunteering, you can find me finishing up my graduate degree in Acupuncture and Chinese medicine and spending my time with my own two pups, Charlie and Nala.
I could not be more excited to be a part of something bigger and I look forward to working with everyone and supporting such an important cause and mission.

Leah Putz
Dog House Supervisor
Hi! My name is Leah, and I’ve been volunteering and fostering with Warrior Dog Rescue since early 2022 and became a supervisor late that same year. Fostering has been so rewarding, as has meeting the puppies at the doghouse and devoting my time to their care. I have a 5 year old resident dog who is my whole world. When I’m not at WDR, I’m working, writing, or traveling!

Julie Thompson
Foster Mentor
My name is Julie, I have been with WDR since October 2022. I have a passion for saving these sweet animals. I am recently remarried, have two grown children and two bonus grown children. My husband and I reside in Maple Grove. When I started with WDR I had one resident dog and cat and now have added a foster fail, Montego. My hope as a foster mentor is to help make this experience the best possible and guidance along this journey in any way I can. This foster journey, as some of you know, is not always easy, however, it is so worth it and very rewarding. You may not be fostering a dog right now, but that’s ok, know whatever help you can give is greatly appreciated. Whether that be temp fostering or helping at events, it is all needed and very much appreciated. I am blessed to be on this beautiful journey

Michelle Christianson
Adoption Coordinator
Hi everyone! I’m Michelle Christianson. It all started with cuddling puppies, which was the best “job” ever. Then I remembered the feeling I got when I received the email that said “you’re approved for adoption” for my Warrior Dog, Kep in 2020. Now, being an Adoption Coordinator, I get that same wonderful feeling sending that email to people adopting their new furry family member. I am very fortunate to be able to volunteer for many opportunities for WDR and look forward to continuing to be part of the team.
By day, I am married and a mom to 2 adult children. I am a Minnesota sports fan, which at times has me question my dedication! We have 2 dogs, Rio and Kep (a Warrior Dog). Spending time with them outside (in the sun) is one of my favorite things to do! I also work, but would much rather be volunteering 🙂

Tracy Hall
Temporary Foster Coordinator
Hi, my name is Traci Hall and I started volunteering with rescues when I was a child. I have done just about everything including walking, training, taking pictures, planning events, and of course adopting. After my fur baby passed, I struggled to find a reason to walk and looked for an organization to walk and train dogs. I found Warrior Dog Rescue and started volunteering in March 2022. That spring, I temp fostered a bunch of dogs and met my girl, Mary. I was fortunate to find WDR and Mary in my short time in Minnesota. Mary and I are nomads now and we travel around and volunteer remote. I love volunteering with Warrior Dog Rescue so much I didn’t want to stop even after we moved. Temp fostering is great because you get to meet so many amazing dogs and their amazing fosters and you know when you commit how long you will have the dog. Warrior Dog Rescue is great because of the team, the support, and the resources you get that most rescues do not offer. Reach out and see how we can help you!

Steve Thieking
Dog House Supervisor
Hi! My name is Steve and I started volunteering with Warrior Dog Rescue in July of 2022. I found out about WDR when my daughter adopted a dog from them and I came to a fundraising event with her. After meeting some of the wonderful people and seeing the adorable puppies I knew I wanted to volunteer. What started out as coming in to play with the dogs once or twice a week has turned into a great way to fill my days in retirement I have driven and worked transport, worked adoption events and recently became a supervisor at the Dog House. Being able to be a part of this team and helping these dogs find a new life is so rewarding. The best job I ever had!

Megan Ritchie
Foster Mentor
Hi! My name is Megan, and I am thrilled to be volunteering with Warrior Dog Rescue. We adopted our first Warrior dog, Crosby, in January 2020. My son and I started volunteering at the Dog House in 2022 because he wanted to help with the puppies. Our second Warrior dog, Una, came our way in February 2023. I love helping dogs find their forever families.
In my everyday life, I am married and we have four boys along with our two dogs. If I am not working, I am either watching a soccer game, driving my kids to practice, trying new recipes or reading a book. Our family loves traveling and I am always planning our next trip.