OUR TEAM

Board Of Directors

Stewards of Healing, Growth, and Purpose
Behind every program, every horse, every arrow loosed, and every shared meal is a team of committed individuals
veterans, civilians, professionals, and mentors united by the mission to serve those who have served.

CRAIG MCCALISTER
Late Founder 1968 – 2023
U.S. NAVY – U.S.C.G.
THOR TORGERSEN
Co-Founder/Executive Director
Lead Instructor
PATRICK SULLIVAN
Board President, U.S. Navy Veteran
NIKO ALEVRAS
Board Vice President, Veteran Outreach, Greek Military Veteran
JESSICA RODIMON
Board Treasurer
ZACH NIELSEN
Board Secretary, Active Duty
U.S. Navy

Advisors to the Board

Our advisors offer specialized knowledge, mentorship, and support to the board and executive team. They are trusted allies—veterans, therapists, legal experts, and thought leaders—who help guide the growth and sustainability of the organization.

ELI BROOKS – U.S. Army Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, Ruck Up Outdoor School Instructor
DAVID MORRIS – Navy Veteran, Author, Trauma Advocate, Suicide Survivor, Public Speaker
ETHAN PALMER – U.S.N.A., Navy Veteran, ICF and IDBF U.S National Team Athlete, Dragonboat

Volunteers and VETS Hero’s 

At V.E.T.S., our volunteers are the heartbeat of every experience—from helping a participant groom a horse, to setting up archery lanes, to simply offering a listening ear.

Volunteer staff members are dedicated individuals—many of them veterans or family members of those who served—who show up early, stay late, and pour passion into every detail. They support our instructors, help manage logistics, ensure participant safety, and build genuine relationships within the community.

Beth Ann-Tolhurst
VETS Equine Program 
& Ruck Up Instructor
Sara Stepalavich, E.S.M.H.L, Mastersen Method  Certified Practitioner, Coast Guard Spouse
Tom Montgomery
VETS Program Volunteer
& Army Veteran

Emily BaldovIn,
V.E.T.S. Program Volunteer,
Mental Health Practitioner

Marisol Del Valle,
V.E.T.S. Program Volunteer

Jessica Boone,
V.E.T.S. Ruck Up
Event Volunteer Coordinator

“Led by honor. Powered by volunteers. Built for heroes.”

At V.E.T.S., our board, staff, and volunteers stand shoulder to shoulder—united in purpose, unwavering in support, and committed to serving those who’ve served. Whether leading from the front or working quietly behind the scenes, these dedicated individuals are the foundation of everything we do.

If you’re interested in becoming a board member, joining a committee, or volunteering with us, click the link below to learn how you can serve those who served.

Click Here