Current Members of The Pipeline Program
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Phase Two - CandidateDillon is a retired Marine Corps Officer where he was previously assigned to infantry and then moved into Special Operations Officer with Marine Special Operations Command. He served seven tours overseas including two tours in Iraq and two tours in Afghanistan. Dillon retired in 2018 and moved to Jackson Wyoming to start his post military career with Snow King Mountain Resort.
Dillon spent six years in the business community in roles focused on business operations and project management with Snow King Mountain Resort, Figure Technologies, Sitka Gear, HQ Digital, and most recently WideSense. He’s overcome business challenges in the COVID-19 era and is now striving to become a licensed mental health care provider. Dillon was recently accepted to Walla Walla University’s Masters of Social Work program. He plans to start his education online and transition to a full time in person program within the next couple of years.
Dillon grew up in rural Montana and after leaving the state for twenty years returned in 2019. He is working towards his degree and licensure and has a vision to support fellow SOF veterans, those impacted by trauma, and the greater rural Montana veteran community. His drive to become a therapist stemmed from his own struggles with PTSD/TBI, surfacing in his post military life.
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Phase One - ProspectJoe Fraley is a retired Marine Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician and is married with two kids. He spent eight years at Marine Corps Special Operations Command as an EOD Tech. In addition to his time at MARSOC, Joe deployed nine times globally, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Lebanon. On one deployment to Afghanistan, Joe was wounded and subsequently evacuated back to Naval Medical Center- Balboa, where he did extensive rehab.
During his time at MARSOC, Joe was introduced to sport and performance psychology following a training injury. He started working with the command Cognitive Performance Specialists and realized he was passionate about helping tactical athletes realize their full potential. Additionally, Joe believes increasing cognitive functioning is a form of preventative medicine by treating brain health before a mental, physical, or moral injury occurs.
Joe will complete his undergraduate degree in December 2023 with a psychology major. After he graduates, he plans on applying to multiple graduate programs but is considering the University of Western States. UWS has a sport and performance psychology master’s program. In addition to the master's program, Joe is looking at a Doctor of Education in sport and performance psychology specializing in clinical mental health counseling.
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Phase Three - FellowMatt is a retired United States Marine. He served 20 years as a career intelligence professional. Matt has multiple combat deployments and served across the full range of military operations including special operations, aviation, training & education, and humanitarian assistance to name a few.
Matt graduated from the University of Southern California with a Master of Social Work (MSW), with an emphasis in military social work. Matt completed a one-year clinical social work internship with the Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program (SARP), Naval Hospital, Camp Pendleton, California; Here he gained invaluable experience working with client experiences in trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Substance Use Disorders (SUD).
Matt will continue his professional journey as an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW) with Bellator Psychological Consulting Corporation in San Diego, CA. He plans to continue working with the military, veteran and first responders, but is excited to start working with clients from all walks of life. Matt likes to explore life with clients to help increase self-awareness by understanding the impacts of events in our lives.
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Phase Three - FellowMelissa is a dedicated professional nearing the end of a 20-year career in the United States Air Force. Her journey as an independent medic was marked by numerous deployments and a steadfast commitment to serving her country. With her unwavering dedication, Melissa not only gained extensive experience but also developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by military personnel and their families.
Melissa's passion for helping others led her to pursue a Master of Social Work degree at Florida State University in 2023. Shortly after graduating, she became a Licensed Clinical Social Work Associate. As she prepares to retire from the Air Force next summer, Melissa is excited about her future endeavors. Her focus is on providing counseling and therapy services to the local community, with a special emphasis on supporting the Special Operations Forces (SOF) community. Melissa's transition from the military to the field of social work is driven by a deep desire to continue helping others, now as a civilian, and make a positive difference in the lives of those she serves.
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Phase Three - FellowJohn Prucha is a decorated combat veteran who has deployed ten times in six years as a private in 3rd Ranger Battalion and as a high-threat protection specialist serving in both Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere throughout the Middle East. John is a Phase 3 Fellow residing in Georgia.
John graduated cum laude in two years with a B.S. in Religion: Christian Counseling in 2018 from Liberty University. He remained at his alma mater to earn a full scholarship and his M.A. in Professional Counseling graduating in January of 2022. During this time John gained clinical experience having completed a 600-hour internship and practicum at the University of West Georgia Counseling Center where he conducted assessments, testing, intakes, and counseled a diverse population of college students during a global pandemic. He intentionally sought this opportunity out to learn how to empathetically and compassionately listen to others who vote and believe differently than he does.
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Phase Two - CandidateTyler is a husband and father of two who is approaching the end of a 21-year active-duty career. An Infantry Marine turned Intelligence Professional, he served six deployments between Iraq, Afghanistan, and the pacific theater. Tyler spent five years as an intelligence enabler providing direct support to Marine Special Operations Teams with 1st Marine Raider Battalion.
As his career progressed and his operational tempo slowed, the cumulative effect of conducting continual training and deployment cycles without addressing the mental and spiritual challenges of combat began to take their toll. Working through these challenges gave Tyler the courage to begin discussing his journey with trusted colleagues, leading him to discover that nearly all of his peers were suffering the same challenges in silence, fearful of seeking help. This discovery coupled with a tragic string of suicides amongst his colleagues and friends were the catalyst that drove Tyler to take an active role in addressing the mental health crisis in the veteran and active-duty communities.
Tyler is currently pursuing his Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California with a concentration in Military Populations and Settings. He looks forward to utilizing his military and combat experiences and passion for service to narrow the divides that preclude many service members and veterans from seeking and receiving effective mental health treatment. Post-graduation, Tyler aims to support veterans and service-members in their growth and healing through direct and group practice and has particular interest in the application of psychedelic assisted therapies in this pursuit.
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Phase One - ProspectJoey is coming to the end of his 20-year career in the United States Marine Corps, during which he served as an Infantry Unit Leader and Critical Skills Operator in Marine Special Operations Command. Most recently, he became one of the first Critical Skills Operators to become a Marine Gunner. Joey has undertaken six combat deployments to Iraq and Africa.
Throughout his adult life, Joey's focus has been on his career in the Marine Corps, always striving to make those around him better, while disregarding his own needs. He struggled with his own issues daily but kept them hidden, driven by his desire to complete the mission. However, this eventually became too much for Joey to handle. His life began to crumble, and he was on the verge of becoming another statistic. That's when he made the decision to seek help.
Joey went to the Loral Ridge Mission Resiliency Treatment Center in San Antonio, Texas, where he worked tirelessly with his peers, therapists, psychologists, and others to heal holistically for two months. It was here that Joey realized his passion was not for the Marine Corps, but for helping people. Having lived through and overcome trauma and traumatic events, he was driven to help others with similar issues - not just within the SOF, but also first responders, nurses, doctors, and others who encounter trauma daily.
Currently, Joey is finishing up his Bachelor's in Psychology from Walden University, with an accelerated into Masters of Social Work program.
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Phase Two - CandidateMandi is a graduate of Liberty University with a BS in Psychology and a devoted spouse for 17 years to an active-duty Special Operations Service Member.
Like many military families, they have endured multiple moves, limited extended family support, and extensive deployments. Mandi and her family planted roots in Virginia Beach where she recently opened a small business in her community. She also volunteers her time assisting families of the NSW community and currently serves as The Director of Family Outreach at The Mandatum Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports military members as they transition into the civilian sector.
As she assisted other military-connected families to overcome the challenges inherent to this unique lifestyle, she was inspired to take her passion one step further by immersing herself into the realm of therapy.
Mandi decided to begin the Marriage and Family Therapy program at National University and will complete this program in the spring of 2025. She is excited about collaborating with families of the SOF community and applying holistic approaches to her therapy practice.
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Phase Two - CandidateJeff Boss is a former Navy SEAL who conducted eight deployments at various commands, including SEAL Team 4 and Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU). He's been referred to as a "walking swiss army knife" after having been a management consultant, leadership coach, financial analyst, training and exercise specialist, keynote speaker, author, media writer, yoga teacher, and more. However his most important roles are those of father and husband. Jeff is currently pursuing his second Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling so he can be the change for mental health that he wants to see in veterans, first responders, and law enforcement officers.
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Phase Two - CandidateJoseph "Joey" Moore is a retired Navy SWCC with nearly 23 years of active service. He deployed seven times during his tenure and spent another three years overseas as a strategic advisor for an operational command in Southeast Asia. Towards the end of his military career, he began therapy, which inspired him to pursue a new role of service as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Oregon. In his words, he wants to "leave life better than he found it."
Joey prides himself in helping people thrive. He believes nurturing mental health is often not considered in the veteran community, but it is essential to total wellness. He understands firsthand how veterans may struggle with compartmentalization, pressure, maintaining interpersonal relationships, and the stress SOF careers put on the family dynamic.
Joey is in his first year of a master's program for clinical mental health counseling at Northwestern University. He resides in Oregon with his wife of 14 years, 12-year-old daughter, and 10-year-old son. You may find them all on Mt. Hood snowboarding, playing in a river, or on one of the Pacific Northwest's extraordinary hikes.
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Phase Two - CandidateDavid is a U.S. Army Special Forces veteran who participated in several deployments during his ten years in Group. After 15 years in the army David joined the police, retiring as a Sergeant after 23 years in the greater Boston area. As part of both his B.S. and M.A. in Criminal Justice, David conducted research on stress in law enforcement and taught stress awareness and suicide prevention courses to other officers. He is currently working as the Materials Coordinator for a local hospital while attending Graduate School.
David is in his first year of the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Fitchburg State University, with a goal of becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts. He hopes to focus on working with First Responders, veterans, and health care workers, but is looking forward to helping clients from all backgrounds.
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Phase Three - FellowJennifer Levine received her Master of Social Work from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in May of 2022. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate and a member of the National Association of Social Workers. Jennifer completed her graduate internships in Wilmington, North Carolina, with the Department of Veterans Affairs Substance Treatment and Recovery (STAR) program and with the Chrysalis Center for Counseling and Eating Disorder Treatment intensive outpatient program. Prior to becoming a therapist, Jennifer served over nine years on active duty in the Marine Corps as an intelligence analyst. Jennifer has been a spouse of an active duty service member in special forces units and worked alongside special forces units during her deployments on active duty. Jennifer currently has clinical experience with ages 5 and up, a wide variety of populations and needs, and she has a special interest in serving veterans, their families, first responders, and law enforcement officers.
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Phase Two - CandidateAlex was born in South Africa and moved to Kansas City, Kansas, when he was 10. After high school, he spent 20 years as a Navy SEAL before retiring in 2018. After retiring from the Navy, Alex worked for several businesses in leadership roles, including start-ups, law enforcement instruction, and branding and design. He is the founder and chairman of the board of directors for the veteran surfing non-profit One More Wave.
While working at One More Wave, Alex found a passion for helping people struggling with mental health issues. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he resigned from his job and began graduate school to become a licensed professional counselor.
Alex has worked at a residential treatment center and a community mental health center during his supervised clinical internship. It was here that Alex found a passion for working with trauma and disorders associated with psychosis. Alex utilizes a multi-theoretical approach incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solutions Focused Therapy, Bowlby Attachment Theory, and mindfulness, specifically breathwork, and meditation.
In the future, Alex looks to pursue training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Holotropic Breathwork, Internal Family Systems, Somatic Processing, CBT for psychosis, and Psychedelic Assisted Therapy.
Alex’s passion for helping veterans goes beyond his military and non-profit experience. His father, a Vietnam veteran, struggled with trauma symptoms from the war until the day he died from Agent Orange-related cancer in 2014.
When he’s not working, Alex spends time with his wife and two dogs, playing guitar, doing graphic art, and working on his mindfulness practice.
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Phase Two - CandidateBecky was born and raised in the special operations community. She is the daughter of an old-school Green Beret, wife of 21 years to an Army Special Operations Aviation (ARSOA) Warrant Officer, and mother to two resiliently grown kids, one of whom is now actively serving in ARSOA. The diversity of her roles has led to a strong understanding of the challenges impacting military families, particularly within the unique culture of the special operations community.
Becky spent nearly a decade honing her knowledge and skills in motivation, health, and movement mechanics as a coach within the strength and fitness community. During that time, she became acutely aware of the connection between the mind and the body, particularly the importance of a holistic approach to wellness in reaching one’s optimal potential.
Becky is a second-year master’s student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN. She hopes to serve the local community as a counselor and advocate for mental healthcare for military servicemembers and their families.
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Phase Two - CandidateMark Glaze, a retired Special Operations Civil Affairs Soldier with 22 years of active duty, undertook eight combat deployments across Afghanistan, Iraq, and African theaters of operations, serving under various commands, including the 96th “Originals” Civil Affairs Battalion (Special Operations) (Airborne). After retiring, he assumed the Task Order Area Manager role, overseeing all linguist capabilities for the Department of Defense in Northern and East Afghanistan for a year.
Mark embarked on a personal healing journey after concluding his military service. This journey included therapy and achieving sobriety, igniting his passion for aiding fellow veterans, particularly those from the Special Operations community, in addressing trauma and addiction issues. During this process, he graduated Summa Cum Laude from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership. Leveraging individual and group therapy modalities, he is committed to facilitating the growth and recovery of veterans, active-duty service members, and those transitioning out of military service. He has a passion for the use of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and psychedelic-assisted therapies.
Currently in his second year of a Master of Social Work at Kennesaw State University, he resides in Atlanta, GA, with his wife of 12 years. A father of two adult daughters and a proud grandfather, he has been actively engaged in the Atlanta Recovery Community for the past seven years, including a clinical internship at a residential drug treatment facility. He is currently a mentor at the Cobb County Veterans Accountability Court. He recently gained acceptance into the Veterans Administration (VA) MSW Health Professional Trainee Clinical Internship program, commencing in August 2024. Mark’s hobbies include reading, marksmanship, snowboarding, skydiving, scuba diving, and golf, and he fervently supports Atlanta United FC in his leisure time.
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Phase Two - CandidateTroy is a husband, father of two, and a 16-year veteran of Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). He has served in multiple areas around the world and is a proud member of his military community.
Amidst the often adrenaline-fueled missions and rigorous training, Troy never lost sight of what truly mattered to him: his family. His wife, Amanda, has been his rock, providing unwavering support and understanding throughout his deployments and challenging assignments. Together, they have raised two wonderful children, William and Emma, doing their best to instill in them the values of integrity, compassion, and resilience.
As Troy approaches the end of his military service, he is preparing to embark on a new chapter in his life: a career in counseling. Inspired by his own experiences navigating the complexities of military life, including deployments, transitions, and the impact of trauma, and witnessing the effects of trauma on his colleagues and family members, Troy is determined to use his unique perspective and skills to support others in their journey towards healing and resilience.
Troy is currently enrolled in the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University.
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Phase Three- FellowColleen graduated from the University of North Carolina with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) in 2022, and San Diego State University in 2023 with a Master of Social Work (MSW). Colleen is the mother of 2 incredible children, a dedicated spouse to a former Special Operations Service member, and a Marine Corps veteran. As an undergraduate student, Colleen gained experience working with the American Red Cross, aiding military families in crisis. During her internship in graduate school, Colleen worked at an inpatient facility, treating individuals experiencing psychotic disorders and complex post-traumatic stress. Colleen currently works at The Institute of Modern Recovery based out of San Diego as an Associate Clinical Social Worker, providing services to veterans experiencing PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use.
Colleen’s own healing journey and her passion for health, wellness, and the veteran community has led her to pursue a career in the field of mental health. During the early months of her first child’s life, struggling in this new role as a mother, Colleen earned a certification as a health coach and quickly discovered her passion for working with individuals in this capacity. With this experience, it became evident how closely intertwined the mind and body are and how deeply disconnected we can become from our bodies after having experienced trauma. Colleen has found her own peace in nature and is eager to learn more about nature-based therapy as well as somatic work and psychedelics to guide her clients through their own unique healing journey.
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Phase Two - CandidateChris Lessard is a retired Army Green Beret, instructor, and project manager. He is the owner of the Brain Treatment Center Ashburn, where they specialize in functional health and MeRT, a non-invasive treatment for depression, PTSD, and TBI. Chris plays a key role in overseeing various aspects of the clinic and ensuring that cutting-edge therapies are accessible to veterans and the broader community. Chris is a student at Liberty University, pursuing a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Drawing from his personal experiences with TBI and PTSD, he plans to specialize in trauma therapy for special operations veterans, first responders, and their families. His goal is to provide tailored, compassionate care to those affected by the unique challenges of trauma. He is a husband and father of four, living in the Northern Virginia area.
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Phase Two- CandidateMarsha, the wife of a retired Army Special Operations Green Beret and mother of four, currently resides in the Washington, DC, area. Her career journey has been diverse, beginning in law enforcement and transitioning through roles in education, investigations, and the nonprofit sector. It was through this journey that she discovered her true passion: holistic health and counseling. A graduate of Johns Hopkins University with both undergraduate and graduate degrees in ethical Management, Marsha has recently completed a Naturopathic program and is now pursuing her MSW. She plans to specialize in trauma and PTSD care for special operations veterans, first responders, and their families. In addition to being a certified yoga teacher, Marsha is a practitioner of The Listening Program, an auditory integration therapy modality and QRI primitive reflex integration. She is driven by her belief in holistic healing and the conviction that we are created according to God’s divine design, her approach integrates biological, psychological, physiological, and social perspectives to promote true healing and mental well-being.