Meet The Team

I have 13 years of experience in the nonprofit industry, I’ve dedicated my life to serving others and creating spaces for growth, healing, and transformation. My passion is deeply personal-watching my husband return from the military feeling broken and lost ignited a mission within me to help others reclaim their strength, purpose, and peace. I believe healing is a journey, and no one should walk it alone. Outside of my work, I find grounding in yoga, reading, and exercise, practices that keep me centered and inspired. Every day, I strive to empower others to rise, rebuild, and rediscover themselves.

A dedicated military veteran with two combat deployments, I carry the discipline, resilience, and leadership forged through service. My passion lies in building meaningful relationships and uplifting others through authentic connection and support. Driven by a commitment to continual growth, I enjoy immersing myself in leadership books that challenge my thinking and strengthen my character. Outside of personal development, I pursue Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a practice that sharpens my focus, humility, and mental toughness. Every experience on the battlefield, on the Jiu-Jitsu mats, and in everyday life fuels my mission to serve, inspire, and lead with integrity and purpose.

I am a dedicated husband, father, friend, USMC veteran, and coach—but above all, I’m someone who believes I’ve been called by name for a greater purpose. I’ve watched friends and family battle with mental health challenges, and I’ve faced my own. Those experiences have shaped a deep conviction in me: to use the gifts I’ve been given to help pull people out of darkness and into the light.

My passions span leadership, fitness, martial arts, team-level tactics, technology, and adventure—but at the heart of it all, I’m most inspired by seeing people reconnect with what makes them feel alive. I believe fulfillment has a recipe, and it often begins with stepping willingly outside your comfort zone and taking a risk.

I’d love to hear your story and what sparks your passion.

I am a community-driven leader who focuses on practical solutions, simple communication, and long-term impact. I work across local organizations and public-sector groups to support programs that strengthen families, expand opportunities, and improve day-to-day stability for the people they serve. My background is in building partnerships, managing complex projects, and supporting mission-focused teams. I prioritize clear goals, steady execution, and accountability. I also invest in health and youth development initiatives, mentoring adults and young athletes through fitness programs and community engagement.

I am a dedicated individual with a grounded perspective shaped by my experience in a military family and caregiver role for my father, a military veteran. I bring steady commitment, clear communication, and practical insight into the needs of families facing stress, transition, and limited support.

As a longtime parent and hands-on caregiver, I’ve built strengths in problem-solving, advocacy, and guiding others through complex situations. My background gives me an eye for gaps that often go unnoticed, and I use that perspective to support programs that build resilience and access to resources. I value accountability, honest dialogue, and work that creates real impact. I aim to help the foundation stay focused on the needs of the people it serves.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida and a National Certified Counselor with over six years of clinical experience serving individuals and couples. I hold a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family and Mental Health Counseling and bring a strong foundation in evidence-based and systemic approaches to my work, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT, Bowen Family Systems, Person Centered therapy, and faith integrated counseling. As a first generation Cuban American and fluent Spanish speaker, I am deeply attuned to cultural context, family dynamics, and the lived experiences that shape mental and emotional health.

In addition to my clinical work, I am a supervisor and leader within the mental health field, known for a structured, ethical, and compassionate approach to care. I have extensive experience working with trauma, substance use, relational conflict, postpartum distress, domestic violence dynamics, and faith related concerns, helping clients restore a sense of stability, meaning, and personal agency. I believe healing happens at the root through clarity, accountability, and grace and is committed to walking alongside clients as they build healthier relationships, stronger identities, and lasting emotional resilience.

A dedicated servant-leader with a lifelong commitment to helping others, Erik Bartkowiak brings a diverse background in military service, emergency response, and trauma medicine. He served in the United States Army from 1989 to 1997, where he developed the discipline, resilience, and leadership that continue to guide his work today. Following his military career, he served as a Firefighter and EMT before advancing into flight and trauma nursing, providing critical care in high-pressure environments.

A martial artist and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Erik embodies the philosophy of being a “Warrior in the Garden”, someone capable of strength and action, yet committed to peace, growth, and self-mastery. Through his professional and personal experiences, he developed a deep understanding of trauma and its lasting impact on the mind, body, and spirit.

His journey of healing led him to explore holistic approaches to mental health, and he credits plant medicine, particularly Ayahuasca, as transformational in his life. He has participated in numerous retreats and ceremonies across the United States and internationally. Erik is passionate about creating spaces for growth, connection, and healing, and remains committed to serving others with purpose, authenticity, and compassion.