As a veteran, my life post-military was marked by years of restless nights and a dependency on prescription medications to manage my pain and sleep.

My journey to healing started with the power of music. Learning to play the guitar and sing became a transformative experience, helping me to reconnect with myself and gradually reduce my reliance on medications.

However, the pursuit of musical excellence often brought new pain and setbacks. It was during this time that I discovered the profound benefits of practices such as yoga and somatic education, including the Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais Method, and the Gokhale Method. These practices not only alleviated my pain but also enhanced my freedom to create music.

As my self-care practices expanded, I have embraced holistic healing methods such as bioscalar technology and float therapy. These comprehensive approaches have fundamentally enhanced my quality of life and well-being.

What started with a single guitar chord has since evolved into a rich journey of musical exploration. Over time, I have become a multi-instrumentalist, I've had the joy of playing in multiple bands and performing regular gigs, and I volunteer at a local school as a pit musician, working with chorus directors to elevate children's performances, all of which which brings me immense joy and fulfillment.

I am currently attending massage school to obtain a license to touch, which I believe is a crucial missing piece in fully guiding veterans on their self-care journey.

Inspired by my own transformation, I founded VetTune to help fellow veterans and their dependents explore creative expression as a pathway to self-empowerment. By fostering a supportive environment, we aim to empower veterans and their families to embark on a cyclical process of healing and growth.

In the phrase "healthy self" lies another set of words, "heal thy self," and that’s exactly what I set out to do. My journey into bodywork began during my final year in the Marine Corps. I enrolled in night classes to become a massage therapist, seeking to better understand how to manage and relieve injuries from a life full of adventure and challenges.

Before and after my time in the Marines, I lived a rugged and dynamic life—I worked as a rodeo bullfighter, construction worker, wildland firefighter, and derrickman These roles shaped my appreciation for hard work, resilience, and the importance of maintaining a strong, functional body. They also taught me firsthand how physically demanding careers can take a toll and how vital recovery and care are for longevity.

Over time, I developed an energetic approach to life and managing my health, exploring the profound benefits of acupuncture, massage, and subtle energy work like Zero Balancing. My curiosity led me to deepen my skills through courses in corrective bodywork and specialized modalities such as lymphatic drainage and clinical/corrective massage.

Movement and sweat are essential to me, so I attended personal training school to solidify my understanding of exercise and the body’s energy systems. (Cellular respiration is fascinating!) I’ve experimented with countless diets and now know what works best for my body.

While my artistic and musical talents remain a work in progress, they hold a special place in my heart. I played trombone for four years and loved every moment of it. The deep, resonant sounds of brass instruments and drums—whether in a symphonic setting or a big band—strike a chord within me. I’m particularly drawn to the idea of using sound to help others find harmony and balance within themselves.

Today, as the Vice President and Health & Wellness Navigator for VetTunes, my mission is clear: to listen, guide, and connect veterans and their families with meaningful resources that empower them to thrive beyond their service.

I am deeply committed to advocating for the mental and physical well-being of veterans, driven by my personal experiences and the invaluable lessons I learned throughout my time in the military.

My journey began as an enlisted member of the U.S. Air Force, where I gained firsthand insight into the unique challenges faced by service members. Later, as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy, I broadened my perspective and grew even more passionate about supporting those who serve our country. I truly loved my time in the military—every challenge and every triumph shaped my understanding of discipline, teamwork, and resilience, and instilled in me a profound sense of duty to give back to the veteran community.

Throughout my career, I’ve seen how the transition from military service to civilian life can be difficult for many veterans. This experience has fueled my dedication to creating innovative and therapeutic programs that not only address veterans' mental and physical health but also help them reintegrate into society with confidence and purpose. I am committed to fostering a supportive, compassionate community where veterans and their families can find the resources they need to thrive long after their service ends. 

As treasurer of VetTune, I oversee the financial management of the organization, ensuring transparency and accountability in all financial operations. My responsibilities include budgeting, financial planning, and reporting, as well as working closely with the board and staff to allocate resources effectively to support our mission. By maintaining a clear financial strategy, I help ensure that we can continue to provide vital services and programs to veterans in need.

I joined this board as I believe in the benefits of self enrichment through musical education and creative expression.

My musical journey hasn’t been perfect - I cut my teeth while in the horn section of high school jazz band - but I taught myself guitar while living in barracks around the country and then around the world. No matter where I went, my guitar was always waiting on me, a true reprieve between our regular carrier deployments. 

We all need a hobby, especially those of us who are so used to keeping busy. I find providing others with the means to either begin or continue their own musical journey to truly be a worthy and fulfilling cause.

My focus as secretary will be record keeping, reporting requirements, and compliance. I typically don’t work with clients directly, but am honored to play my part in this organization.