About Us

We come to this work from a place of deep understanding— not just of the need for mental healthcare, but of the real barriers that stand between those who serve and the healing they deserve.

The First Line Healing Foundation was born from a friendship that spans over 12 years, built on shared experiences as military spouses and a mutual commitment to mental healthcare. Chelsey and Danielle first connected through the unique lens that comes with loving someone in service— witnessing firsthand the sacrifices made, often at the expense of their own mental health and wellbeing. What started as understanding became purpose, and that purpose has guided both of our careers toward stewarding opportunities for real, transformative healing.

Our foundation is built on years of frontline experience— from clinical residencies with the Wounded Warrior Project to serving as directors and advocates helping veterans access benefits and combat homelessness. We’ve conducted mental health assessments in emergency departments for service members returning from deployment, navigated the VA system from the inside, and learned firsthand how vital it is to bridge the gap between trauma and true recovery.

Through this work, we’ve witnessed both the profound need and the systemic gaps. We’ve seen how traditional pathways often fall short for those carrying the weight of service-related trauma. And we’ve learned that true healing requires more than just access— it requires innovation, integration, and a deep commitment to meeting people where they are.

As military spouses who are dedicated to mental healthcare, we understand what’s at stake. We’ve seen the toll. We’ve walked alongside those who serve, and those who love them.

The First Line Healing Foundation is our answer to what we’ve witnessed— a nonprofit created to expand access to trauma-informed, integrative, and psychedelic-assisted therapies for veterans and first responders.

We believe healing should be within reach for everyone who has served on the frontlines. Through community education, accessible treatment options, and a commitment to removing barriers to care, we’re working to make that belief a reality.

This isn’t just our mission— it’s personal. We’re creating a space where those who have carried the weight of service can finally rest, renew, and find the healing they’ve earned.

“This isn’t just our mission— it’s personal.”

Rise. Renew. Return Stronger.

The bald eagle has long symbolized courage, perspective, and renewal. Contrary to the popular myth, eagles don’t break themselves to grow — they shed, strengthen, and rise.
They molt their feathers in seasons of transition, continually refining what allows them to soar. They sharpen their beaks and talons not by force, but through steady, natural resilience. And when storms come, they don’t flee — they use the wind itself to lift higher.

This process mirrors healing. Growth doesn’t come from breaking; it comes from releasing what no longer serves, rebuilding slowly, and trusting your capacity to rise again. Healing asks for patience, care, and courage — the same qualities found in those who have served on the front lines.

At First Line Healing Foundation, the eagle represents our belief that renewal is always possible. Even when the weight of service, trauma, or transition feels heavy, there is a higher current waiting to carry you.
Our mission is to help veterans, first responders, and their families rediscover that current — to rise, renew, and return stronger.

We don’t break to grow. We shed, sharpen, and rise.

First Line Healing Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving access to trauma-informed, evidence-based, and innovative mental health care for veterans, first responders, and their families.

We believe that those who have served on the frontlines of our communities deserve access to the most effective healing modalities available — including psychedelic-assisted therapy, integrative mental health, and holistic wellness support.

Our mission is to bridge the gap between service and healing by funding care, education, and community programs that restore connection, resilience, and hope.

Mission

Vision

A world where every protector has the opportunity to heal, renew, and thrive — mind, body, and spirit.

Integrity – We act with transparency and purpose.

Compassion – Healing begins with understanding.

Access – Every hero deserves affordable, timely care.

Collaboration – We partner with like-minded professionals and organizations, including our clinical partner Conscious Collective, to expand access to integrative and trauma-informed care for those who have served.

Resilience – Growth through renewal, not exhaustion.

Values

Our Leadership

  • Chelsey James

    CO-FOUNDER | PRESIDENT

    Chelsey brings deep experience in mental-health operations and nonprofit leadership, with a focus on creating sustainable systems that expand access to care for veterans, first responders, and their families. As President and Co-Founder of First Line Healing Foundation, she leads organizational strategy, partnerships, and long-term vision- ensuring every initiative reflects the Foundation’s mission of resilience, compassion, and renewal.

  • Danielle Reynolds

    CO-FOUNDER | VICE PRESIDENT | CLINICAL DIRECTOR

    Danielle is a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience in trauma-informed and integrative therapies. She oversees the Foundation’s clinical standards and program development, ensuring that every initiative aligns with evidence-based care and ethical excellence. Her leadership bridges clinical expertise and community impact, helping translate innovative treatment approaches into accessible, sustainable programs for those who serve.

  • Drew James

    TREASURER | STRATEGIC ADVISOR

    A veteran and business strategist, Drew combines firsthand understanding of military life with expertise in financial management and organizational development. As Treasurer, he provides fiscal oversight and long-term planning that sustain the Foundation’s mission. Drew’s commitment to integrity and operational excellence ensures that every resource is directed toward expanding access to healing for those who have served on the front lines.

  • John Gannon

    SECRETARY | VETERAN REPRESENTATIVE

    John is a veteran and federal employee who is currently pursuing his Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. He brings both clinical training and lived experience to his role. As Secretary of the Board, John ensures transparent governance and helps shape programs that reflect the real needs of veterans and first responders. His insight, empathy, and commitment to service make him an integral part of advancing the Foundation’s mission of healing and renewal.

  • Matt Reynolds

    FEDERAL SERVICE LIAISON BOARD MEMBER

    Matt is a veteran and dedicated federal professional who understands the demands and sacrifices of public service. His career has been shaped by a commitment to supporting peers and strengthening systems that promote mental-health awareness within government and military communities. Matt’s voice ensures the Foundation’s work remains grounded in the lived experiences of those it serves.

  • Rick Alvarado

    VETERAN REPRESENTATIVE

    Rick is a veteran who has devoted his post-service career to working within the Department of Veterans Affairs, helping others navigate the complexities of accessing benefits and care. His deep understanding of the VA system and veteran-support programs helps the Foundation identify partnerships, streamline referrals, and close the gaps that too often delay healing.