Allyn T. Goodrich

President

Allyn is a dedicated S.W.A.T. Operator, as well as an author and speaker committed to advocating for First Responder’s mental health. His work focuses on breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in law enforcement and emergency services.

Joe Stabley

Vice President & Peer Support

Joe is a retired Army Captain and Green Beret, as well as a board-certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) that takes an integrative approach to treating Veterans and First Responders. He utilizes experience from Addiction Psychiatry, Men’s Health, and Lifestyle Medicine to address both mental and physical injuries. 

He gained invaluable life experience by joining the US Army at age 17 to “leave the Inland Empire for good and see the world.”

Joe’s highlights from twenty one years of service include:

-Peacekeeping missions and humanitarian crisis relief with the 101st Airborne Division.

-Time as a flight medic for the US Army Air Ambulance Detachment

-Combat operations as a Green Beret with 10th Special Forces Group.

-Retiring as a Medical Officer and Master Resilience Trainer in the CA Army National Guard.  

It was Joe’s personal experience with Equine-Assisted Therapy that lead him to Gaits to Healing. What started as a simple call to service, by caring for horses and peer support, evolved into a second chance at fulfilling a dream. On the final stretch of his own hero’s journey, his desire to “bring everyone home” to their loved ones is what matters most. 

Herbert A. Tejada, MBA

Treasurer

Herbert is a fire captain, nonprofit founder, and mental health advocate with 19 years of experience in firefighting and public service.

He specializes in PTSD awareness, suicide prevention, and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in first responder communities. As the founder of a grassroots nonprofit, he led impactful initiates for seven years, empowering individuals and organizations.

With an MBA from California State University, Long Beach, he brings leadership and strategic expertise to advance resources and collaboration for first responders.

Paula Roller

Secretary

Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, Paula Roller brings deep compassion, lived experience, and operational expertise to her role in the mental health field. As the spouse of a Desert Storm Army veteran and someone personally affected by the loss of a loved one to suicide, Paula’s commitment to supporting those who serve runs deep.

 Her professional background includes working in clinical operations, where she supports psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and therapists in delivering quality mental health care. Paula is especially passionate about suicide prevention, trauma-informed support, and increasing access to care for military members, first responders, and their families.

Through Gaits to Healing, Paula combines her advocacy and professional skillset to create pathways of hope and healing—one step at a time.

Kristi Miedecke, LMFT

Clinical Lead

Kristi Miedecke is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a professional background in both law enforcement and mental health. She served as a psychiatric emergency response team officer and field training officer with the San Diego Police Department before transitioning into clinical practice. Kristi earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and continued on to achieving a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy.

Drawing on her unique experience, Kristi specializes in trauma-informed care and equine-assisted psychotherapy. She is EAGALA Certified, allowing her to integrate evidence-based practices with equine-assisted approaches to support clients in developing resilience, healing from trauma, and strengthening relationships.

Kristi has focused her work on veterans and first responders, populations she is deeply committed to serving. Through her role with Gaits to Healing, she continues this mission by providing accessible, compassionate, and effective mental health services designed to help individuals and families overcome adversity and thrive.

Micheal Lichardi, DPM, PA

Board Member, Clinical & Peer Support

Michael L. Lichardi is a highly experienced Physician Assistant (PA-C) specializing in trauma surgery and critical care medicine, currently practicing at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey. A graduate of Seton Hall Universityâ€Ms Physician Assistant program (1985), he has dedicated his career to saving lives in high-pressure environments.

Beyond his medical career, Lichardi served as a volunteer firefighter for 25 years with the Freehold Fire Department, giving him firsthand insight into the physical and psychological toll faced by first responders. Michael served as President of the Freehold Borough Board of Education, demonstrating his strong commitment to his fellow community members.

His dedication to first responder mental health advocacy is deeply personal. He was present during the 9/11 attacks, an event that profoundly shaped his perspective on trauma and long-term stress exposure. He has endured devastating losses, including his brother’s death by suicide and the passing of his father-in-law due to 9/11-related cancer, the latter having worked closely with the Attorney General and Police Commissioner during 9/11. These experiences have fueled his mission to ensure first responders receive the psychological and emotional support they deserve.

Lichardi's connection to the law enforcement and mental health communities runs deep. He is married to a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), whose father was a police detective, and continues to invest his time and energy toward caring for his family and our mission.

Justin Kalnas

Board Member & Peer Support

As a Fire Captain with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Justin Kalnas has dedicated his career to protecting lives, leading firefighters, and fostering growth—both in the field and training environments. With over 16 years of experience as a Firefighter, Firefighter Paramedic, and Engineer, he brings expertise and a commitment to excellence to every role.

He has worked with the EMS Bureau in training and quality improvement, served as a Paramedic Preceptor, and contributed to the Fire Behavior Cadre alongside some of the most skilled and inspiring firefighters he has known. These experiences have sharpened his technical knowledge, leadership abilities, and passion for mentoring others. He holds numerous state and local certifications and continuously seeks opportunities to expand his skills and impact within the fire service.

Having grown up as the child of a firefighter, Justin witnessed firsthand the physical and emotional toll this career takes. Later, through his own experiences in both fire service and law enforcement settings, he saw the impact of repeated exposure to trauma and the limitations of traditional support systems. His father, a LAFD Fire Captain, earned a Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Route 91 tragedy—an event that further reinforced the need for better mental health resources for first responders.

Recognizing the need for a different approach to resilience and healing, Justin joined the board of Gaits to Healing, a nonprofit equine therapy program dedicated to supporting first responders. This organization provides an alternative path to mental wellness, offering the kind of support he knows firsthand is essential for those who serve.

Taylor Lapoint

Peer Support Committee Chairman

Taylor Lapoint is a seasoned law enforcement and security professional with extensive experience in corrections, rural policing, SWAT operations, and executive protection. He began his career with the Nevada Department of Corrections before serving as a deputy sheriff in Esmeralda County, where he honed his skills in remote law enforcement. Now a SWAT operator and police officer with the Riverside Police Department, he specializes in tactical operations, crisis response, and high-risk incidents.

A lifelong martial artist, Taylor trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to sharpen both his physical capabilities and mental resilience. His dedication to first responder wellness extends beyond the job, as he plays a key role in his department’s wellness team. He also finds balance and recovery through daily care of his family’s horses, witnessing firsthand the therapeutic power of working with animals. Whether on duty or in training, Taylor is committed to safety, resilience, and supporting those on the front lines.

Zoë Dalton

Community Liaison, Marketing Lead & Equine Support

Zoë Dalton is a healthcare recruiter based in Vernon, NJ, and founder of 30 Point 28, LLC. She holds a B.S. in Rehabilitation Services with a concentration in Deaf Education and Speech Pathology, and a minor in Psychology. A former First Responder and dedicated mental health advocate, Zoë is passionate about supporting First Responders, Military Veterans and their Families, and Trauma Survivors.

In 2024, she discovered equine-assisted therapy and is pursuing EAGALA certification to further her commitment to accessible alternative healing.

Zoë’s lifelong love of horses, professional background and life experience bring valuable insight to the board and its mission of advancing trauma-informed care.

Jamie Borba, Ph.D. Candidate

Peer Support & Equine Care Volunteer

Jamie Borba serves as an Equine Care Volunteer and Peer Support with Gaits to Healing. She brings two decades of experience as a peace officer with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, where she served in custody at the Intake and Release Center and the Central Women’s Jail, as well as patrol operations in Dana Point, Stanton, and Newport Harbor. Jamie’s career also included five years with the Mounted Enforcement Unit, seven years on the Dive Team, and eight years in investigations, where she worked in backgrounds, general investigations, and financial crimes.

In addition to her work with Gaits to Healing, she is currently pursuing her doctorate in forensic psychology, furthering her commitment to understanding and supporting the mental health needs of others.

Originally from New York, she moved to Orange County and has built a life rooted in service, family, and animals. She and her husband—also in law enforcement, with experience on the bomb squad and as a canine handler—are raising three children along with a lively household of animals, including two horses, two goats, chickens, a rescue bunny, a bearded dragon, and three dogs (one a bomb dog and two adopted ranch dogs). Her love for animals and commitment to supporting others make her a valued part of the Gaits to Healing team.

Emily Larson

Equine Training/Care Support & Lead Community Outreach

Emily has over 35 years of extensive equine experience. She worked as a PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) Certified instructor and the volunteer coordinator at the nonprofit HEARTS Therapeutic Equestrian Center where she led adaptive riding sessions and managed a full team of volunteers. Emily personally launched a successful program, Hearts for Hero’s, serving military veterans. As part of the equine team, Emily participated in evaluating new horses for program suitability and managed the equine conditioning program to ensure the horses remained mentally and physically sound for the unique demands of therapeutic work.

Emily is currently working in education at a school located on a U.S. military base, supporting military-connected students and their families. In this role, Emily provides consistent academic and social-emotional support, assists students through the challenges of frequent moves and parental deployments, and works closely with educators and supports staff to create a stable, inclusive, and responsive learning environment tailored to the unique needs of military children.

Ava Ramirez-Ene, Ph.D., RYT-500

Board Member & Peer Support

Dr. Ava is an advocate, educator, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, equestrian, and trauma-informed wellness practitioner with over 15 years of experience in victim advocacy, forensic psychology, and holistic healing.

She medically retired from the United States Marine Corps after almost 9 years of service, including a deployment to Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. Her passion for advocacy began as a Uniformed Victim Advocate (UVA), where she provided emergency response and confidential support for military sexual assault survivors.

Ava holds a Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology with a specialization in Victimology, an M.Phil. in Forensic Psychology, an M.A. in Human Behavior, and a B.A. in Sociology. She has interned with Homeland Security Investigations, served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, and worked in prevention and intervention programs supporting youth, young adults, and victims of crime. In her current role, Dr. Ava provides consultation on domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking; military culture and victimization; Coordinated Community Response; and empowering marginalized communities.

 Beyond advocacy, Dr. Ava is a RYT-500 certified yoga instructor, Reiki Level II Practitioner, and an aspiring 850-hour Yoga Therapist (IAYT), integrating holistic healing into trauma recovery. A lifelong equestrian and horse rescue advocate, Dr. Ava has personally experienced the transformative power of horses. Since 2017, she has rescued and rehabilitated her own horses, deepening her commitment to the therapeutic benefits of horse-human connections. She is honored to serve on the board of Gaits to Healing, supporting first responders and military service members through equine-assisted therapy.

Committed to advocacy, education, and holistic healing, Dr. Ava continues to empower survivors and communities nationwide.

Andy Gryzwa, Fire Chief

Board Member

Andrew Gryzwa began his public safety career in 1984 as a Firefighter with Cal Fire.. A year later, he moved on to the La Habra Fire Department serving in the ranks of Firefighter, Firefighter/Paramedic, Engineer/Paramedic, Captain/Paramedic and Battalion Chief/Paramedic. Andy achieved roles in various additional assignments including Arson Investigator and Liaison to the Police Chaplain program. The La Habra Fire Department was consolidated into the Los Angeles County Fire Department, where he served until retirement in the positions of Firefighter/Paramedic, Captain, and Battalion Chief. As a Battalion Chief, Andy served in field battalions, as the Fire Marshal, and Chief Investigator of the Arson Unit for 5 years. After retirement, he took on a full-time role as the Chief and Fire Academy Director at Rio Hondo College, where he has instructed since 1990. In 2022, Andy accepted his current position as Fire Chief for the Running Springs Fire Department.

Andy started as a Reserve Police Officer in 1992 with the La Habra Police Department, then transferring to LHPD full-time as a Police Officer. Andy transferred back to the La Habra Fire Department but remained with the LHPD as a Designated Level 1 Reserve Officer, a position he held until retiring in in 2015. With the LHPD, Andy had the opportunity to work in the Patrol and Traffic Divisions, served two stints in the Special Investigations Unit as a Gang and Narcotics Detective, and one stint in the General Investigations Unit as a Property Crimes Detective. He was assigned to the department Warrant Entry Team and was an original member of the Quad Cities Special Response Team (now North County SWAT) serving as both an Operator and the Initial Tactical (TEMS) Paramedic.

Serving collaterally in both the fire and police service, Andy has seen firsthand the toll physical and emotional trauma has on first responders. He has lost friends in both professions from the impact of PTSD, physical trauma, and medical conditions brought on by the job. In both professions, Andy applauds the increase in recognition of the negative impact of both emotional and physical trauma. He conveys that they have come a long way in helping the first responder communities, but there’s much more that we can do to help our people with acknowledgment, support, and treatment. Andy believes that Gaits to Healing provides a huge contribution to easing pain, frustration, suffering, and works toward saving first responder lives.

Micheal L. Lichardi, PA-C, DPM

Advisory Board Member & Clinical Support

Michael Lichardi, PharmD, MHS, is a dedicated healthcare professional committed to advocating for the mental health and well-being of first responders. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Health Science in Healthcare Informatics from Fairleigh Dickinson University before completing his PGY-1 residency at Ocean University Medical Center (OUMC), where he received advanced training in Emergency and Critical Care Medicine.

As a Critical Care and Emergency Medicine Pharmacist at OUMC, Michael works on the front lines of patient care, supporting high-acuity cases in the ICU and ER. He is also an active member of the hospital’s Resuscitation Committee, where he assists in analyzing data on Rapid Responses and Code Blues to improve emergency protocols and patient outcomes.

Michael’s commitment to mental health advocacy is deeply personal. Coming from a family of first responders—his father and brother are firefighters, and his grandfather was an NYPD officer and 9/11 first responder, developing cancer as a result—he has witnessed firsthand the emotional and psychological toll of these professions. The loss of his uncle to suicide following a traumatic brain injury further solidified his dedication to ensuring first responders have the resources and support they need.

As a board member, Michael brings his medical expertise, data-driven approach, and personal passion to advancing mental health initiatives for those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.

Monica Nichols, MD

Advisory Board Member & Clinical Support

Monica Nichols, MD, is a psychiatrist who attended medical school and completed her residency in Psychiatry at the University of California San Diego Medical School.

She has worked in a variety of settings, including Riverside County Mental Health, private practice, correctional settings, and a residential treatment center. Her extensive experience includes working with active-duty military, veterans, first responders, and individuals recovering from trauma, including those with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Dr. Nichols is deeply committed to the mission of saving lives and helping patients overcome trauma, regain stability, and achieve healing. She values a holistic, integrative approach to treatment and appreciates incorporating modalities such as equine-assisted therapy to support recovery.

Joe Fox

Advisory Board Member

For more than 37 years, Joseph Fox served with the New York City Police Department, retiring in 2018 after serving seven years as the Chief of the NYPD’s Transit Bureau. Following in his father’s footsteps, Joe joined the NYPD in July, 1981, as a patrol officer in Brooklyn’s 70th Precinct. While ascending the ranks to three-star Chief, he has commanded Patrol Borough Brooklyn South, Patrol Borough Queens South, the Office of the Chief of Internal Affairs, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Training, as well as Brooklyn’s 71st Precinct. As head of the NYPD’s Transit Bureau, Joe led a team of more than 2,600 women and men who secure the nation’s busiest rail system. Joe has significant accomplishments working with diverse communities, and building and improving on strong police/community relations.

When Joe retired he joined Silverseal Security as Chief of Staff, where he focused on program development, team empowerment, recognition and incentives, and leadership training. Joe is known for having a strong passion and talent in building teams and developing leaders and managers. He has spent close to a decade presenting “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” seminars to professionals in a variety of fields of public service.

Joe is a Life Coach, Executive Leadership Coach and is dedicated to helping people find the absolute best versions of themselves, professionally and personally. Joe’s current titles and responsibilities also include Board of Directors of 5Star Life Insurance, Presidential Medal of Valor Committee Member, Board Member of Rockaway’s September 11th Tribute Park and Master Trainer in Blue Courage.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Security Management from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and is a graduate of iPEC Coaching, and the Police Management Institute at Columbia University. Joe expertly translates the power of personal loss throughout his life into purposeful messages that inspire others. Through speaking engagements (which he finds great enjoyment in doing), executive leadership coaching, and personal development, he conveys a life’s worth of lessons to others in law enforcement and in the private sector.

Tes Hankel

Advisory Board Member

Tes Hankel is the founder of LogoFusion, an advertising specialty distributor based in Las Vegas, which she started in 2005. She holds a BA in Management with a minor in Psychology from the University of North Florida. Outside of her career, Tes is a proud mother and first-time grandmother, always balancing family life with her work.

As the daughter of a veteran, Tes has a deep passion for supporting veterans and first responders. She’s committed to helping them navigate the resources available to them, ensuring they get the support they deserve. Along with running her business, Tes is an active volunteer, giving her time to causes that matter most to her

Jason Law

Advisory Board Member & Peer Support

Jason has spent 17 years in the fire service at a captain for Henderson Fire department where he serves as peer support and over 20 years as a paramedic.

Through his own journey, he’s learned the importance of honesty, connection, and support—believing that “it’s okay to not be okay—but not okay to keep it to yourself.”

As part of Gaits to Healing, Jason serves on the Advisory Board and offers peer support, walking alongside first responders and their families with compassion and understanding.

Jeff Clark

Peer Support

Jeff Clark is a retired police officer with 18 years of service, including roles as a Field Training Officer, Assault Detective, and Vice President of the Inglewood Police Officers Association.

After retiring in 2011, he spent 10 years as a flight attendant with Southwest Airlines, ensuring passenger safety and security until his retirement in 2024.

Jeff enjoys time with his adult children and granddaughter, as well as hiking, fishing, golfing, and exploring the outdoors with his dog. Understanding the positive effects being active and outside, Jeff values the meaning behind the Gaits to Healing mission. Through his own personal practice he is led to be involved with peer support, enabling the growth of positive effects throughout the First Responder community.

As a Peer Support Candidate, Jeff is proudly walking through the Gates to Healing method with our team to gain first-hand experience with Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning.

Ramone Resop

Peer Support

Ramone D. Resop is a Program Development and Training Specialist for a Combat and Operational Stress Control center in San Diego, CA and US Navy Retired Chief Hospital Corpsman.

Currently as a Strategic Military Outreach coordinator and Subject Matter Expert, Ramone develops and distributes Psychological Health Support, training and consultation to Operational Military Forces worldwide. Throughout his 23-year career as a Hospital Corpsman, he completed 9 overseas deployments and multiple years of overseas service including several US Navy Warship deployments, and combat deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom Campaigns one, two, three and four. With a short break in between his active-duty military service in 2006, he served 2 years as a full-time volunteer firefighter in Pensacola, FL and then returned to Active Duty in 2009 to complete his Navy career.

He has been a leader, practitioner and provider of medicine and psychological health for 26 years, and through the success of facing his own challenges and struggles with severe trauma and PTSD in his professional and personal life, Ramone continues to advocate, live and thrive in his life with his wife and children after retirement. After his retirement in 2021, him and his family embarked on a 3 ½ year journey alongside his 6-year-old daughter as she fought and beat pediatric cancer four times. He has dedicated his life to his family and to the never-ending support of our military service members, veterans, first responders, and families impacted by the trauma associated with pediatric cancer.

Ed Monroe

Peer Support

Ed Monroe is a veteran of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. He was born in Del Rio Texas; learning invaluable lessons from his father, an Air Force pilot. He grew up on Air Force Bases across the United States and internationally in Japan; although, Monroe refers to Huntington Beach, CA. as his hometown. 

Ed holds a degree in Mathematics – Applied, graduating from California State University Northridge. He has been a member of LACoFD for almost 20 years and a fire Captain for the better half of a decade. Captain Monroe’s job specialties include incident command, wildland and structure firefighting, HAZMAT Specialist, and EMS.  He has also been involved in the mathematical analysis of the effectiveness of prepositioned resources during fire weather. 

Captain Monroe’s industry, non-job functions and skills, include Peer support and Honor Guard. In 2021, Captain Monroe was directly involved in a very notable, significant critical incident and speaks publicly on the topic.  Monroe addresses fire service crews, law enforcement officers, first responders, and clinicians on unimaginable critical incidence, and cumulative traumatic stress experiences. 

Ed is passionate about mental health and wellness and continues to advocate for first responders who have experienced and are struggling with their own cumulative traumatic stress, critical incidents, and PTSD. 

In addition to teaching awareness in his own department, he has spoken at the PSPSA Conference in 2022, the ICISF World Congress in 2023, 1st Responder Conferences – Tempe AZ, Brothers Helping Brothers in 2024, and has had numerous pod cast appearances.

As a Peer Support Candidate, Ed is intentionally walking through the Gates to Healing method with our team to gain first-hand experience with Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning.