Welcome to our board and members page!  Here, you'll get to know our dedicated board and staff members.  Each individual brings unique skills and experiences, contributing to our mission and values. We invite you to learn more about their backgrounds and what they bring to our organization.

Ed Chicoine is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (CA LMFT #133027).  After serving 30 years in law enforcement and 8 years in the military, Ed understands firsthand the unique challenges that come with high-stress professions.

For decades, Ed has devoted his ancillary time to supporting others through peer support and therapy. He founded and led his agency’s peer support program and has been actively involved with the First Responder Support Network (WCPR & SOS) since 2002, serving as a peer counselor, chaplain, board member, vice president, and clinician.

Ed is trained in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), Peer Support, Flash Technique, and EMDR, and is also a certified Neuropsychotherapist. Ed runs a psychotherapy practice (First Responder Family - Counseling Services) in Hidden Valley Lake, California.  His approach blends professional expertise with deep empathy and lived experience, helping clients find meaningful pathways toward wellness.  Ed also teaches a wellness course for various agencies, including the California Highway Patrol. 

James Linn brings more than 35 years of law enforcement experience and senior leadership to the Valor to Wellness Foundation. Over the course of his career, he has served in a wide range of public safety roles, developing a deep understanding of the challenges faced by first responders at every level. Currently, James serves as Assistant Chief of the California Office of Emergency Services, where he helps oversee statewide emergency preparedness, coordination, and response efforts.

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In addition to his public service, James is also a business owner, further strengthening his skills in organizational leadership, resource management, and community engagement. His combined expertise in law enforcement, emergency management, and business brings both strategic vision and operational knowledge to the Foundation. With his decades of service and leadership in critical incident response, James is committed to advancing the Foundation’s mission of ensuring mental health support for first responders, veterans, and their families.

Conner Chicoine is a Clinical Therapist Intern completing his master’s degree in Clinical Counseling. He works with the First Responders Support Network and their West Coast Post-Trauma Retreat (WCPR) program, a nonprofit supporting first responders through trauma-focused therapy. As the child of a first responder and veteran, Conner brings a personal understanding of the challenges faced by those in service. In addition to his clinical work, he serves as a Director and Intervention Specialist in a Bay Area public school system, where he provides crisis intervention and student support. Conner’s combined experience in education and mental health reflects his dedication to building resilience and wellness in both first responders and their families.

Jenna Shepherd brings a unique blend of professional expertise, leadership, and hands-on service experience to the Valor to Wellness Foundation. A licensed Real Estate Agent, Jenna has also dedicated years of volunteer leadership to one of the largest philanthropic fraternal organizations in the country, serving her local charter as President, Secretary, and now Treasurer. Her leadership in this organization has strengthened fundraising efforts, community outreach, and charitable impact across diverse causes, including the betterment of veterans. 

Jenna also worked as a frontline water tender operator, assisting CalFire during major wildfires such as the Tubbs Fire in Santa Rosa, Ca in 2017. With her blend of financial leadership and firsthand service experience, Jenna brings her passion for supporting communities in times of need. As Treasurer, she ensures the Foundation’s financial integrity while upholding its mission to make mental health support accessible to first responders, veterans, and their families.

Jessica Rosenthal is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and ERMHS Counselor in the public education system, where she provides mental health services and support to students.  Jessica’s passion for mental health work is deeply rooted in her family and personal life. As the daughter of a first responder and military veteran, and the wife of a Firefighter/Paramedic, she has a profound understanding of the stress, resilience, and sacrifices that accompany public service.

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Jessica’s combination of professional expertise and life experience allows her to connect deeply with those she serves, making her a valuable advocate for the mission of the Valor to Wellness Foundation.

Greg brings twenty six years of dedicated service as a deputy sheriff, including nine years as a criminal investigator. From 2009 to 2016, he played a crucial role as co-coordinator and later lead the agency's peer support unit.  His extensive experience includes providing mental health assistance to first responders and collaborating with mental health professionals during traumatic crises.

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Greg's commitment to supporting his colleagues in times of need showcases his passion for fostering a healthier community. 

Dwaine Montes is a retired law enforcement professional with a distinguished 30-year career dedicated to public safety, leadership, and mentorship.

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In addition to his law enforcement career, Dwaine is a retired Gunnery Sergeant of the United States Marine Corps. His military service instilled in him values of discipline, resilience, and service, which continues to guide his work today. His dual perspective as both a law enforcement veteran and Marine Corps leader gives him unique insight into the sacrifices and challenges faced by first responders and military families.

Dr. Mark Hoogendorn is a chiropractor, business owner, and dedicated community supporter with a passion for wellness and service. As a healthcare professional, he has spent his career helping people improve their physical health, mobility, and quality of life through chiropractic care and holistic approaches to wellness. His experience as a business owner also brings valuable leadership and organizational insight to the Valor to Wellness Foundation. As the father of a former CalFire firefighter/emergency medical technician, he has a deep appreciation for the challenges faced by those who serve on the front lines of California’s wildfires and emergencies. This perspective deepens his commitment to the Foundation’s mission of supporting the mental health and resilience of first responders, veterans, and their families. 

Dr. Hoogendorn brings both compassion and practical wisdom to the Board.

Ryan Padgett is a retired U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant who served 24 years as a C-5 Galaxy aircrew member. He has also dedicated over 14 years as a law enforcement chaplain, providing peer support and critical incident response to first responders and their families.

Ryan is the co-founder and president of Bold Face Fly Fishing Foundation, a nonprofit that equips military personnel, first responders, and their loved ones with fly fishing as a tool for stress relief, identity rebuilding, and community connection. He is completing his bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) and plans to pursue a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling to become a Licensed Professional Counselor focused on serving military and first responder populations.

Blending lived experience, faith, and professional training, Ryan is committed to helping those who serve build resilience and lasting wellness.