Together, We are Unlimited
Our Team
Team
Kendra Simpkins
Chief Executive Officer
Ms. Simpkins served in the U.S. Army as an Intelligence Analyst, and after she was honorably discharged in 2010, she was determined to ensure that the best treatment options were available for her fellow veterans. She received her Master’s of Science in Social Work from Columbia University in New York, graduating magma cum laude. Soon after she founded Operation Warrior Resolution and made it one of the leading providers of mental health care in the area. Kendra is highly respected and considered an innovator in the field of veteran’s mental health. She’s a subject matter expert in the area of combat-related trauma, PTSD, neuroscience, military and veteran transition, global health practices, and wellness program development.
After graduate school, Kendra became introduced to Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT). She began extensive training under RRT creator Dr. Jon Connelly, and became an Advanced Practitioner providing trainings nationwide to other mental health professionals, training to audiences of more than 150+ attendees.
Through Kendra’s personal journey of experiencing pain and darkness after transitioning from the military, the struggle of receiving inadequate mental health treatment with the Veterans Affairs, and her professional journey of traveling worldwide to train in the most effective approaches for optimal mental health, she created an organization like none other that creates profound and lasting changes in the lives of veterans. Studying with the world’s leading trauma and neuroscience experts, she became certified in Neuroscience and Trauma-Informed Yoga. Seeing the value in utilizing experiential treatments, she firmly believes that each person has the incredible ability to tap into an inherent healing power that’s within. She is the mastermind behind the creation of the OWR programs and how they embody the experiential approach to truly heal the mind, body and spirit. She also developed the Combat Conscious Yoga class, which integrates the use of yoga to address military related challenges.
Kendra was voted the Female Veteran of the Year in 2019-2020 for Sarasota County. Her work with OWR has been featured in ABC, FOX, NBC, CBS along with many other news and media outlets. She is currently in a doctorate program working towards a Ph.D. in Metaphysical Sciences. When she’s not enhancing the mission of OWR, she can be found relaxing on the white sand beaches of Sarasota, recharging with a hike in the red rock mountains of Sedona, studying ancient cultures, or traveling around the world with her best friend and partner.
Kendra is on a mission to massively transform the lives of those who selflessly served this country.
Recently, she became a Certified Psychedelic Assisted Therapist through the Integrative Psychiatry Institute. She specializes in Ketamine-Assisted Therapy for PTSD, anxiety and depression.
Jacqueline Woish
Operations Manager
As the Executive Assistant of Operation Warrior Resolution, Jacqueline supports the CEO and other members of the executive staff by managing and prioritizing schedules, tasks and events. Jacqueline’s experience as an Executive Assistant includes executive level support for hedge funds and real estate investment agencies. For the past 10 years she has taught guided meditations, mindfulness and compassion in Sarasota, FL, and online for after school programs pre-K through grade 12. Jacqueline has successfully led fundraising efforts for multiple organizations throughout the U.S., and with a family history of military service, her heartfelt pride and desire to support those who have served our country make her a champion for our warriors.
Scott Schwalm
Director of Programming
Scott Schwalm brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his role within OWR, and has a strong sense of serve and commitment to helping others. As a U.S. Air Force veteran, Scott went through OWR’s program in 2019 seeking healing and transformation in his own life. It has since changed his life, and the profound impact inspired him to return as a coach and mentor, until coming on full-time as the Director of Community Engagement.
Scott spent 14 years (1993 to 2007) in the U.S. Air Force as an F-16 fighter aviation technician. During his time, he participated in various significant operations, including Operation Southern Watch in Saudi Arabia, Operation Noble Eagle in New York City following the 9/11 attacks, and Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. After military service, Scott transitioned into civilian life while also taking on the role of a local business owner. Scott’s entrepreneurial knowledge and strong work ethic have contributed to the success and longevity of his business.
Scott has a heart of service and is incredibly honored to be supporting fellow veterans at OWR. When he is not engaged at giving back to the military community, he can be found spending time with his children, his Jeep which is his pride and joy, working out, body building contests, traveling, making others laughs, not taking life too seriously, and anything that supports him in being a better human being than he was the day before.
Jerrod Klein
Trauma Resolution Specialist
Jerrod served in the U.S. Air Force as a member of the Security Forces career field for 23 years, and after he retired and was honorably discharged in 2015, he was determined to continue his service to his country and his fellow veterans. He received his Bachelor of Science in Sociology form Saint Leo University and then a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of South Florida, graduating magma cum laude at both schools. Jerrod has had the honor of working in various communities as a mental health counselor and social work advocate for various minority groups. He has experience providing support to those struggling with addiction, assault, guilt, grief, special needs, and trauma. Additionally, he has also helped couples and other groups overcome communication issues and other interpersonal conflicts.
Jerrod is elated to be a part of the OWR family, serving veterans and veteran communities, as a brain-based healing practitioner. Besides his goal of transforming lives, Jerrod has a desire to continue his education to include a Doctor of Social Work. Jerrod’s has a passion for motorcycles and has achieved a certificate of completion from the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute. But his greatest love is for his wife and four children.
Wendy Price
Trauma Resolution Specialist
For over two decades, Wendy has had the fortune of considering the natural environment her playground, home, and office. Specializing in meeting each client where they are in their process, Wendy sets an aligned intention of what each individual wants to achieve, providing empowerment as well as momentum for healing to rapidly occur. She believes every individual has the capability to be the genius of their life. Becoming a member of the OWR Tribe has been the icing on the cake of Wendy’s long-time passion of serving veterans.
Wendy earned her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC). She is trained in eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) through EMDRIA and is a student of Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT). Her other qualifications include Trauma-Focused Equine Assisted Psychotherapy through Natural Lifemanship, being dually certified as an Equine Specialist and Equine Assisted Therapist through the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA), as well as being an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH). Formerly a Florida Certified Horticultural Profession and Nationally Certified Arborist, Wendy brings her understanding of the Great Outdoors to connect those she serves to the natural environment.
Phillip Mockler
Director of Community Engagement
With a combined service of over 25 years in military and Law Enforcement and 18 years of working with veterans and first responders in our community, Phillip is the perfect fit as our Director of Community Engagement. Phillip joined the Marines after graduating from Venice High School in 1999. He served four years on active duty, serving one combat tour in Iraq in 2003. In 2004 Phillip moved to Tampa joining Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and transferring to the Army Reserves. In 2004 Phillip was activated and deployed to Afghanistan for one year. In 2006 while working through his own challenges of returning home and driven by a strong sense of giving back to the community, Phillip began working with veterans in SouthWest Florida. In 2011 Phillip moved back home to Sarasota County where he continued his Law Enforcement career with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office retiring in 2024. Phillp has received numerous awards and accolades for his service to the community including: Heroic Achievement Award (Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office), Sarasota Magazine Unity Award, Congressional Dedication and Professional award to name a few. Over the past 18 years Phillip has served on multiple boards and committees of veteran organization’s as he continues his passion of working with our heroes and their families. Phillip currently lives in South Sarasota County with his wife and two boys.
Kaitlyn Castro
Executive Assistant
With a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a rich background in teaching, Kaitlyn brings a unique blend of expertise and empathy to her role as Executive Assistant at Operation Warrior Resolution. Fluent in English and Spanish and adept at navigating various cultural contexts, she is deeply passionate about advancing holistic and innovative mental health initiatives, especially for veterans. She is dedicated to using her skills to support OWR’s efforts in delivering exceptional care and to help ensure that those who have served our country receive the comprehensive support they need.
In her previous roles, Kaitlyn has enhanced her ability to connect with individuals, provide empathetic support, and manage administrative responsibilities with precision. Having a deep respect for the challenges faced by veterans, Kaitlyn is driven by a strong desire to make a meaningful difference to this community.
Specialists
Linda Ann Remley
Trauma Resolution Expert
Marriage & Couples Specialist
Since 1982, Linda has worked in the Addiction Community helping those affected by alcoholism,drug and process addiction whether in the family, business, justice system or community. She has taught psycho-educational classes on adult mental wellness skills to the community in a variety of settings on a multitude of topics. This community outreach has provided a springboard for her all-day and five-day workshops as well as for consultation on an individual and group basis.
Linda is a Certified Addictions Professional, she holds a BA and graduate credits in Psychology from George Mason University. Linda trained in psychodrama from 1991 through 2009 and incorporated the principles into her experiential workshops and classes. Since 2017, Linda has completed over 500 hours of training in Rapid Resolution Therapy, Neuro-Linguistic Programming and optimal brain functioning. She continues to train and develop her abilities in relieving suffering. Her passion stems from her desire to prevent veteran suicide by assisting veterans and their families to live their best lives. She has worked with clients on clearing combat pts and mst, grief, anxiety, smoking cessation and improved quality of life in abstinence from both food and substance addictions. Linda is a founding board member of Operation: Warrior Resolution, a non-profit foundation, whose mission is to provide veterans with affordable treatment for service related issues.
Linda offers individual, couples, group consultations and classes on Couples Communication and Intimacy, Grief, Stress Management, Assertive Communication Skills, Healthy Relationships, Meditation, Transition to Civilian Life and other topics in response to requests. She is also an ordained minister and performs civil ceremonies and spiritual counseling via zoom and in person.
Dr. Jason Walsh
Chiropractor
Facilitators
Nicholas Caris
Yoga Instructor
Nicholas Caris, aka Yoga Nick, isn’t your usual Marine infantry veteran. He has been doing yoga since 2012 and began teaching yoga to other veterans in 2014. When Nicholas was honorably discharged in 2011 he found his new home in Tampa, Fl. Like many veterans, Nicholas hadn’t realized the significance of what he encountered during his time in the military. However, it began to slowly affect his life mentally, physically, and emotionally. Finding more than just physical relief doing yoga, yogic philosophy became a mental relief as well. Life can still be stressful, so to maintain stability Nicholas finds that drawing all his attention into practice each day is the main reason he hasn’t given up on life. Finding comfort, ease, and peace through this focus he says is his purpose for practicing.
Nicholas is a certified trauma-sensitive yoga teacher through Warriors at Ease and personally trained in working with those that endured trauma through the Exalted Warrior Foundation with founder Annie Okerlin. Nicholas has also taught yoga and meditation to inpatient substance abuse veteran clients learning how to help them overcome addiction and sustain sobriety naturally to better support veteran health. Nicholas is passionate about not only creating healthy responses to his own trauma symptoms from service but for his brothers and sisters encountering their struggles too!
Nicholas works with other non-profits teaching yoga, helping/volunteering with infrastructure, maintenance, and anything else he can for organizations helping veterans. He currently works with Operation Warrior Resolution, My Warriors Place, and Exalted Warrior Foundation. Nicholas has recently started his own venture, Veteran Yogi LLC, highlighting yoga, meditation, and overall wellness products that will support future retreats and yoga classes free to veterans. We are grateful to have such a well-known yogi in the veteran community providing so much heart-felt and dedicated service to us through yoga at our retreats, at our weekly yoga classes and even maintaining our IT systems. When Yoga Nick isn’t on the yoga mat, he can be found handing out with his service dog Mika or traveling the country on his motorcycle.
Dan Bue
Yoga Instructor
Dan Bue retired in 2018 after serving 20 years in the U.S Navy. While on active duty he received his Bachelor of Science in Workforce Education and Development. At his first duty station he was introduced to yoga and in 2009 became a yoga instructor and taught yoga classes during deployments aboard Naval ships for a few years. After retiring from the Navy, Dan received his dive master certification and worked in the dive industry for a short time. While continuing to practice his mindfulness he had taken a break from teaching until 2023 when he found a calling to give back and share with fellow veterans through Operation Warrior Resolution. He is also a reiki practitioner.
After being involved in OWR for a year and a half, Dan found a new direction by sharing his knowledge and life-long interest in holistic lifestyles with other veterans. He is a believer and searcher of natural and holistic solutions. It is his desire to assist in transforming veterans to health and wholeness using mind, body, and soul. Dan has been able to reduce his own anxiety and the operational stressors that accompany life through yoga and reiki.
During his free time Dan enjoys standup paddling boarding, bowling, and spending time with family while continuously learning ways to better himself and those around him. “The ebb and flow of life is constant; the challenge is effectively utilizing the calm in between to slow the chatter of the mind becoming the best you can be in the moment.”
Ilee Finocchiaro
Certified Equine Specialist
Ilee Finocchiaro is a Certified Equine Specialist and the OWR volunteer Equine Therapy Program Coordinator. Ilee moved to Florida in 2014 where she quickly found her passion for equine therapy. Since 2014, Ilee has been actively dedicated to volunteering her time in co-facilitating and directing various equine therapy programs designed around veteran mental health and wellness. Her energetic devotion for animals and helping people led her to acquire a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) certification as an Equine specialist in Mental Health as well as achieve a Certification as a Therapeutic Riding Instructor. In addition, Ilee is the proud owner of her very own horse Snoopy, who is a program horse, and she feels honored to use him to assist veterans in their healing journey. Ilee is dedicated to the mission in transforming veterans and their family’s health and wellness through equine therapy.
Health & Nutrition
Chef Danny Serio
Contributing Chef
Jamie Tenpas
Weingaertner
Holistic Health Practitioner
Research & Medical
George Rozelle, PhD
Neurofeedback/Brain Mapping Research
George Rozelle, PhD is the doctor conducting our brain mapping research with veterans. He has been working in the field of applied psychophysiology and biofeedback since 1990. He’s a licensed and certified psychotherapist, Board certified neurotherapist, Board certified Quantitative Electroencephalography Technologist (QEEGD), a Diplomate in Neurofeedback, Senior Fellow with the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA) and achieved Fellow status by the Association of Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback in 2018.
He has presented at state, national and international conferences and has written several Publications including: Neurotherapy for Stroke Rehabilitation: Biofeedback and Self-Regulation. After obtaining his Doctorate from the University of Florida in 1978, Dr. Rozelle worked in clinical and administrative positions in the field of addictions. While serving as Program Director at Anabasis, an innovative addictions treatment program, Dr. Rozelle investigated an innovative approach to alcoholism treatment called alpha-theta brain wave training.
After studying the technique at the Menninger Institute in Topeka, he enjoyed success with brain wave training for addictions. He later was able to apply the technology to help a colleague recover from a stroke. Since then, Dr. Rozelle has worked with many conditions including stress disorders, neurological disorders, depression, anxiety, chronic pain and attention deficit disorders as well as addictions. He also works with highly motivated clients interested in enhancing their performance.
Dr. Rozelle has presented lectures and workshops on a variety of topics including neurofeedback treatment for stroke, traumatic brain injury, trichotillomania, QEEG, peak performance training and transformational experiences. He has led workshops on combining peripheral and EEG Biofeedback, Brain Music Therapy, Mental Fitness Training, Age Related Cognitive Decline and Healthy Aging. He is also served as lead investigator of a multi-site controlled study on neurofeedback treatment of retired NFL professional football players.
Dr. Rozelle has been an active member of the Association of Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB), the Biofeedback Society of Florida (BSF) and the International Society for Neurofeedback and Research (ISNR). He serves on the Board of Directors of the Biofeedback Society of Florida. He’s also a pioneer in the application of neuroscience to mental fitness training. Dr George Rozelle was Selected for inclusion in Trademark Top Doctors in 2018.
Jane Roberts, PhD
USF Research Study
Jane Roberts, LCSW, ACSW, Ph.D., obtained a Ph.D. and graduate certificate in gerontology at Virginia Tech and an MSW (Master of Social Work) at Virginia Commonwealth University. She has extensive background as a program manager with hospice, as a medical social work director, and a psychiatric social worker. She is currently a Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida.
Her research interests emphasize age bias and prejudicial views toward older people. She is currently involved in projects involving the familial and socio-cultural influences upon caregivers of adults of the WWII era, as well as a study of caregivers of dementia patients and the stressors in their lives. Dr. Roberts is honored to be able to lead the ongoing research of Operation Warrior Resolution’s research since 2018, where she has been evaluating and assessing the efficacy and perceived utility of targeted treatment methods at retreats for veterans.
Dr. Roberts’ clinical and administrative career has included psychotherapy, hospice management, and hospital administration, and she serves as Chair of the Duvall Family Studies center at USF. She was formerly employed by the federal government as a Health Research Scientist, where she coordinated a multi-state study of veterans with Alzheimer’s-type dementias.
Board of Directors
Eric Robinson, CPA
Interim Chair / Treasurer
As a successful entrepreneur, Eric excels in helping small businesses and nonprofits manage their taxes and finances for growth. Before devoting himself to his CPA firm he was the founder of a business that he grew into a $37 million dollar corporation, earning him recognition by INC Magazine as one the fastest-growing companies. The business was also ranked by VAR (Value-Added Reseller) Magazine as the 48th largest VAR in the nation. He has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times and has appeared as a guest on the BBC, both radio and television. Eric has a deep and abiding commitment to serving his community, region, and state. In addition to supporting countless nonprofits he served four years on the Sarasota County School Board and in appointed board positions for Florida’s Workforce Development, State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota, and the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. He lives in Venice with his wife, Christine, and their children EJ, Johnny, and Princess Madi Grace. Eric received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and master’s degree from Florida International University. As a Navy veteran, he is honored to have the opportunity to serve fellow veterans through OWR.
James Jerome
Board Secretary
Linda Ann Remley
Board Member
Linda Ann Remley, Founding Board Member, is originally from Lowell, Massachusetts and since 1991 a full-time resident of Sarasota, Florida. She’s been a Certified Addictions Professional since 1983, delivering treatments in a variety of capacities and venues for those affected by addiction and their families, colleagues and friends. Some of Linda’s most satisfying work history was assisting Vietnam veterans with their experiences both in combat and later returning home. After becoming aware of the current suicide statistics with America’s veteran community suffering from PTSD, Linda sought the means to be a part of the solution and in 2017 became a Rapid Resolution TherapyPractitioner focusing on trauma resolution.. She currently seeks to support and coach veterans and veteran families in utilizing the most effective therapeutic alternatives, specifically with substance abuse and other addictions affecting today’s military community. Linda is an ordained minister,a Florida licensed realtor and has appeared onstage locally at Theatreworks and The Players Theatre and at the Sarasota Film Festival in the feature film “The Jonestown Defense”.
Jeff Anderson
Board Member
Jeff Anderson spent 10 years of military training in the elite infantry units around the world, Jeff began working as a security consultant, executive protection specialist for private clients and then subsequently in the entertainment industry. Specializing in military style hand-to-hand and weapons combat, Jeff offers classes and seminars based on practicality and battlefield effectiveness. In Jeff’s survival training, he uses his unique military experience to inject a more realistic view of what to expect in survival scenarios and provide practical solutions. Ultimately his training and experience led him to create Warrior Life, which is fueled by more than 100 of the world’s top instructors in law enforcement, military, and civilian survival schools. Jeff founded Operation Save Our Soldiers, where he has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support nonprofits who are dedicated to eliminating PTSD and saving the lives of veterans, such as OWR.
Jeff has volunteered at many of the OWR retreats from the beginning, so he is grateful to have the opportunity to now move into a board member position and share his entrepreneurial skills and knowledge with the organization. He resides with his high school sweetheart and son in Tampa, FL.
Bryan Stern
Board Member
Bryan Stern is a multiple-tour combat veteran of the United States Army and Navy. He has over 25 years of military experience focused on special operations specializing in Hostage Rescue, Counter-Terrorism, Counter- Proliferation, Critical Technology Protection, and Unconventional Warfare. Bryan has supported, deployed, and operated operations in over 60 countries. His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart medal and has been recognized by the United States Secretary of Defense, Secretary of the Army, Chief of US Army Infantry, and the Director, Defense Intelligence Agency. Bryan was also a military first responder during the attacks on 9/11 in New York City. He is a specialist in near-peer threats, hard-targets, and denied-area/contested-area operations. Bryan has served with the most elite units and agencies within the US Special Operations and Intelligence Communities.
Ilka Rodriguez
Board Member
Ms. Rodriguez had a 36-year career with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) where she began providing technical support worldwide to covert operations and rose to become the first Latina in Human Resources promoted to the Senior Intelligence Service, the CIA’s executive cadre. She received numerous commendations to include 18 CIA Exceptional Performance Awards, an Intelligence Commendation Medal, a National Intelligence Professional Award for Human Capital, and a Career Intelligence Medal.
Ms. Rodriguez, the daughter of a Colombian mother and a Cuban father, is a native of Hackensack, NJ. She is a graduate of New York University, with a B.A. in French and German, and The George Washington University, with an M.A. in Education and Human Development. She has also attended La Universidad Complutense de Madrid, L’Institut Catholique de Paris, and the Harvard Kennedy School.
Ms. Rodriguez is currently the founder and president of I. Rodriguez and Associates, a personal and organizational development consulting firm with an emphasis on talent acquisition, career discernment and readiness, leadership and management training, and public speaking. She is honored to join the board and share her extensive skills and expertise towards the OWR mission and those who served.