OUR team

LEADERSHIP

Founder & Chairman

Ken Falke
Vice President

Sarah Fehrer
Institute Co-Founder & Executive Director

Josh Goldberg
Executive Director

Carrie Nelson
Executive Director

Joe Wood
Controller

Margaret Mulderry
Senior Office Administrator

Lynnette Swanson

Founder & Chairman

Ken Falke

Mr. Falke is a 21-year combat veteran of the U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) community and retired Master Chief Petty Officer. Ken is highly respected around the world as an innovative and forward thinking leader on the subjects of wounded warrior care, military and veteran transition, counterterrorism, military training, and innovative technology development.

Ken’s passion is taking care of his fellow combat veterans and their family members, and he is chairman and founder of Boulder Crest, an organization focused on the teachings of posttraumatic growth, and the EOD Warrior Foundation. Ken spends the majority of his time educating the public and private sectors on the issues surrounding the long-term care of our returning military personnel and their families from the last 16 years of war. As part of this effort, Ken authored Struggle Well: Thriving in the Aftermath of Trauma.

Ken is a serial entrepreneur. He was the Founder and CEO of A-T Solutions, which is a recognized international expert and valuable global asset in combating the war on terrorism. At the forefront of providing training and consulting services in the Anti- and Counter-Terrorism industry, A-T Solutions was named four consecutive years to the Annual Inc. 500 fastest growing privately held companies in the U.S. Also recognized in Entrepreneur Magazines’ Hot 500 List, the Washington Technology “Fast 50”, Smart CEO’s “Future 50”, and the winner of the very prestigious Greater Washington Area Government Contractor Award in the category of companies $75M-$100M. In 2010, Ken was named as the Entrepreneur of the Year for the Fredericksburg, Virginia Regional Chamber of Commerce and selected as a finalist in the prestigious Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year program.

Ken also founded Shoulder 2 Shoulder, Inc. a multimedia technology company and prior to selling his share of the company, he served as the CEO for six years.

Ken is married to Julia Falke (for more than 35 years) and has two daughters Gennavieve and Rhia. Ken’ daughter Genna is married to Brayden Keller. Ken and Julia are grandparents to Troy, Riley, Cameron, and Gwendolyn.

Prior to Ken’s professional career, he was an avid hockey player and struggling student that barely graduated high school.

Vice President

Sarah Fehrer

Sarah Fehrer serves as Vice President reporting to Boulder Crest’s Founder and Chairman. Sarah joined Boulder Crest in November 2011 to lead the capital campaign to establish Boulder Crest. Under her leadership, the organization has experienced record breaking growth and today has a successful $8 million annual operating budget and nationally known for its programs and services.

To date, Sarah has led the organization in achieving more than $100 million in revenue and managed the grand openings of Boulder Crest Virginia (2013), Boulder Crest Arizona (2017), and the Boulder Crest Institute for Posttraumatic Growth (2018). She oversees Boulder Crest’s day-to-day external affairs, private sector partnerships, development and fundraising, grants and special events work, social media, donor communications, and volunteer outreach for the organization’s 2,000 volunteer base. Sarah has nearly 30 years of experience spanning the non-profit, association, public, public-private, and political sectors. She brings a unique, and blended approach having served in leadership roles at nationally known organizations, including the Smithsonian Institution, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Manufacturing Institute, and her early work at three of the top five national political party committees.

Her background includes noteworthy international work, special events, and government experience for the 1992 World Exposition in Seville, Spain and the 1990 Economic Summit of Industrialized Nations. Sarah has had the pleasure of serving in the White House during two presidential administrations. Sarah has a special appreciation for Boulder Crest’s mission, having come from a family composed of many veterans and grown up in a small town in upstate New York.

She has a B.A. in Business Administration from St. Bonaventure University and resides in Catharpin, Virginia, with her husband and two children.

Institute Co-Founder & Executive Director

Josh Goldberg

Josh was named the Executive Director of the Boulder Crest Institute for Posttraumatic Growth in January 2018. In this role, Josh is responsible for leading the development and delivery of training, technology, research and evaluation, and social & policy changes and solutions based on the science of Posttraumatic Growth. This includes efforts to scale Boulder Crest’s breakthrough Warrior PATHH and Family PATHH programs.

Josh joined Boulder Crest Foundation in June 2014 and served as the organization’s Director of Strategy until the end of 2017. In this role, Josh was responsible for the development of strategy – ranging from marketing, communications, and strategic partnerships to program delivery and follow-on support. Josh led Boulder Crest’s efforts to develop the nation’s first comprehensive, non-clinical curriculum for Posttraumatic Growth, based on our breakthrough Warrior PATHH program, and is the author of four books: the Warrior PATHH Instructor Guide, Warrior PATHH Student Guide,Warrior PATHH Journal, and A Warrior’s Journey. Josh, along with Boulder Crest’s Founder and Chairman, Ken Falke, wrote Struggle Well: Thriving in the Aftermath of Trauma.

In 2017, Josh was named as one of 60 Presidential Leadership Scholars. Established by the presidential centers of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson, the Presidential Leadership Scholar program is an innovative leadership program designed to ensure that scholars have the opportunity to succeed in creating and executing meaningful and impactful leadership projects in communities across the nation.

Prior to joining Boulder Crest Foundation, Josh worked as a communications executive at ExxonMobil’s Dallas headquarters from 2006-2011, and was an entrepreneur-in-residence at 2M Companies. During his time at 2M, Josh began advising several non-profit organizations supporting veterans, with a specific focus on PTSD. After volunteering for a number of months, and in recognition of the remarkable strength, capacity, and potential of the men and women of the U.S. military and first responder community, Josh decided to dedicate his life to ensuring that service members, veterans, first responders, and their families had the opportunity to live the great lives they deserved – full of passion, purpose, and service – here at home.

Executive Director

Carrie Nelson

Carrie is a native of Virginia, born and raised in Loudoun County. She graduated from Loudoun Valley High School in 1997 and attended her freshman year of college at High Point University. She transferred to Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA and graduated in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Services Counseling.  Carrie, and her husband, Jeremiah currently live in Warrenton, VA.

Carrie has a strong background working in non-profit and counseling. Her experience has ranged from working in homeless shelters, domestic and sexual violence centers, to helping children with Axis 1 diagnoses in the school system. In 2017, Carrie completed Yoga Teacher Training at Shine Yoga in Winchester, VA and is a RYT 200 hour yoga teacher. She teaches yoga to the families at Boulder Crest Virginia during Family PATHH, Couples programs, and Family Rest and Reconnection Stays. Carrie has always been passionate about making a difference in people’s lives and helping them improve their lives in any capacity possible!

She is excited to be a part of the mission and to interact, engage, and positively impact the veterans and the families that visit Boulder Crest Virginia.

Executive Director

Joe Wood

Joe is a US Army Veteran from the Military Intelligence Corps. During his 9 years on active duty, he served in multiple assignments overseas including a deployment to Iraq in 2004-2005 and a tour on the USS Kitty Hawk (CV63) in the Pacific. During his Army career, he continuously felt the pull back to where it all began – the US Army Intelligence Center of Excellence at Fort Huachuca; where he knew he could make important improvements to the development of his intelligence discipline and future Soldiers in his military occupational specialty. Joe separated, honorably, from military service after declining promotion to Sergeant First Class, having achieved all goals that he set for himself (Master Instructor, selection to the Senior Non Commissioned Officer ranks, and developing modernized training for the next generation of Soldiers). It was time for a new adventure.

Just as in the Army, Joe was promoted quite rapidly. While this was a great honor, something was missing. He had not yet committed to a life-long learning model and was focused more on getting to the top quickly than learning and growing. Having begun reading books on leadership and adding value, surrounding himself with great mentors and coaches, and building a strong support network, Joe set on a new path – one of learning, taking steps back in order to move forward, and giving himself permission to focus inward; which enabled him to increase his value to others. This became Joe’s new life mission – adding value to others’ lives.

Joe is currently a Director on the Board for the Sierra Vista Veterans Memorial Improvement Foundation and has served as a Commissioner for the City of Sierra Vista, Sergeant at Arms for the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Chapter 32-4, and volunteered / consulted for many Veteran-oriented and nonprofit organizations. He continues to stay involved in the Veteran community, while shifting his philanthropic focus to transitioning service members with training, development, and coaching in entrepreneurship and post-traumatic growth.

Joe became Executive Director at Boulder Crest Arizona in late July 2018.

Controller

Margaret Mulderry

Margaret comes to us with over 25 years of accounting, financial analysis, and management experience. She has worked in a variety of industries for both the public and private sectors, and over the past 10 years focusing on non-profits. Her expertise includes managing the full accounting function, audit, treasury, planning, and financial reporting. She has helped organizations enhance and build the accounting function from the ground up, including start-ups. She enjoys implementing processes and controls that align operations and accounting in accordance with GAAP resulting in efficiencies and enhanced reporting; as well as problem- solving, cost cutting measures, leadership, and staff mentoring. Margaret has been a valued partner to executive leadership and operational teams throughout her career, providing hands-on accounting support as well as high level financial reporting and analysis.

She received her Bachelors in Accounting from the Catholic University of America and earned her CPA license from the State of Maryland.

Senior Office Administrator

Lynnette Swanson

Lynnette is a proud Pittsburgh native, who has had the opportunity to live all over America alongside her husband, a Marine for 22 years. She joined the Boulder Crest team in January 2012. Lynnette is strongly committed to our mission, and feels fortunate to have the opportunity to serve a community with which she is so familiar and has so much respect and admiration for.

A Marine wife through and through, Lynnette provides the highest performance standards within a diverse range of administrative duties supporting executive staff members in various fields, including contract and grant submission. She is also responsible for accounts payable and receivable functions. Lynnette attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania studying Criminal Justice.

Lynnette currently resides in Loudoun County, with her husband.

INSTITUTE TEAM

Institute Co-Founder & Executive Director

Josh Goldberg
Distinguished Chair

Dr. Richard Tedeschi
Vice Chair

Dr. Bret Moore
Director of Training

Greg Morin (aka Coach)
Program & Research Analyst

Jeff Kinman
Director of Programs - Mobile Training Team

Ian Ricci
Operations Coordinator - Mobile Training Team

Tara Mathis
PATHH Guide - Mobile Training Team

Julie Sole
PATHH Guide - Mobile Training Team

John Metzger
PATHH Guide - Mobile Training Team

OPEN POSITION

Institute Co-Founder & Executive Director

Josh Goldberg

Josh was named the Executive Director of the Boulder Crest Institute for Posttraumatic Growth in January 2018. In this role, Josh is responsible for leading the development and delivery of training, technology, research and evaluation, and social & policy changes and solutions based on the science of Posttraumatic Growth. This includes efforts to scale Boulder Crest’s breakthrough Warrior PATHH and Family PATHH programs.

Josh joined Boulder Crest Foundation in June 2014 and served as the organization’s Director of Strategy until the end of 2017. In this role, Josh was responsible for the development of strategy – ranging from marketing, communications, and strategic partnerships to program delivery and follow-on support. Josh led Boulder Crest’s efforts to develop the nation’s first comprehensive, non-clinical curriculum for Posttraumatic Growth, based on our breakthrough Warrior PATHH program, and is the author of four books: the Warrior PATHH Instructor Guide, Warrior PATHH Student Guide,Warrior PATHH Journal, and A Warrior’s Journey. Josh, along with Boulder Crest’s Founder and Chairman, Ken Falke, wrote Struggle Well: Thriving in the Aftermath of Trauma.

In 2017, Josh was named as one of 60 Presidential Leadership Scholars. Established by the presidential centers of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson, the Presidential Leadership Scholar program is an innovative leadership program designed to ensure that scholars have the opportunity to succeed in creating and executing meaningful and impactful leadership projects in communities across the nation.

Prior to joining Boulder Crest Foundation, Josh worked as a communications executive at ExxonMobil’s Dallas headquarters from 2006-2011, and was an entrepreneur-in-residence at 2M Companies. During his time at 2M, Josh began advising several non-profit organizations supporting veterans, with a specific focus on PTSD. After volunteering for a number of months, and in recognition of the remarkable strength, capacity, and potential of the men and women of the U.S. military and first responder community, Josh decided to dedicate his life to ensuring that service members, veterans, first responders, and their families had the opportunity to live the great lives they deserved – full of passion, purpose, and service – here at home.

Distinguished Chair

Dr. Richard Tedeschi

Richard Tedeschi, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist and Professor Emeritus at UNC Charlotte. He was on the core faculty for 42 years, and retired in June 2018. Dr. Tedeschi has published numerous articles and books on the concept of posttraumatic growth that he helped to develop. He serves as media consultant on trauma for the American Psychological Association and is a Fellow of the Division of Trauma Psychology and has provided presentations and training on trauma for the U.S. Army, and many professional organizations, clinics, and educational institutions.

Vice Chair

Dr. Bret Moore

Dr. Bret A. Moore is a prescribing psychologist and board-certified clinical psychologist in San Antonio, Texas. He is a former active duty Army psychologist and two-tour veteran of Iraq. He is the author and editor of 22 books including Transformed by Trauma, Treating PTSD in Military Personnel: A Clinical Handbook, The Posttraumatic Growth Workbook, Wheels Down: Adjusting to Life after Deployment, and Taking Control of Anxiety: Small Steps for Overcoming Worry, Stress, and Fear. He has written over 200 book chapters, peer-reviewed journal articles, and popular press articles to include features for Scientific American Mind, The New Republic, and Military Times. Dr. Moore is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Texas Psychological Association. He is the recipient of the Charles S. Gersoni and Arthur W. Melton awards in military psychology from Division 19 (Society for Military Psychology), the Peter J. N. Linnerooth National Service and Early Career Achievement awards in Public Service Psychology from Division 18 (Psychologists in Public Service) and Educator of the Year from Division 55 (American Society for the Advancement of Pharmacotherapy) of the American Psychological Association. His views on clinical and military psychology have been quoted in USA Today, The New York Times, National Geographic, and The Boston Globe, and on CNN and Fox News. He has appeared on NPR, the BBC, and CBC.

Director of Training

Greg Morin (aka Coach)

Coach is a championship coach and motivator, focused on unlocking the potential that resides within our nation’s combat veterans and their family members. He joined Boulder Crest as Director of Programs in June 2016, after having participated in the development and delivery of Warrior PATHH for 13 months. Coach was appointed to the Director of Training position at the Boulder Crest Institute for Posttraumatic Growth in January 2018.

Prior to joining BCF, Coach spent seven years with NASCAR’s most dominant organization, Hendrick Motorsports, where he coordinated, directed, inspired, and taught pit crew preparation, training, and choreography for drivers Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, and Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

During that time, Coach, and the crews he coached, built a staggering resume. He was a part of four Sprint Cup championships with Johnson’s No. 48 team, while winning two Daytona 500s, three Brickyard 400s, and is the only coach in the sport’s highest series to win two MVP Pit Crew of the Year awards.

Prior to joining Hendrick, Coach spent three years as Head Coach and Director of Motorsports for the Performance Instruction and Training (PIT) institute, training students to become potential NASCAR pit crew members.

While Coach greatly enjoyed his time in Nascar, and was highly successful, he chose to begin serving our nation’s combat veterans and their families because of what this community stands for. He eats, breathes, sleeps, and dreams coaching. As a coach the biggest win and reward is to see your players grow, achieve success, and then serve out of the desire to live a life of significance. A life that educates, inspires and leads others to their own greatness. He coaches because he wants his kids to have a legacy to grow up with and carry on, a legacy built on courage, discipline, sacrifice, and service. Everything the men and women he gets to serve with and stand for.

Program & Research Analyst

Jeff Kinman

Jeff is an Air Force veteran with 9 years of enlisted experience as a Signals Intelligence Analyst. After departing the military, Jeff moved to the Northern Virginia area with his wife and two children where he worked as a federal contractor supporting a national intelligence agency as a targeting analyst focused on counterterrorism operations. When not working, Jeff is likely busy fulfilling his responsibilities as a member of the Board of Directors for the Loudoun County Disc Golf Club, a Virginia 501(c)(3) dedicated to growing the sport of disc golf in Loudoun County.

Jeff has a life-long obsession with analytics, specifically understanding the relationships between disparate pieces of information, both from a purely statistical point of reference and from a qualitative “why?” perspective. Jeff is beyond excited to be a member of the Boulder Crest Institute Team where he has the opportunity to put his passion for analytics to work in a manner that provides initiatives such as PATHH the scrutiny of evidence they deserve via a combination of a data-science applications to produce rich data-driven reporting for both BCI internal and external consumers. As a combat veteran, Jeff is so grateful for this opportunity to serve the community.

Director of Programs - Mobile Training Team

Ian Ricci

Ian was born in Sioux City, Iowa in 1981. In 1988 he moved with his mother (Anita), and two brothers (Josh and Kiel) to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Upon graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1999, Ian attended Upper Iowa University on a soccer scholarship in 2000. However, after the events of 9/11 he chose to leave college and enlist in the US Army as an 11b (infantryman). During his first deployment in early 2004, while serving with 1st BN/16th Infantry he was wounded by an IED in Fallujah, Iraq. Ian served another three years and deployment to Iraq and exited the service shortly after his final deployment in 2007.

Ian returned to Sioux Falls, SD. Where he served as a Veterans Service Officer for the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs from 2008-2014. There he helped veterans navigate and attain veterans benefits with the VA. Ian had the privilege and opportunity to represent veterans in the appeals process, advocating for them at the court of veteran’s appeals level.

In 2007 Ian took up Muay Thai kickboxing, as a way to stay active and competitive and fell in love with the sport. After competing at the national level in 2014, he let his love of the sport guide him to coaching boxers, Muay Thai kickboxers and MMA fighters in 2015. Today he coaches fighters and enthusiasts from amateur to professional at Next Edge Academy in Sioux Falls, SD.

In April of 2018 Ian became involved with Boulder Crest Arizona when he attended the Warrior PATHH program. Ian completed the 18-month Warrior PATHH program with his team in October of 2019. Shortly after Ian finished his 18-month program he began serving with the MTT.

Ian lives in Sioux Falls, SD with his spouse (Tracy), 3 daughters (Mya, Reese and Riley,) and German Shepherd (Murphy) where he is a registered EMT and USA Boxing coach. He enjoys coaching and working with fighters, running, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Operations Coordinator - Mobile Training Team

Tara Mathis

Tara was born in Martinsburg, WV and grew up living in parts of southern Virginia as well as Charles Town, WV, where she graduated high school. A year after graduating she enlisted in the United States Army as a Human Resource Specialist. Tara remained in the Army as a Human Resource Specialist for 7 years until she transitioned out of the Army in November of 2016. While in the service, she was stationed in South Korea at Camp Humphreys for a year and was a part of the 2nd ID Combat Aviation Brigade. When her time in South Korea was finished, she PCS’d to Fort Bragg where she would spend 4 years in the 82nd Sustainment Brigade, 18th HR Company. During her stay at Fort Bragg she completed one tour in Kuwait. Her tour consisted of supporting inbound and outbound operations as well as assisting in processing the last convoy out of Iraq home. After reenlisting for a second contract, she then PCS’d to Fort Lee, VA and fell under the 59th Ordnance Brigade where she worked in the Brigade S1. This would be her final stop in the Army.

After leaving the Army, Tara started her transition and like most veterans, she experienced her own struggles but worked her way through them. She took time during her transition to focus on herself and completing her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. While doing this, she moved to Bend, Oregon for 2 years. While in Oregon, Tara worked in marketing and community relations for a small in-home health care business. Tara completed her bachelors and is now pursuing her master’s in business administration and lives in Charles Town, WV where she is planting her roots.

In her free time, Tara enjoys spending time with her dog Riley who is her best friend and her incredibly supportive family. She is a big movie fan. She also enjoys traveling, BBQing, fitness, camping, hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor activities.

PATHH Guide - Mobile Training Team

Julie Sole

Julie was born into the military and grew up all over the United States and overseas. Her father was active duty for a majority of her childhood and she decided to follow in his bootsteps. In 2004, Julie enlisted into the Army as a military police officer and served for five years before being medically retired. She spent a year in South Korea and deployed to Baghdad, Iraq where she served as a .50 cal gunner. Her time in Iraq led her to the mental health field as she recognized a disconnect between what she needed and what services were being offered.

Julie grew up riding horses, training dogs, and spending time out in nature. She got back to her roots and found it was more helpful for her than the traditional talk therapy. It was then that she decided she would go back to school to become a therapist and help other veterans reconnect with themselves through animals and nature.

Upon retiring, Julie went back to school and earned her Associate’s of Arts in Social Services and Mental Health, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. She then continued her education to specialize in treating trauma. She has worked with children and adult survivors of childhood sexual assault and sex trafficking, veterans and first responders as well as their family members, and domestic violence survivors. Julie is also trained in Trauma-Focused Equine Assisted Therapy and has provided clinics and groups to military and first responders as well as at-risk youth in the juvenile court system. Helping others realize their own potential and move from survivor to thriver is her passion. In her free time, she enjoys competing in mounted archery or exploring trails with her two horses, hiking with her husband and two German Shepherds, and reading good books snuggled with her three cats.

PATHH Guide - Mobile Training Team

John Metzger

John was raised in Phoenix, AZ along with his three older sisters (Cathy, Kim, and Lauri). At an early age John was captivated by firetrucks and firefighters, and at age 25 he began his career as firefighter, serving as a volunteer prior to being hired by the Sun City Fire and Medical Department (AZ).

Throughout his career, John sought specialized training in the areas of hazardous materials, technical rescue, and para-medicine. Additionally, he served as the department’s Health and Fitness Coordinator for 15 years until his retirement. John retired in 2015 at the rank of Fire Captain/Paramedic, after nearly 28 years in the fire service.

The son of a university professor, John developed a passion for teaching, and was heavily involved in the development of fire service training programs at the local and national level. John also contracts with a global human performance company, as a strength and conditioning coach, working primarily with firefighters from across the country.

John is the co-founder of a non-profit in Arizona, which serves as a pass-through fundraiser for a number of military, veteran, and first-responder charities. He currently resides in Phoenix with his wife of 25 years, Donna, and Tuck – their faithful cattle dog.

In May 2021 John attended Warrior PATHH in Montana, and joined the MTT in July 2021.

PATHH Guide - Mobile Training Team

OPEN POSITION

ARIZONA TEAM

Executive Director

Joe Wood
Director of Programs

Eric Fowler

TJ Killoran
Master PATHH Guide

Kevin Larsen
Senior PATHH Guide

Daniel Blevins
PATHH Guide

LaSchwann “Casper” Killens
PATHH Guide

David Cotti
Operations Manager & Outreach Coordinator

Codi McCaw
Guest Relations Specialist

Jenni Jacob
Chef

Denise Purvis
Groundskeeper

Alan Cardwell
Facilities Maintenance Technician

Ken Taylor

Executive Director

Joe Wood

Joe is a US Army Veteran from the Military Intelligence Corps. During his 9 years on active duty, he served in multiple assignments overseas including a deployment to Iraq in 2004-2005 and a tour on the USS Kitty Hawk (CV63) in the Pacific. During his Army career, he continuously felt the pull back to where it all began – the US Army Intelligence Center of Excellence at Fort Huachuca; where he knew he could make important improvements to the development of his intelligence discipline and future Soldiers in his military occupational specialty. Joe separated, honorably, from military service after declining promotion to Sergeant First Class, having achieved all goals that he set for himself (Master Instructor, selection to the Senior Non Commissioned Officer ranks, and developing modernized training for the next generation of Soldiers). It was time for a new adventure.

Just as in the Army, Joe was promoted quite rapidly. While this was a great honor, something was missing. He had not yet committed to a life-long learning model and was focused more on getting to the top quickly than learning and growing. Having begun reading books on leadership and adding value, surrounding himself with great mentors and coaches, and building a strong support network, Joe set on a new path – one of learning, taking steps back in order to move forward, and giving himself permission to focus inward; which enabled him to increase his value to others. This became Joe’s new life mission – adding value to others’ lives.

Joe is currently a Director on the Board for the Sierra Vista Veterans Memorial Improvement Foundation and has served as a Commissioner for the City of Sierra Vista, Sergeant at Arms for the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Chapter 32-4, and volunteered / consulted for many Veteran-oriented and nonprofit organizations. He continues to stay involved in the Veteran community, while shifting his philanthropic focus to transitioning service members with training, development, and coaching in entrepreneurship and post-traumatic growth.

Joe became Executive Director at Boulder Crest Arizona in late July 2018.

Director of Programs

Eric Fowler

Eric Fowler joined the Boulder Crest Arizona team in September of 2018. He was born in New York and raised there, in Michigan, and Wyoming. Eric enlisted in the Wyoming Army National Guard in 1987 and enlisted in the Regular Army in 1991. He retired from the Army in 2016 as a Command Sergeant Major with 29 years of service. Eric spent much of his career in mechanized infantry and armored units and also served as an instructor and Drill Sergeant at the Army’s Intelligence School.

With more than 10 years of overseas service including two tours in Germany and one in South Korea, he also went on operational deployments to Kuwait and Kosovo as well as three year-long combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Eric comes to us from Fort Huachuca, AZ where he has spent his time since retirement serving as a contract Operations Officer in the G3 section of the US Army’s Intelligence Center of Excellence.

TJ Killoran

TJ leads the Equine-Facilitated coaching component of the PATHH program in Arizona. She is Master Equus Coach and a certified Martha Beck Life Coach. She is also a massage therapist and certified yoga instructor.

TJ remains a co-owner of Apache Springs Ranch, where she resides with her husband of 25 years, Frank, and their herd of horses.

TJ received a Bachelor’s of Commerce from University of Alberta and is a licensed CPA. She spent 9 years with PricewaterhouseCoopers as an International Tax manager. She left PWC to raise her three awesome children, Kaleigh, Colton, and Shane.

TJ loves animals of all kinds, the outdoors, music, and dance, and is extremely passionate about using her life experience and qualifications in the emerging field of Posttraumatic Growth.

Master PATHH Guide

Kevin Larsen

Kevin is originally from Southern California, growing up as an avid outdoorsman and fisherman. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served as a Stinger Missile Gunner, with 3rd LAAD Bn. Kevin has spent years volunteering and working with non-profits that support and guide the veteran and active duty military communities. Kevin comes to Boulder Crest from working as a Foundry and Art Instructor in Southern California where he partnered with the VA Health Care System, the Aspire Center San Diego, Homeless Veterans Outreaches, and many other community programs.

As a Warrior PATHH Alumni and Coach for Boulder Crest Arizona, it is Kevin’s greatest wish to help other service members and first responders struggle well and to truly understand that they are warriors. All men and women who have served have a deeper understanding of life and are in turn natural leaders in their communities — Kevin and Boulder Crest seek to remind them how special they truly are.

Senior PATHH Guide

Daniel Blevins

Daniel was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. From a young age, Daniel knew he wanted to serve and joined the Army in his junior year of high school. After a few years as a Human Research Volunteer, Daniel served as a Cavalry Scout in the 7th and 10th Cavalry and deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan; and a 14-month tour in South Korea.

After leaving the Army, Daniel enrolled at Robert Morris University and began volunteering with multiple Veteran Service Organizations. While in school, Daniel and his wife Erin had 3 children, twin boys and a daughter who was born the following year. After graduating RMU, Daniel gained employment with the Veterans Leadership Program as a case manager for homeless veterans. For the next four years, Daniel held various positions and was promoted to Director of Community Engagement. In this role he organized multiple events, outreach programs, a cross country bicycle ride to raise awareness of the needs of homeless veterans, and created and case managed the wellness program for VLP. While creating the wellness program, Daniel went back to school for a degree in Exercise Science and Nutrition and received his Crossfit Level 1.

After a family trip to Boulder Crest Arizona for Rest and Reconnection, Daniel, his wife, and three children knew Arizona was where they needed to be and believed deeply in the Boulder Crest Mission.

PATHH Guide

LaSchwann “Casper” Killens

Casper joined Boulder Crest’s team at the Arizona PTG Academy in November of 2020. He was born on Fort Bragg, NC and was raised in multiple locations around the world; enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1995 from Indiana. He retired from the Army in 2015 after 20 years of service in the Military Intelligence Corps, with deployments/service to Bosnia twice, three tours to Iraq, and multiple counter-narcotic operations throughout South America.

Casper comes to us from Fort Huachuca where, as a US Army Master Instructor, he trained and educated more than 200 military intelligence professionals and wrote training/certification strategies for MI professionals across the Army’s formations. In addition to three Associate’s Degrees (Education, Business, and Intelligence Operations) and a Bachelor’s Degree (Business), Casper has a Master’s Degree in Education (Adult Education & Training) and numerous adult education-related certifications.

PATHH Guide

David Cotti

David joined the Boulder Crest Arizona team in November of 2021. He was born in San Jose, California and went to high school in Mesa, Arizona. David enlisted in the Army in January of 2000. He retired from the Army in 2021 as a Sergeant First Class. David spent much of his career serving as an Army Bugler – having served three combat tours throughout operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

David has been married to Renee Cotti for two years, enjoying life with her in Sierra Vista, Arizona. David is honored to be serving the Boulder Crest community and is looking forward to new possibilities.

Operations Manager & Outreach Coordinator

Codi McCaw

Codi was born and raised in Arizona and has been a resident of Sierra Vista for over 30 years. Growing up in the military community around Fort Huachuca, Codi has spent the last 15 years working with Soldiers at locations across the United States. Her experiences have included Small Business growth in the areas of Business Operations, Human Resources, Contract Management, and Industrial Security. She has always enjoyed being able to contribute her experiences to the growth of Federal Contracting Companies. Helping to shape the culture, people, and practices of those organizations has always brought her great pride and appreciation.

Codi’s family is also a huge source of pride. Numerous close relatives are currently proudly serving in the US Armed Forces. She and her family have graciously supported these soldiers and their families throughout their travels across the world. Codi and her husband, Shawn, have been married for more than 13 years and have two incredible children, Lily and Jace. Her family is passionate about the outdoors and strives to stay active in the Arizona sunshine, as much as possible.

Codi has always had a strong desire to give back and pay her successes forward. She has always looked for ways to use her selfless kindness and giving nature in a more influential way. She has volunteered with many Non-Profit Organizations with events and outreach opportunities and enjoys learning about and being a part of her local community. Her respect and admiration for our country and our Armed Services make Boulder Crest Foundation an ideal fit for her.

Guest Relations Specialist

Jenni Jacob

Jenni was born and raised in central Ohio. After graduating high school, she married her high school sweetheart, who was an airman in the Air Force. Jenni has spent her entire adult life in the military community. She spent 12 of those years living overseas, working both on and off base as a preschool teacher, conversational English teacher, and to include starting her own business.

She and her husband, Cole, have been married for 23 years and have two sons, Nicholas and Dylan. In 2010, she and her family returned to the states and settled in Tucson, AZ, when she began homeschooling her son. Jenni’s husband is a 22-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force and upon retirement in 2016, they moved to Sonoita and built a house. With both boys now in high school, it was time for Jenni to return to the workforce. With her knowledge and experience of military life, Boulder Crest Arizona was a perfect fit!

Chef

Denise Purvis

Denise is a 5th generation Southern Arizonian. She is the descendant of two pioneering families who trace their covered wagon entry into Arizona in the 1870s. Her father’s side settled in the Sonoita/Elgin valley, loving the grassland for their cattle. Her mother’s side settled in the mountains about 60 miles west of Sonoita, mostly because the wheel fell off their wagon but they fell in love with Arizona and decided to stay. Denise graduated from Patagonia High School and went on to the University of Arizona and graduated in 1991 with a degree in Fine Arts with an emphasis in Illustration. Art has always been a part of her world. To date she has painted over 125 wall murals all over Southern Arizona.

Going back to her roots, Denise was brought up with the farm-to-fork mentality. She started a U-Pick organic garden with her sisters at her farm in Sonoita in 2011. She raises poultry, dairy cows, and organic seasonal vegetables. Also, having food as a big part of her upbringing, she started a catering business featuring farm-to-fork favorites. A lot of her recipes are from her two grandmothers who were both wonderful cooks. Denise and her husband Gordon have been married for 35 years and raised four sons. She also has a lot of patriots in her family. Her father was a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army, her husband Gordon is a Navy Veteran, and her oldest son was in the Army National Guard completing a tour through Afghanistan in 2013. Her youngest son is currently active duty in the Army.

In her spare time you will usually find Denise making all varieties of cheese from the milk she gets from her dairy cows. She also loves running and competing in 5Ks, and riding her horses. Denise is very involved with the local 4H club as a project leader and was nominated as 4H volunteer of the year in 2019. Denise loves helping others and staying busy.

Groundskeeper

Alan Cardwell

Originally born in Tucson, Alan has lived in Arizona for most of his life. Having lived in Sonoita for over 15 years, Alan is a local through and through. Living with his aging father, Alan spends most of his time working with his dad on a variety of odd jobs and chores around the house. After pursuing his studies at Cochise College, Alan found himself working in the restaurant business. Working his way up as a dishwasher, Alan eventually made his way to becoming a main chef at The Steak Out restaurant in Sonoita.

Truth be told, Alan was never really into cooking. His real love was landscaping. After months of struggling to set up a business of his own and to find work in this small, rural community, Alan was introduced to Boulder Crest Arizona and Apache Springs Ranch. His drive and passion for the work landed him the role and he has done a stellar job with maintaining and improving the grounds.

Facilities Maintenance Technician

Ken Taylor

Ken was born and raised in rural Washington State working many construction trades until he ran his own landscape and construction company for 10 years. Having grown up with Joint Base Lewis-McChord in his backyard, a long history of family service in nearly all branches of military, and being a member of the National Guard, he felt the call to serve his country and joined the US Army to serve in the Bosnian War and in Korea. Upon his honorable discharge in 2004, Ken relocated to Fort Huachuca so he could continue serving as an instructor and course developer for Intelligence Analysis, involvement in local government service, and a fulfilling contract to support US Border Patrol surveillance and detection operations.

Ken’s true hobbies and passions have always been rooted in helping others, building, creating, and fixing things with an artistic flare. He is best described as a jack of all trades and has a true passion to preserve and improve upon the historical significance of Boulder Crest Arizona so that each visitor will be free to truly enjoy the beauty and all that the retreat has to offer.

Ken joined the Boulder Crest Foundation team in January 2020 and resides on site with his wife Rena now that their four children have started their own lives. They operate well as a team, supporting each other to maintain facilities so your visit at Boulder Crest Arizona is as relaxing and peaceful as possible.

VIRGINIA TEAM

Executive Director

Carrie Nelson
Director of Programs

David Brayden
Senior PATHH Guide

Christine Conley
PATHH Guide

OPEN POSITION
PATHH Guide

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PATHH Guide

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Guest Relations Specialist

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Equine and Recreational Coordinator

Stephen Haller
Culinary Specialist and Horticultural Assistant

Lisa Cederle
Property Manager/Groundskeeper

Rodney Madigan

Executive Director

Carrie Nelson

Carrie is a native of Virginia, born and raised in Loudoun County. She graduated from Loudoun Valley High School in 1997 and attended her freshman year of college at High Point University. She transferred to Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA and graduated in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Services Counseling.  Carrie, and her husband, Jeremiah currently live in Warrenton, VA.

Carrie has a strong background working in non-profit and counseling. Her experience has ranged from working in homeless shelters, domestic and sexual violence centers, to helping children with Axis 1 diagnoses in the school system. In 2017, Carrie completed Yoga Teacher Training at Shine Yoga in Winchester, VA and is a RYT 200 hour yoga teacher. She teaches yoga to the families at Boulder Crest Virginia during Family PATHH, Couples programs, and Family Rest and Reconnection Stays. Carrie has always been passionate about making a difference in people’s lives and helping them improve their lives in any capacity possible!

She is excited to be a part of the mission and to interact, engage, and positively impact the veterans and the families that visit Boulder Crest Virginia.

Director of Programs

David Brayden

David Brayden joined our Boulder Crest Virginia Team on 1 October 2020. He is a 30-year veteran of the U.S. Navy SEAL Teams and retired Master Chief Petty Officer. Dave is highly respected within the U.S. Special Operations community and has continued to work tirelessly in support of all Special Operations Forces since retiring in August of 2007; filling positions as a Logistics Analyst ISO – the SEAL Delivery Vehicle Program, as a Counter IED Intelligence instructor, Program Manager at USSOCOM Care Coalition to provide mentorship and a positive road ahead for Wounded Warriors and their families, as Operations Manager for USSOCOM PM Ammo & Weapons and SME for PM Undersea, SOF AT&L.

While on active duty, Dave served at the following Commands: USS Dixie AD-14, BUD/S, UDT-22, SEAL Team Five, SDVT-2 (3 Tours), Red Cell, Naval Special Warfare Center Advanced Training Command Detachment Little Creek, Navy Special Warfare Unit 10, and Naval Special Warfare Center Advanced Training Command Detachment SDV.

Dave is married to Frances Brayden; they have five children and 11 grandchildren.

Senior PATHH Guide

Christine Conley

A native of the Cleveland, Ohio area, Christine worked in concert and event production as a lighting technician and designer, traveling throughout North America. After almost a decade, she was ready to leave the ‘rock and roll lifestyle’ and enlisted in the Navy in the military police.

She spent the majority of her military career as a criminal investigator and as a weapons, security, and anti-terrorism instructor. After combat deployments with joint-force units in support of OIF/OND/OEF, Christine retired in 2015 and began working with a nonprofit organization serving the military community. In 2019, she graduated from Old Dominion University, where she worked with several labs researching military-related topics such as traumatic brain injury, physiological psychology, and alternative treatments for various issues often faced by those returning from combat.

Christine was working as a substitute teacher with Virginia Beach City Public Schools and was active with the Medical Reserve Corps when she had the opportunity to join the Boulder Crest team. She and her teenage daughter moved from Virginia Beach to Loudoun County with their two Labrador retrievers, and enjoy travel, hiking, backpacking, and exploring the region.

PATHH Guide

OPEN POSITION

CLICK HERE AND APPLY NOW

PATHH Guide

OPEN POSITION

CLICK HERE AND APPLY NOW

PATHH Guide

OPEN POSITION

CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW

Guest Relations Specialist

OPEN POSITION

CLICK HERE AND APPLY NOW

Equine and Recreational Coordinator

Stephen Haller

Stephen Haller is a Marine Corps Veteran who served from 2007 to 2011 with one deployment to Afghanistan. He currently lives in Woodstock VA with his wife Krystle and daughter Serenity. He has years of experience working directly with horses. Stephen attended Warrior PATHH in July 2020 at Boulder Crest Virginia.

“I want to work at Boulder Crest because I deeply believe in their mission and strive to be an example of post-traumatic growth. I am honored to have been selected for the position and look forward to working with veterans and their families.”

Culinary Specialist and Horticultural Assistant

Lisa Cederle

Lisa is an experienced Office Manager and Business Owner. She has always had a passion for cooking, and has pursued her passion through research and practice. Eventually she followed her heart and went to Culinary School to become a classically trained Chef.

Lisa received her Associates in Culinary Arts from The Art Institute of Washington DC. She then spent six years working at Falcon’s Landing, a private community for retired military officers, in Potomac Falls, VA. She trained at all the stations in the main kitchen to include the hot line, garde manger, hot and cold foods. Most recently, she served as the Falcon’s Landing Assistant Bakery Chef. Lisa is also a Certified Health Coach with the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and a Professional Culinarian with the American Culinary Federation (ACF).

Lisa comes from a family of military Service. She is married to Andy, a retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant. She also has two sons, Travis, a Ranger in the Army, stationed at Ft. Benning, GA, and Tyler, in the Army National Guard.

Property Manager/Groundskeeper

Rodney Madigan

Rodney joined the Boulder Crest Virginia team in November of 2021. He was born and raised in Winchester, Virginia and has spent the majority of his life around the service in Virginia. Rodney is a United States Marine Corps combat veteran, having served for 4 years. Prior to joining the Boulder Crest Virginia team, Rodney was a contracted Armed Security Guard for the IRS and previously before that, worked in the prison system as a Guard.

Rodney has two children, Kolby and Kennedy, and currently resides on the Boulder Crest Virginia property.

EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Vice President

Sarah Fehrer
Assistant Director of Development

Anna Slaten
Development Manager

OPEN POSITION
Community Outreach & Fundraising Coordinator

Kyra Pooley
Director of Marketing & Communications

Nicole Indelicato
Content Specialist

Anna Kavanaugh
Graphic Design & Video Specialist

Drew Kirkpatrick

Vice President

Sarah Fehrer

Sarah Fehrer serves as Vice President reporting to Boulder Crest’s Founder and Chairman. Sarah joined Boulder Crest in November 2011 to lead the capital campaign to establish Boulder Crest. Under her leadership, the organization has experienced record breaking growth and today has a successful $8 million annual operating budget and nationally known for its programs and services.

To date, Sarah has led the organization in achieving more than $100 million in revenue and managed the grand openings of Boulder Crest Virginia (2013), Boulder Crest Arizona (2017), and the Boulder Crest Institute for Posttraumatic Growth (2018). She oversees Boulder Crest’s day-to-day external affairs, private sector partnerships, development and fundraising, grants and special events work, social media, donor communications, and volunteer outreach for the organization’s 2,000 volunteer base. Sarah has nearly 30 years of experience spanning the non-profit, association, public, public-private, and political sectors. She brings a unique, and blended approach having served in leadership roles at nationally known organizations, including the Smithsonian Institution, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Manufacturing Institute, and her early work at three of the top five national political party committees.

Her background includes noteworthy international work, special events, and government experience for the 1992 World Exposition in Seville, Spain and the 1990 Economic Summit of Industrialized Nations. Sarah has had the pleasure of serving in the White House during two presidential administrations. Sarah has a special appreciation for Boulder Crest’s mission, having come from a family composed of many veterans and grown up in a small town in upstate New York.

She has a B.A. in Business Administration from St. Bonaventure University and resides in Catharpin, Virginia, with her husband and two children.

Assistant Director of Development

Anna Slaten

Anna joined the Boulder Crest Foundation team as a Development Coordinator in April 2019. Anna has a background in event planning and the nonprofit sector, bringing four years of program management, fundraising, volunteer coordination, and community outreach to the team.

Anna is a graduate of Frostburg State University where she received a BA in Community Development and Urban Agriculture and a minor in Ethnobotany. With her collegiate event experience and her history working in social events for two years, Anna makes a great fit to the development team.

Having been raised by parents deeply involved in the nonprofit sector, as well as having a father who served as a first responder during the 9/11 attacks in NYC, Anna grew a passion for community and giving back at a young age. Along with that passion she developed a deep respect for the men and women serving our nation’s armed forces. She is happy to be back within the nonprofit world. Anna is thrilled to be a part of the Boulder Crest team and to support the mission.

Anna is happily settled in Loudoun County, even though she remains a Marylander at heart. In her free time, she teaches indoor cycling classes, loves any chance to get outdoors, and is enjoying getting to know the Northern Virginia area better.

Development Manager

OPEN POSITION

Community Outreach & Fundraising Coordinator

Kyra Pooley

Kyra Pooley joined the Office of Development as the Community Outreach and Fundraising Coordinator.

Kyra is a Loudoun County native. Following her time at Potomac Falls High School, she attended Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida. Kyra graduated in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in strategic communication/public relations.

Although Kyra just started this week, she has followed us for many years and volunteered on site before Boulder Crest Virginia broke ground. She has been an active volunteer in both Loudoun County and St. Augustine, FL. Kyra has always done her best to help others, give back, and get involved in the community. After completing a nonprofit internship, in fundraising for a small animal rescue organization, she knew that she wanted to work in the nonprofit world.

Kyra comes from a strong military family, and possesses great respect for our country, Veterans, and First Responders. She is very inspired by our mission and proud to be a part of the Boulder Crest team. In her free time, Kyra enjoys kayaking, snowboarding, hiking, playing the ukulele, and spending time with friends and family.

Director of Marketing & Communications

Nicole Indelicato

Nicole Indelicato joined Boulder Crest Foundation in December 2020 and serves as the Director of Marketing & Communications. Nicole brings 18 years of leadership, marketing, communications, branding, strategy, operations, and finance experience to this new role and department in our offices.

Previously, Nicole has served in several entrepreneurial and leadership roles in the non profit, finance, consulting, fashion & beauty, and food & beverage sectors including holding the role as Founder and CEO of a healthy fast casual restaurant brand in Loudoun County. Most recently she held the position of Director of Strategy in the Advancement department for a Florida based nonprofit.

Nicole holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut where she majored in Entrepreneurship and Finance with a minor in Marketing.

Nicole has a passion for aviation and is currently pursuing her private pilot’s license. She has a love for travel (and has been to 48 countries and seven continents), anything outdoors, reading, sports, music, personal growth, and volunteering. Nicole lives in Ashburn, VA with Milo, her Belgian Malinois!

Content Specialist

Anna Kavanaugh

Anna is a hard-core Boston native, who married an Army EOD Technician in 2010 and never looked back. She had the opportunity to live in Germany, Alabama, Florida, and now Virginia, all while following her husband’s career. She was fortunate enough to make life-long friends as a military spouse that she’s still very close with.

Anna is extremely passionate about writing and veterans, which makes her a great fit as Boulder Crest Foundation’s Content Specialist. A 2009 Emerson Journalism graduate, Anna has always immersed herself in the written word and social media channels. She is extremely passionate about our mission and wants to make sure veterans know about this program and can get the help they need.

Prior to joining Boulder Crest Foundation in July 2018, Anna spent her time freelancing from home while raising her two daughters, Emily and Elena. She recently moved to the Winchester area from her hometown of Boston and has previously worked as a reporter/editorial assistant for the Bay Beacon in Niceville, FL, and freelanced.

You can find Anna on the weekends hanging out with her family, while meeting new people and exploring everything Virginia has to offer.

Graphic Design & Video Specialist

Drew Kirkpatrick

Drew Kirkpatrick is a graphic designer and multimedia artist originally from Maryland. He is back in the area after six years in Albuquerque, NM, where he volunteered with AmeriCorps and worked with several arts nonprofit and public health organizations. He is excited to be back on the east coast, and thrilled to be part of the Boulder Crest team.

Drew is a 2010 graduate of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County where he received his BA in Visual Art with a concentration in Graphic Design. In his free time, Drew enjoys hiking, reading, writing, running, playing guitar, and any kind of creative project.