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Meet the team that drives our purpose
Field Support Officer
Therapeutic Program Director
Creative arts director
Ruby
In October 2024, J.R. welcomed Ruby, a service-dog-in-training, to the TT1P family. Ruby is being trained to remain calm in noisy or crowded environments, offer grounding support during panic attacks, and assist with simple physical tasks.
Her presence adds another layer of comfort, connection, and emotional support to TT1P’s outreach efforts.
Creative arts director
Therapeutic Program Director
Creative arts director
Brie Freund
Brie is a talented mixed media artist and the heart of our creative arts program. She manages instructors, artists, and volunteers, ensuring each class and workshop runs with purpose and passion.
Her leadership, creativity, and dedication have transformed our art classes into meaningful experiences that inspire connection, confidence, and healing through creativity.
Therapeutic Program Director
Therapeutic Program Director
Natalee Wright
Natalee is an Army veteran and intuitive artist whose creativity and compassion shape every facet of our therapeutic programs. Guided by a deep understanding of the healing process, she designs experiences that help veterans express, rebuild, and reconnect through the power of creativity. Her thoughtful approach blends empathy, innovation, and artistry—empowering others to transform their stories into strength.
Volunteer Therapeutic Program Manager
Robert Morgan
R.Morgan@truetop1percent.com
Rob is a retired Air Force veteran who served at Grissom AFB in Indiana and later dedicated his career to helping others as an addiction therapist. With a lifelong love for art, he is now working with our foundation to expand therapy programs that bring healing and creativity to fellow veterans.
Events Coordinator
Events Coordinator
Amanda Barbee
a.barbee@truetop1percent.com
Amanda brings her background in health care together with her passion for event planning and volunteering, creating experiences that uplift and connect communities. Guided by her favorite quotes on strength, character, and authenticity, she infuses every event with purpose, creativity, and heart.
Gaming Director
Events Coordinator
Branden Johnson
Branden serves as our Gaming Programs Director, bringing nearly a decade of experience in the gaming world to create innovative non-therapy opportunities for veterans. A dedicated volunteer, he combines his passion for gaming and Veterans with community impact, having launched the quarterly Streamfest fundraiser to expand support and awareness for our mission.
Volunteer Art Instructor
Capt. S. Claus Team / Leather Art Instructor
Capt. S. Claus Team / Leather Art Instructor
Christiana
Christina joined our foundation after a chance encounter at the Blueberry Festival, where her passion for art, helping others and natural talent for painting immediately stood out. As one of our dedicated art instructors, she specializes in landscapes and scenic classes, inspiring participants to capture beauty and emotion through every brushstroke.
Capt. S. Claus Team / Leather Art Instructor
Capt. S. Claus Team / Leather Art Instructor
Capt. S. Claus Team / Leather Art Instructor
Don Hershberger
Don is a retired servicemember who began his career in the Navy and completed it in the Army. A talented leather carver and crafter, his warm personality, constant smile, and passion for helping others make him a joy to be around. Don now shares his gifts both through his artistry and as a perfect fit for our Capt. S Claus program, bringing creativity and cheer to veterans and the community alike.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Capt. S. Claus Team / Leather Art Instructor
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Erin Dougherty
e.dougherty@truetop1percent.com
Erin is the organizational heartbeat of TT1P. As the administrative assistant, she keeps daily operations running smoothly—coordinating schedules, managing communications, and ensuring every detail supports the mission.
Her reliability, efficiency, and genuine care for veterans make her an essential part of the foundation’s success.
Director of Development
Director of Development
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Mark Salaiz
Mark brings exceptional skill in relationship building and strategic development to the TT1P team. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran with over a decade of service, he has also excelled in the medical device and insurance industries, specializing in sales, management, and public engagement.
His leadership, professionalism, and passion for service make him an invaluable part of our mission to support and empower veterans.
Major Gifts Officer
Director of Development
Major Gifts Officer
Joshusa Brooks
J.Brooks@truetop1percent.com
Josh Brooks serves as Major Gifts Officer for The True Top 1% Foundation, bringing a strong combination of military experience and professional leadership to the organization. An Army veteran and real estate professional with Keller Williams, Josh has built a reputation for integrity, relationship‑driven service, and community engagement.
In his role at TT1P, Josh leverages his network, strategic insight, and commitment to veteran support to strengthen donor relationships and advance the foundation’s mission.
Capt. S. Claus Team
Director of Development
Major Gifts Officer
Santa Jim
Jim is a retired Navy veteran and professional Santa who found a meaningful way to serve fellow veterans through our Capt. S Claus team. Though his roots are in the Navy, he proudly dons both Navy and Air Force Santa uniforms, and as one of our very first Santas, he has become the beloved and consistent Air Force Santa for Grissom ARB—so cherished that the base won’t accept anyone else in his place
A Special thank you to our advisors and board members
Military Network Liaison & Advisor
Public Affairs Advisor / Texas SUpport Team
Kris Wilson
Kris is a retired U.S. Air Force E6 with over 20 years of distinguished service to his country. He now serves as an advisor to The True Top 1% Foundation, using his extensive military experience and network to connect veterans with vital resources and strengthen TT1P’s mission of empowering military communities through creativity and connection.
Public Affairs Advisor / Texas SUpport Team
Public Affairs Advisor / Texas SUpport Team
Shay Tracy
Shay is a retired U.S. Air Force Public Affairs Officer and a gifted artist. Serving as our Support Officer in Texas, she brings exceptional experience in public affairs, media management, and creative communication. As she transitions from her director role at a major media organization, Shay’s leadership and artistic vision continue to strengthen TT1P’s mission and outreach efforts.
Grant Writer & BOARD Member
Patrice McAuliffe
Patrice brings over 30 years of experience in local government as a Senior Portfolio Project Manager, specializing in strategic planning and capital investment. Her expertise in managing publicly owned and operated infrastructure helps guide TT1P’s long-term planning and growth with precision, foresight, and integrity.
TM Attorney & Board MEMBER
TM Attorney & Board MEMBER
David Postolski
David is a senior partner at Gearhart Law and a registered patent and intellectual property attorney. He specializes in helping creators, artists, startups, and entrepreneurs develop effective U.S. and international IP strategies—protecting, enforcing, and monetizing their innovations with expertise and integrity.
Carlos J. Board Member
TM Attorney & Board MEMBER
Carlos J. Board Member
Carlos Johnson
Carlos is the founder of the Speak Freely Foundation in South Carolina and brings over two decades of experience in the arts, with a focus on poetry and education. He joins TT1P to lead our poetry-based initiatives and oversee the growth of our South Carolina Chapter, continuing his mission to empower others through creative expression and community engagement.
Our Brand Awareness Team
Veterans Served
Because of your support, lives were changed. Click below to view our 2025 Impact Report to learn how our programs supported Veterans, the impact we made, and how funds were allocated.