Our Team
Together We Are Limitless
Chief Executive Officer
Kendra Simpkins

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.
Operations Manager
Jacqueline Woish

As the Operations Manager at Operation Warrior Resolution, Jacqueline oversees organizational functions, optimizes processes and ensures smooth program execution to best serve the veteran community. With a strong background in operational leadership and strategic planning, she specializes in streamlining workflows and organizational growth. Beyond her operational expertise, Jacqueline is deeply committed to mindfulness and its role in holistic healing. She has spent nearly a decade guiding individuals in mindfulness and meditation practices, bringing a holistic approach to her role with OWR. Passionate about supporting others on their healing journeys, she is dedicated to supporting the veteran community and the OWR team.
Director of prgoramming
Scott Schwalm

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.
Trauma Resolution Specialist
Jerrod Klein

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.
Trauma Resolution Specialist
Wendy Price

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.
Facilities Manager
Nicholas Caris

Nicholas Caris is a Marine Corps veteran and seasoned professional with extensive experience in facilities management, IT infrastructure, and non-profit operations. Nicholas has been part of OWR since 2018 and is excited to help grow the mission of healing veterans’ trauma and elevating their lives through health and wellness. Nicholas has successfully overseen property maintenance, ensured compliance with safety regulations, and led building and renovation projects. He is adept at diagnosing and resolving maintenance issues promptly, including emergency situations, while maintaining high standards of functionality and safety. In addition to his facilities management experience, Nicholas brings a wealth of knowledge in IT systems administration. He has a proven track record of managing hardware and software systems, optimizing Salesforce CRM processes, and implementing innovative technology solutions to enhance organizational productivity. His ability to troubleshoot IT issues and provide expert guidance to employees ensures seamless operations across all technological platforms. Nicholas also has a strong background in non-profit leadership, having served as a strategic consultant specializing in grant reporting procedures, data collection, and long-term sustainability initiatives. His commitment to aligning programming needs with operational goals demonstrates his ability to drive impactful results within mission-driven organizations. Complementing his technical expertise and leadership skills are certifications such as Warriors at Ease Levels 1 & 2, VA Certified Peer Support Specialist, and Yoga Teacher Training RYT200. These certifications highlight his dedication to wellness-oriented programs and his ability to support holistic initiatives that benefit veterans and their communities. In his free time, Nicholas enjoys nature, from paddle boarding to hiking with his service dog to exploring new health and wellness techniques. His passion for life and service to others drives him to help his fellow brothers and sisters every day.
Executive Assistant
Kaitlyn Castro

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
Marriage & Couples Specialist
Linda Ann Gorman

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.
Chiropractor
Dr. Jason Walsh

Dr. Jason is a highly referred chiropractor by the Veterans Affairs, and one of the most sought after chiropractors in Sarasota. This is because of the time and interest he gives his patients to truly listen to them and understand the source of the issues in the body. He genuinely cares about the wellness with those he meets and has a naturally ability to understand the functioning of the human body and the best treatment option available. He is a native of Sarasota, Florida and graduated from the private high school, Cardinal Mooney. He then attended the University of South Florida, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity and was on the competitive swim team. After suffering injuries from a car accident and experiencing the power of chiropractic work, he was inspired at the human body’s strength and capacity to heal. He then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic, pursuing a Doctorate of Chiropractic, becoming a chiropractor himself in 2008. Dr. Jason partnered with another chiropractor, and now owns his own thriving private practice in downtown Sarasota, ChiroStandard. Dr. Jason has three young children that he enjoys spending time with, inspiring them to do the things they love. He stays active, frequently competes in triathlons, swims competitively–recently winning first in his age group, and soon to receive his blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. When not on the jiu jitsu mat, you can find him restoring an old Bronco, walking the beach or traveling with the love of his life. Through Dr. Jason’s personal journey and love of athletics, he has extensive knowledge in the human body and nutrition, and is passionate about sharing it with others so they can achieve optimal health. He embraces the walk of physical fitness and a clean diet, and is a true example of living a life full of health and wellness. Dr. Jason is incredibly honored that his work gives him the opportunity to provide healing chiropractic services to veterans through OWR. He feels that there is nothing more professionally rewarding than providing relief and assisting service members to have their life back after service.
esthetician
Roxanne Jorgensen

Roxanne Jorgensen is a licensed esthetician and self-proclaimed wellness and nutrition junkie who has been in the beauty industry for over twenty years. Beginning as a commercial print model in the local market, she gained experience in professional makeup. In 2005, she became licensed by the state of FL as a facial specialist. Roxanne is passionate about helping clients use the most natural, holistic options to achieve their image and wellness goals, and now to the female veterans in OWR bringing in a unique aspect to their healing journey. Roxanne resides in Sarasota, FL with her husband, daughters and three cats that are foster fail. To the graciousness of Dakota Biotech, who sponsors Roxanne’s services, we have the opportunity to provide this to female veterans.
Facilitators
Yoga Instructor
Dan Bue

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.”
Certified Equine Specialist
Ilee Finocchiaro

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.
Research & Medical
Neurofeedback/Brain Mapping Research
George Rozelle, PhD

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.
USF
Research Study
Jane Roberts, PhD

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.