Freedom Fidos is extremely blessed to be comprised of a growing Board of Directors. Despite many of our Members having jobs, family, and staying extremely busy: their love for humanity and K-9s not only led them to Freedom Fidos but also, the fire in their belly propels them to make a difference and CONNECT with community. They meaningfully participate because they are on purpose, with a compelling mission and personal values remaining committed to the WHY which results in a fulfilling culture. Because we clearly know our why the what and how continue to miraculously and organically not only allow us growth but also continuous amazement as we watch countless indescribable life MIRACLES occur.
Servant Leadership
Matt Burgess
CO-FOUNDER, Board President-nonvoting(1.Consistent with our interpretation of best practices 2.Coincides with internal controls, checks and balances, segregation of duties, and barrier to entry) |
Kristine Duncan:
President Elect: Treasurer VP Online Training Lead Trainer Compliance Kristine spent eighteen years as a treasurer and bookkeeper for a plumbing company while also pursuing a career in real estate. Kristine has a Bachelors of Business Administration from Columbus State University in Columbus Georgia which is also where Kristine resides. Kristine became associated with Freedom Fidos four years ago. Her passion for humanity and dogs led her to pursue increased involvement. For the past three years Kristine has been one of Freedom Fido’s main Service Dog Trainers as well as her role as the Treasurer, and a Board Member. While interacting with the dogs in addition to connecting with people through inspirational relationships Kristine arrived at the realization she has found her life’s meaning, purpose, and passion as a member of the Freedom Fido’s team. Fueled by the love of her Father, a Vietnam Veteran, who received a Bronze Star for his heroic actions, Kristine is dedicated to serving Veterans. Kristine has two wonderful daughters, Katelynn and Maddy. She is proud of the women they have become. |
Brinks Burgess: Canine CO -Founder
Chief Executive Dog Guardian Spirit |
Board of Directors
Ron & Yvonne Thornton
Yvonne: Service Dog Handler, Compliance, South Carolina Chief Development Officer, VP Service Dog Handler Selection Committee
Ron: HERO, Vietnam Veteran, Sergeant of Arms
Ron, Yvonne and their Service Dog Bianca Rose, are retired and live in Surfside Beach, S.C. they are the proud parents of 4 children, 11 Grandchildren and 2 Great Grandchildren.
Yvonne is a Service Dog Handler and actively involved in helping with public relations and fundraising for Freedom Fidos and Ron serves a Sergeant of Arms for Freedom Fidos.
Ron and Yvonne first met Matt in Murrells Inlet in 2015, where they were inspired by his vision and commitment to that vision. “Giving Freedom to those who defended Ours”. His love and compassion has no boundaries. They are proud and honored to be a part of Freedom Fidos Organization
Yvonne: Service Dog Handler, Compliance, South Carolina Chief Development Officer, VP Service Dog Handler Selection Committee
Ron: HERO, Vietnam Veteran, Sergeant of Arms
Ron, Yvonne and their Service Dog Bianca Rose, are retired and live in Surfside Beach, S.C. they are the proud parents of 4 children, 11 Grandchildren and 2 Great Grandchildren.
Yvonne is a Service Dog Handler and actively involved in helping with public relations and fundraising for Freedom Fidos and Ron serves a Sergeant of Arms for Freedom Fidos.
Ron and Yvonne first met Matt in Murrells Inlet in 2015, where they were inspired by his vision and commitment to that vision. “Giving Freedom to those who defended Ours”. His love and compassion has no boundaries. They are proud and honored to be a part of Freedom Fidos Organization

Ramona Rice:
VP Operations
R. Rice is an accomplished deaf-blind woman from San Diego, California, currently living in Utah near her children and grandchildren.
Despite of her dual sensory disability caused by Usher Syndrome, she has consistently proven herself able-bodied and clear-minded by working hard to conquer numerous obstacles in all areas of life, including family, education, community, and employment. Living with these extra challenges, she has shown tremendous courage and determination to overcome whatever life throws at her.
Ramona has risen to be a leader as a ’70s Track and Field star, in upper management positions with retail and banking industries, and as a relentless advocate for many non-profit organizations. She considers herself as ”Usher Warrior” because she has paved the way for individuals with disabilities to gain their civil rights in many areas. She is a gifted technical and grant writer, event planner, fundraiser, and collaborators for many non-profit organizations.
She follows up her first successful fundraising book Walk in My Shoes: An Anthology on Usher Syndrome (for Usher Syndrome Coalition organization) with her current book project, Walks in My Paws: An Anthology of Service Dog (for Freedom Fidos organization). She donates 100% of proceeds to respective organizations. They are available on Amazon website (Paperback, Kindle, and Large Print).
Ramona is currently working on a children’s book about service pups and their handlers, and is looking for prospective writers to share their story living with a child or an adult with autism ( Walk in My Steps: An Anthology on Autism).
www.afb.org/aw/21/3/16929
VP Operations
R. Rice is an accomplished deaf-blind woman from San Diego, California, currently living in Utah near her children and grandchildren.
Despite of her dual sensory disability caused by Usher Syndrome, she has consistently proven herself able-bodied and clear-minded by working hard to conquer numerous obstacles in all areas of life, including family, education, community, and employment. Living with these extra challenges, she has shown tremendous courage and determination to overcome whatever life throws at her.
Ramona has risen to be a leader as a ’70s Track and Field star, in upper management positions with retail and banking industries, and as a relentless advocate for many non-profit organizations. She considers herself as ”Usher Warrior” because she has paved the way for individuals with disabilities to gain their civil rights in many areas. She is a gifted technical and grant writer, event planner, fundraiser, and collaborators for many non-profit organizations.
She follows up her first successful fundraising book Walk in My Shoes: An Anthology on Usher Syndrome (for Usher Syndrome Coalition organization) with her current book project, Walks in My Paws: An Anthology of Service Dog (for Freedom Fidos organization). She donates 100% of proceeds to respective organizations. They are available on Amazon website (Paperback, Kindle, and Large Print).
Ramona is currently working on a children’s book about service pups and their handlers, and is looking for prospective writers to share their story living with a child or an adult with autism ( Walk in My Steps: An Anthology on Autism).
www.afb.org/aw/21/3/16929