The Support Team
JOSHUA STANWITZ
Executive Director
Joshua Stanwitz is a Marine Corps and Army National Guard veteran with multiple deployments, including service in Iraq. Before stepping into veteran advocacy, he served with a sheriff’s office and later supported women veterans through Beneath the Service. Josh has led state, regional, and national teams with Concerned Veterans for America, where he drove major policy efforts aimed at strengthening veteran health care. He also helped grow the C4 Foundation’s national donor program in support of Navy SEAL families.
A generational veteran, Josh comes from a family with service across nearly every branch and conflict dating back to the American Revolution. He is currently completing his Master of Science in Leadership at The Citadel. Outside of his professional pursuits, Josh enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking and spending time outdoors or at the beach with his wife and children.
Development and Community Engagement
Development Director
With a passion for supporting the Heroes on the Water community, Laura uses her strong business acumen to spearhead development strategies and cultivate partnerships that provide purpose. She strongly believes in fostering individual and community philanthropic relationships to achieve donor goals while aligning with HOW’s mission and vision.
Community Engagement Manager
Mary Kathryn (MK) has a deep passion for mental health and more than a decade of experience supporting veterans and first responders. She has been actively involved in the veteran community in Houston and is passionate about community engagement and connection. MK is excited to be part of HOW and further the mission.
Communications Manager
Faeda has a passion for nonprofit storytelling that connects people to meaningful causes. She brings over 20 years of experience in brand development, design and communications across multiple industries. Since joining Heroes on the Water in 2017, she has led content, media, and campaigns that elevate the mission and strengthen connections within HOW’s veteran and first responder communities.
Development and Community Engagement
Development Director
With a passion for supporting the Heroes on the Water community, Laura uses her strong business acumen to spearhead development strategies and cultivate partnerships that provide purpose. She strongly believes in fostering individual and community philanthropic relationships to achieve donor goals while aligning with HOW’s mission and vision.
Community Engagement Manager
Mary Kathryn (MK) has a deep passion for mental health and more than a decade of experience supporting veterans and first responders. She has been actively involved in the veteran community in Houston and is passionate about community engagement and connection. MK is excited to be part of HOW and further the mission.
Communications Manager
Faeda has a passion for nonprofit storytelling that connects people to meaningful causes. She brings over 20 years of experience in brand development, design and communications across multiple industries. Since joining Heroes on the Water in 2017, she has led content, media, and campaigns that elevate the mission and strengthen connections within HOW’s veteran and first responder communities.
Volunteer Program
Volunteer Program Director
As a longtime Heroes on the Water supporter, Camille was excited to lend her vast expertise in kayak fishing, volunteer and operations management to Heroes on the Water full time. She is the wife of a retired Houston PD Homicide Investigator and believes wholeheartedly in the HOW mission.
Learn more about Camille: Healing Through Volunteering
Volunteer Program Coordinator
Sergeant First Class (Retired) Jason Austin is a long-time participant and believer in Heroes on the Water. SFC Austin spent the majority of his military career as a Military Policeman and is the recipient of the Purple Heart along with many other commendations.
Learn more about Jason: My Purple Heart is at Heaven’s Gate | Watch Video
PRISCILLA MONTOYA
Volunteer Program Coordinator
Priscilla is a long-time supporter and volunteer helping military members and their families. Priscilla’s passion is to help people and put a smile on each person that crosses her path. She believes in the organization’s mission and loves supporting Heroes on the Water volunteers.
Learn more about Priscilla: Invisible Injuries
Volunteer Program Administrator
With firsthand experience volunteering in both the Junction City Arkansas and Southwest Louisiana chapters, Alicia is excited to support Heroes on the Water in a larger capacity through her new role. Known for her reliability and positive energy, Alicia helps foster a welcoming and impactful environment for volunteers and participants alike.
Volunteer Program
Volunteer Program Director
As a longtime Heroes on the Water supporter, Camille was excited to lend her vast expertise in kayak fishing, volunteer and operations management to Heroes on the Water full time. She is the wife of a retired Houston PD Homicide Investigator and believes wholeheartedly in the HOW mission.
Learn more about Camille: Healing Through Volunteering
Volunteer Program Coordinator
Sergeant First Class (Retired) Jason Austin is a long-time participant and believer in Heroes on the Water. SFC Austin spent the majority of his military career as a Military Policeman and is the recipient of the Purple Heart along with many other commendations.
Learn more about Jason: My Purple Heart is at Heaven’s Gate | Watch Video
PRISCILLA MONTOYA
Volunteer Program Coordinator
Priscilla is a long-time supporter and volunteer helping military members and their families. Priscilla’s passion is to help people and put a smile on each person that crosses her path. She believes in the organization’s mission and loves supporting Heroes on the Water volunteers.
Learn more about Priscilla: Invisible Injuries
Volunteer Program Administrator
With firsthand experience volunteering in both the Junction City Arkansas and Southwest Louisiana chapters, Alicia is excited to support Heroes on the Water in a larger capacity through her new role. Known for her reliability and positive energy, Alicia helps foster a welcoming and impactful environment for volunteers and participants alike.
Therapeutic Programs
Therapeutic Programs Director
As one of the volunteers who worked in the early days of Heroes on the Water alongside founder Jim Dolan, Joe has a long-time passion for the organization. His current role allows him to do two things he loves – support others and kayak fish.
Learn more about Joe: Fatherhood, Family and Fishing
PAUL MARTIN
Therapeutic Programs Manager
Before Joining the Heroes on the water team, Paul was a Sergeant in the Army and locksmith. He and his wife Dawn lead the BAMC Therapeutic Program and recently assumed a new roll allowing him to support all HOW Therapeutic Programs.
Research Coordinator
Shelby began her journey with Heroes on the Water as a recreational therapist (CTRS) bringing participants to the BAMC therapeautic program. She joined the team as the Research Coordinator to research the experiences of HOW participants and share the benefits with others. Shelby also works full-time at Texas State University teaching future recreational therapists.
Therapeutic Programs
Therapeutic Programs Director
As one of the volunteers who worked in the early days of Heroes on the Water alongside founder Jim Dolan, Joe has a long-time passion for the organization. His current role allows him to do two things he loves – support others and kayak fish.
Learn more about Joe: Fatherhood, Family and Fishing
PAUL MARTIN
Therapeutic Programs Manager
Before Joining the Heroes on the water team, Paul was a Sergeant in the Army and locksmith. He and his wife Dawn lead the BAMC Therapeutic Program and recently assumed a new roll allowing him to support all HOW Therapeutic Programs.
Research Coordinator
Shelby began her journey with Heroes on the Water as a recreational therapist (CTRS) bringing participants to the BAMC therapeautic program. She joined the team as the Research Coordinator to research the experiences of HOW participants and share the benefits with others. Shelby also works full-time at Texas State University teaching future recreational therapists.
Finance and Operations
Director of Finance & Operations
As a military child, Chelsea developed a strong bond with the military community and wholeheartedly supports Heroes on the Water’s mission. She’s enthusiastic about playing a role in the organization’s continued impact by lending her expertise in accounting, administration and national operations.
RICK DISNEY
National Field Operations Lead
Rick Disney brings extensive experience in military service, public safety, and operations to Heroes on the Water, supporting the organization across field operations, national initiatives, and community engagement. As a retired law enforcement professional and third-generation U.S. Marine, he is passionate about serving veterans and first responders through leadership, partnership development, and mission-focused support.
Finance and Operations
Director of Finance & Operations
As a military child, Chelsea developed a strong bond with the military community and wholeheartedly supports Heroes on the Water’s mission. She’s enthusiastic about playing a role in the organization’s continued impact by lending her expertise in accounting, administration and national operations.
National Field Operations Lead
Rick Disney brings extensive experience in military service, public safety, and operations to Heroes on the Water, supporting the organization across field operations, national initiatives, and community engagement. As a retired law enforcement professional and third-generation U.S. Marine, he is passionate about serving veterans and first responders through leadership, partnership development, and mission-focused support.
