Adrian Mayers
Before joining Premera, Dr. Mayers held senior management positions at Vertafore, Microsoft, Nokia, and Securiguard. He has a strong passion for remaining on the cutting edge of technology and business innovation.
Throughout his 25-year career, he has dealt with various aspects of corporate security: anti-fraud operations, cybersecurity, intellectual property protection, counterespionage, and loss prevention.
He holds multiple professional certifications including CISM, CCSP, CFE, CISA, and CDPSE. He earned his Doctorate in Business Administration specializing in International Business from Northcentral University, an MBA from Athabasca University, a graduate certificate in cybersecurity from Harvard University, a graduate certificate in counterintelligence from the American Military University, an executive certificate in digital business from MIT, and an engineering technologies diploma from John Abbott College. His academic research pursuits focus on national security, intelligence, cyber warfare, and foreign policy.
He is a longtime supporter of the mission of Stronger Families.
Ben Brewer
Ben Brewer is a seasoned executive spearheading global revenue strategy at Medallia, leveraging his deep understanding of business development, revenue generation, and go-to-market strategy. With a wealth of experience in company leadership, Ben has played pivotal roles in accelerating growth and enhancing client retention. Before his current role, Ben served as Chief Sales Officer at Cornerstone OnDemand, where he led growth initiatives by empowering clients across diverse regions and industries to harness the power of cloud-based solutions.
His impressive career includes significant leadership positions such as President of Global Go-To-Market at Nintex and General Manager/Senior Vice President of Global Go-To-Market at SAP Concur. He is proud to be a part of Stronger Families.
“With several family members and friends in the military community, we’ve seen the sacrifices they make, as well as the challenges their families endure. This inspired me to seek ways to give back and honor their service.”
Bob Lee
Bob has been on the team since mid 2015, focusing on program delivery and operations. He’s married to Ruth and they have 4 kiddos. He served 8 years in the WA Army National Guard (176 Engineers) and prior to joining this team dabbled with construction, law enforcement and pastoral ministry.
Camille McPherson
Camille McPherson has worked in the nonprofit sector since 2012. She has served as a writer, Program Manager, and educator for a span of nonprofits, mainly in the performing arts. Ms. McPherson has written and won proposals from a wide array of funders, including government agencies, private foundations, and corporate grantors. Committed to community service, she volunteers on the Board of Directors for Teatro San Diego, The Rosin Box Project, and Rising Arts Leaders San Diego. Ms. McPherson is thrilled to be a part of the Stronger Families team and to make a difference in the lives of our heroes and their families.
Carmen Best
Carmen Best currently serves as the Director of Global Security Risk Operations at Microsoft. In this position she leads the global security team, as well as intelligence initiatives, event and travel security, and security risk operations.
Best is the former Chief of Police for Seattle and served with the Seattle Police Department for 28 years, beginning as an entry-level patrol officer and later becoming the first African American woman Chief of Police. She serves on the Leadership Council for the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and is a board member for United Way of King County, Young Women’s Christian Association – King County, a member of the St. Jude Advisory Council for Seattle, and the Seattle University Criminal Justice Advisory Committee, member of the Human and Civil Rights Committee (HCRC) for the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).
Additionally, she is a contributor to MSNBC, CNBC and NBC News affiliates. She is the best-selling author of the book Black in Blue: Leadership Lessons on Breaking Barriers and Racial Reconciliation. Carmen loves to travel and visit her children and grandchildren and supports many important causes that impact people’s lives.
Caryn Aderhold
Caryn has worked for Stronger Families as a Program Coordinator since 2014. Before joining the Stronger Families team, she worked as an Executive Assistant for International Cruise Lines, as well as an International Electronics Firm, an Office/Para Educator for the Northshore School District, and a Retail Manager at an independent toy store. Outside of work, Caryn and her husband have recently relocated from Seattle, WA to Johnson City, TN where she is enjoying spending time with new friends, playing with her 3 dogs, and exploring all that Eastern TN and surroundings have to offer.
Don Nelson
Owner, Team Nelson
Earthwork & Utilities
Edward Sumner
Edward brings 15 years of executive leadership experience to the Stronger Families team as our VP, Managing Director. He is passionate about serving people in hard places, building creative solutions, and making a significant impact in the community. He is a proud hubby and father to a blended family of 6, in his free time Edward enjoys mountaineering, sailing, and helping his lovely wife with projects around the house.
Ellie Calquhoun
Ellie Calquhoun joined the Stronger Families team in 2022 as the Development Coordinator. Previously, she earned her degree and worked in Development at Northwest University in Kirkland, WA. Now, she is enjoying getting to meet and work with the donors and supporters of this mission at Stronger Families. With multiple friends and family serving in the military, police, and fire departments, Ellie’s role is an opportunity to serve the communities of her loved ones. Ellie and her husband moved back down to their hometown area of Olympia, WA to be near their big families, close friends, and cheaper rent! When Ellie is not answering her work phone, she is probably shooing chickens out of the garden or drinking coffee with friends.
Jim DuBois
Jim worked at Microsoft for nearly two decades before taking on the CIO duties in 2013. During his tenure as CIO, he supported the company’s billions of customers and more than 90,000 employees in 190 countries worldwide and migrated 95 percent of the company’s on-premise IT capabilities to the cloud.
His team also implemented the first Cortana skills and practical machine-learning algorithms, including those that guided Microsoft’s sales force to improve sales. Since leaving the company in 2017, he now serves on several boards including Expeditors, Cyemptive, Collabra, SubSplash, Axcient, Profisee and Sr Advisor for McKinsey & Co. Jim has been involved with Stronger Families since the early 2000s. He served as Chair for the Board for 4 years. He and his wife Shannon (Dr. of Psychology) enjoy time with family, traveling and spending time with their 22-month-old grandson. Jim is a writer, has published a book called “Six Word Lessons to Think like a Modern CIO”(recognized by CIO.com) and he is working on his first fiction novel.
Jim DuBois
Retired Cheif Information Officer,
Microsoft Corporation
Karissa Meador
Karissa Meador is a results-driven leader with a strong acumen in branding, sales strategy and management, and relationship building. She was a top sales leader and CEO of her own company before joining the SF team full-time. In her past company, Karissa served CEOs, executives, and teams by helping with their personal brand and team culture development, specializing in collaborative marketing, events and personal branding. Karissa is a writer and speaker and co-author of the nationally acclaimed, Pentagon-approved, OXYGEN program and OXYGEN assessment. The OXYGEN program has served over 96,000 of our nation’s heroes in 48 states/territories, 11 countries, and on 76 military installations. Karissa is the Chair, Creative Director, and creator of The Hope for Heroes Gala; every year hundreds rally in Seattle, WA for this special event to give back to those who serve. The Hope for Heroes Gala has raised over $4.3 million in donations and gifts-in-kind and rallies business leaders, corporations, A-list celebrities, athletes, and community members around the cause.
Karissa is a people connector who thrives on bringing like-minded businesses and individuals together to make a difference. She graduated from Portland State University in Portland, OR. She lives in Heath, TX with her husband, Noel, and their 4 kids: Drew, Noah, Myles, and Kaylea.
“Stronger Families does crucial work. Before I worked with those who serve,, I didn’t truly understand the degree of their sacrifices. Now that I do, I can’t look away. The toll on them and their families is immense. I’m compelled every day to do all that I can to ensure our heroes and their families have the support they need. I have a deep love for this country and the men and women who serve.”
Katie Koons
Katie joined the Stronger Families team in January 2016. Katie attended Central Washington University where she studied Information Technology and specialized in Administrative Management. Before Stronger Families, Katie was a Behavioral Educator for students with special needs in the Lake Washington School District. Katie is passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of others and she is proud to work for an organization where she can apply both her skills and her passion. In addition to her role at Stronger Families, Katie coaches a high school cheerleading team. Outside of work, Katie enjoys camping, traveling, dancing, and spending time with her family, friends and her husband, Kyle.
Lauri Sears
Luke Madsen
Luke Madsen has been a Wealth Management Advisor with Northwestern Mutual since 2002. Before building the Pillar Financial Group, Luke held leadership roles for over 10 years with Northwestern Mutual, including Managing Director of the Bellevue office. He now serves as CEO for the Pillar Financial Group where the company has grown exponentially under his leadership. His team manages over 2.1 billion in assets, and they continue to grow under his leadership. Luke believes in building enduring relationships with clients.
Luke was born and raised in rural north Idaho. He moved to Seattle in 2002 after earning a degree in Economics and Finance from the University of Idaho. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Tenneall. They have a son named, Arthur. In his spare time, Luke can be found boating, traveling, and riding around the mountains of ID in his military-grade Hummer!
Mandy Schendel
At the age of 11, Mandy Schendel founded a nonprofit fostering youth leadership through volunteer service. At 15, she was honored with the Presidential Lifetime Call to Service Award in acknowledgment of her philanthropic contributions. With a desire to inspire youth nationwide, Mandy became a published author of the book, “Do Something!” Mandy’s journey through the world of entertainment and performance began early, culminating in her work as an actress for Walt Disney World. She was Miss Washington 2012, where she placed in the top 10 at Miss America. She has been featured on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Talk on CBS, and more. Mandy earned a master’s degree in business management and a bachelor’s in communication and organizational leadership from Azusa Pacific University. Post-graduation, she has worked with organizations such as the NFL Players Association. She orchestrated high-profile events, including the Super Bowl 50 VIP party and the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. Mandy is the founder of her own PR firm, Avéré Agency. They specialize in communication strategies for businesses, entertainers, and athletes. She is a social media entertainment reporter covering the latest pop culture updates and breaking news.
“I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for the incredible bond of my military family. The Stronger Families mission resonates deeply with me and is personal as generations in my family have served. The focus on life-changing relationship skills to Military, Veteran, and First Responder heroes and their families aligns with my strong belief that life is best lived with strong relationships with others.”
Markee Murphy
As the Development Coordinator at Stronger Families, Markee is dedicated to advancing the organization’s mission of empowering military families and first responders. With a background in marketing, operations, and creative leadership, she brings a wealth of experience in building strong relationships, organizing impactful campaigns, and driving growth. Passionate about creating lasting change, Markee is focused on fostering partnerships and securing resources that allow Stronger Families to continue supporting heroes and their families.
“The Stronger Families Mission aligns with my values of family and creating a meaningful impact. Our military families and first responders are the true heroes who protect and serve us daily. But as they carry this heavy burden, we ask, “If our heroes are serving and protecting us, who is serving and protecting them?” At Stronger Families, I am proud to play a part in ensuring that these brave individuals and their families receive the support and resources they need to thrive.”
Melinda Nelson
Community Volunteer
Natasha Ryan
Natasha Ryan is a seasoned corporate communications professional known for her heart-centered leadership and expertise in designing and implementing impactful communication strategies. She is passionate about aligning corporate values with internal and external communication initiatives. She served as VP of Communications for The North Group, a risk mitigation firm. She served on the leadership team, and guided corporate communications, business development, and brand awareness. Her tenure was marked by a successful podcast focused on storytelling and brand reach. Before her corporate career, Natasha spent 16 years as an award-winning news anchor and reporter at stations nationwide, including NBC and CBS. Her last stop was KING5 in Seattle, Washington. Natasha’s newscasts consistently ranked number one in each market and have been recognized through accolades such as the Edward R. Murrow Award and an Emmy. Natasha is passionate about non-profit work and has served as a volunteer and emcee to many non-profit events. She also served as Executive Director of the PNW chapter of the national non-profit, Room Redux, and continues to serve as an ambassador for The Kindness Games.
“Growing up in a military family, I understand the strain of having a loved one away on duty. I have also spent the last four years working with Veterans as a VP of a security company. It means the world to to serve in a mission that helps those who protect my family and community. I look forward to telling their stories and working closely with the wonderful humans who help support Stronger Families.”
Nick Bickley
Nick began his law enforcement career on the east side of Washington State. His passion for teaching and training led him to take on various roles throughout his career. He has served as a Patrol Sergeant, Field Training Officer (FTO) and FTO Coordinator, Firearms Instructor for both pistol and rifle, Red Dot Sight Instructor, Glock Armorer, AR-15 Rifle Armorer, and Defensive Tactics Instructor. At Spokane Community College, Nick taught several Criminal Justice courses, including Officer Survival, Criminal Law, Criminal Procedures, Report Writing, Firearms, and Defensive Tactics. He also served on the Spokane Regional Criminal Justice Advisory Committee. He is a recipient of numerous awards, including the Medal of Valor, Medal of Courage, Life Saving Award, and Officer of the Year (2022). After a successful law enforcement career, Nick transitioned to Stronger Families, where he is committed to advancing the mission. Nick’s dedication to training and serving others is surpassed only by his love for his family. He is married to his wonderful wife, Alisha, and together they have four children: Cael (14), Ava (9), Brody (6), and Chloe (5). When he’s not working with Stronger Families, you can often find him on the golf course, at a fishing hole, or out hunting.
“Stronger Families has changed my life. I have seen the job’s impacts firsthand after over a decade in law enforcement. Every first responder should have these tools! I couldn’t wish for a better team to be a part of, and it’s my honor to help drive the mission of Stronger Families forward.”
Nick Bickley
Nick began his law enforcement career on the east side of Washington State. His passion for teaching and training led him to take on various roles throughout his career. He has served as a Patrol Sergeant, Field Training Officer (FTO) and FTO Coordinator, Firearms Instructor for both pistol and rifle, Red Dot Sight Instructor, Glock Armorer, AR-15 Rifle Armorer, and Defensive Tactics Instructor. At Spokane Community College, Nick taught several Criminal Justice courses, including Officer Survival, Criminal Law, Criminal Procedures, Report Writing, Firearms, and Defensive Tactics. He also served on the Spokane Regional Criminal Justice Advisory Committee. He is a recipient of numerous awards, including the Medal of Valor, Medal of Courage, Life Saving Award, and Officer of the Year (2022). After a successful law enforcement career, Nick transitioned to Stronger Families, where he is committed to advancing the mission. Nick’s dedication to training and serving others is surpassed only by his love for his family. He is married to his wonderful wife, Alisha, and together they have four children: Cael (14), Ava (9), Brody (6), and Chloe (5). When he’s not working with Stronger Families, you can often find him on the golf course, at a fishing hole, or out hunting.
“Stronger Families has changed my life. I have seen the job’s impacts firsthand after over a decade in law enforcement. Every first responder should have these tools! I couldn’t wish for a better team to be a part of, and it’s my honor to help drive the mission of Stronger Families forward.”
Noel Meador
Noel Meador is President & CEO of Stronger Families headquartered in Washington state with offices in Mill Creek, WA and Rockwall, TX. His passion is to offer hope and healing to military and first responder relationships that experience high stress due to their chosen profession. Noel is the co-author of the OXYGEN Seminar. OXYGEN has been taught on 76 military installations, in 48 states/territories nationwide and 11 countries. This 8-chapter curriculum looks at everything from intimacy to communication and sex and helps heroes and their partners find connection, hope, and healing.
Since 2010, over 96,000 couples have gone through this life-changing relationship program and to date there are 1450+ facilitators nationwide certified to teach OXYGEN. Noel has a Master’s Degree in Education, is the host of the podcast, Heroes at Home, and is trained in Prepare/Enrich, Genesis Process, PREP, John Maxwell Leadership, and Safe Conversations. Noel lives in Heath, TX with his wife of 20 years, Karissa, and their four children: Drew, Noah, Myles, and Kaylea.
“Being the CEO of Stronger Families is a deeply meaningful to me. It’s about more than just leading an organization; it’s about carrying the responsibility of strengthening the hearts and bonds of families who sacrifice so much—service members, veterans, and first responders. My goal is to guide the team to ensure that every person we reach feels supported, understood, and empowered. We all need love, resilience, and hope—building programs that truly touch lives and bring heroes and their families closer together is what drives me every day.”
Sean Sanberg
Sean Sanberg is excited to be working with Stronger Families as the Director of Sales and Training. He and Sarah, his wife of 25 years, began their marriage and grew their family, consisting of two daughters and two sons, in Mountain Home, Idaho. In this small Air Force Base community, they quickly grew to appreciate and love the military culture as well as the unique challenges that couples face as they serve our country. As musicians Sean and Sarah regularly found themselves performing at wedding ceremonies, drawn to the excitement and joy that comes from strong, happy, healthy, committed relationships. Over the past two decades Sean has worked in the arena of marriage and family support speaking at retreats, conducting seminars, hosting workshops, providing coaching sessions, and mentoring one-on-one. For the last 5 years he has been grateful to continue supporting meaningful relationships through the OXYGEN Program by Stronger Families. In addition to a great burger, a soulfully sung R&B tune, and time with his family, Sean enjoys playing sports, running, fishing, and good conversations with friends.
Sean Sanberg
Sean Sanberg is excited to be working with Stronger Families as the National Training Director. He and Sarah, his wife of 20 years, are both musicians and have often found themselves performing at wedding ceremonies…loving the excitement and joy that comes from strong, happy, healthy, committed relationships. Sean has worked in the arena of marriage and family support for over 2 decades speaking at retreats, seminar, workshops, coaching sessions, and one on one mentoring. He is grateful to be able to continue his support of meaningful relationships at Stronger Families through OXYGEN for Your Relationships . Sean and Sarah began their marriage and grew their family, consisting of two daughters and two sons, in Mountain Home, Idaho. In this small Air Force Base community they quickly grew to appreciate and love the military culture as well as the unique challenges that couples face as they serve our country. In addition to a great burger, a soulfully sung R&B tune, and time with his family, Sean enjoys playing spots, running, fishing, and good conversation with great friends.
Shawn Barnes
Shawn brings over 15 years of extensive law enforcement experience to Stronger Families. He specializes in mental health and substance use disorder intervention and wellness. Shawn has managed critical programs and has expertise across training, tactical operations, stakeholder engagement, and program expansion.
Shawn is a gift public speaker and leader. He has served as a presenter, panelist, and training instructor. Shawn is the only police officer to receive the Frank M. Adams Award for volunteer service to mental health systems. As an Advanced Peace Officer, his credentials include over 3,700 hours of accredited training from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, alongside numerous additional certifications. Shawn lives in Corpus Christi, TX, with his wife Amy and their three children: Katia (9), Odin (5), and Nikolai (3).
“For me, the Stronger Families mission statement signifies a commitment to empower our heroes and their families to effectively address the unique relationship challenges they face and strengthen their resiliency. On a more personal level, being a part of this mission means the opportunity to help my fellow first responders and their families cope with the pressures of their chosen profession and help to keep these families together!”
Tiffany Trombley
Tiffany was born in Elmira, New York and then raised in Washington state. She attended Salem International University in WV, where she had an academic scholarship and played soccer for the SIU Tigers. After graduation, she returned home where she applied for a job in Law Enforcement. Tiffany was hired and worked for Des Moines PD for two years. She made a lateral move to the Kirkland Police Department in 2010, where she works as a commissioned Law Enforcement Officer. It was at KPD where she met her husband of 6 years, Jeff. Jeff is a WOC in the US Army and a Detective with Kirkland PD. Tiffany and Jeff have 3 wonderful children, Alexis, Kyle and Zella. Shortly after Zella was born in 2017, Tiffany went back to school for her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology. She is now a practicing therapist and has provided couples counseling during SF retreats. She has since become an agency trainer in the material and is excited to help Stronger Families serve First Responders.
Tim Sears
Tim Sears joins Stronger Families with 44 years in the fire service, having served in 4 different fire departments. Tim was actively involved in water rescue, tillered ladder truck ops, safety committee, fire investigator, hazmat, PEER support, board member on KFFBA Benevolent Fund and active in his IAFF Union Local 2545. Tim retired in 2021 from the Kirkland Fire Department in Washington State with many department accommodations for his 30 years of service. Tim can be reached via email at [email protected] or phone 425-679-5671 x701.
Troy Brown
Troy was President of Zumiez North America, and he took annual revenues from $300M to $1 billion. Grew annual EBITDA from $54M to $180M. Developed digital annual revenues to $200 million.
Expanded from 300 to 605 stores in the United States and added 52 stores in Canada. Built a customer database of more than 12 million members. Relocated digital fulfillment operations from Seattle Washington to Edwardsville Kansas in 48 hours. He has a long track record as a visionary leader.
He currently serves as CEO for Tactical 5.11. Brown has a 30-year career in the apparel industry and was the President of the North American division of Zumiez. Brown’s strong direct-to-consumer track record with companies such as Eddie Bauer and Tommy Bahama will help accelerate 5.11’s transformation. 5.11 was acquired by Compass Diversified (NYSE: CODI) for $401 million in 2017 with only three stores open and is now the largest of seven subsidiaries under the parent company.
Troy lives in Southern CA and St. George UT. He loves anything outdoors, boating, travel, and has an appreciation for great wine. He has two kids that have served, and he is proud to be a part of the Stronger Families team and impact the lives of those who serve. “The Stronger Families mission is special and focuses on providing life-changing relationship skills to our heroes. These men and women dedicate their lives to fighting for our freedom while keeping us safe. Such a noble purpose. It is an honor to be on the Board.”
Vivienne Gevers
Gevers Wealth Management, LLC
William Gevers
Gevers Wealth Management, LLC
OUR WHY
WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO
Our vision is for healthy marriages and stronger families in every community. Our military and first responders are our national and local heroes. Their unique occupational experiences add stressors that affect their relationships and families.
Stronger Families comes alongside them to offer hope and tools to strengthen their family unit, thereby impacting future generations in our free society. It’s our privilege to serve those who have already served us.
“ARE WE GOING TO MAKE IT?”
A few years married, 80-hour work weeks, a new baby, the launch of a business, a new job, family dynamics, and a lack of understanding their personality differences had the Meadors looking at each other one day asking the question, “are we going to make it?”
Connection was waning. In its place, wounding, misunderstanding, and disappointment grew.
This was the moment the Stronger Families story began.
After digging in, seeking counseling, and learning more about each other and their unique differences, healing began to take root. Noel and Karissa soon realized that hope wasn’t intangible. As they continued to work, the answers weren’t hard to find. But, it took something very few couples spend on their relationship amidst the daily stresses of life–concentrated, devoted effort and time.
A DEFINING MOMENT.
Through the healing of their marriage, the Meadors developed a passion for other couples to experience hope and healing. They wrote and created the OXYGEN seminar. Later they would go on to develop the personality test, the OXYGEN Profile Assessment.
After a front row seat witnessing a loved one struggle in their marriage after multiple deployments, and a recommendation by a 2-Star General Retired who believed this program could change the lives of our heroes—the Stronger Families mission was birthed.
Today, because of Noel and Karissa’s vision and the incredible team at Stronger Families, OXYGEN has served military, veteran, and first responder heroes in 9 countries, on 76 installations, in 36 states, and now has six chapters nationwide.
Never underestimate the power of a defining moment.