Welcome to the AboutFace-USA® Board of Directors and Partners page. Our organization is built on a foundation of dedication, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to empowering veterans and their families. Our esteemed Board of Directors, along with our invaluable partners, tirelessly work to provide comprehensive support, innovative programs, and essential resources to those who have bravely served our country.
At AboutFace-USA®, we believe that every veteran deserves access to mental and behavioral health services, community connections, and opportunities for personal growth. Our leaders and partners are united in their mission to make a tangible difference in the lives of veterans, offering unwavering support and advocacy.
By joining us on this journey, you are not only honoring the sacrifices of our veterans but also contributing to a brighter future for countless individuals and families. Explore the profiles of our dedicated team and partners, and discover how your generosity can help us extend our reach and impact. Together, we can ensure that every veteran receives the care, respect, and opportunities they so richly deserve.
Joe LaBranche
Founder and CEO
AboutFace-USA®
Joe LaBranche, a U.S. Marine and Vietnam veteran who served with “Mike” Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, is the founder and CEO of AboutFace-USA®, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing comprehensive support to veterans and their families. As a two-time Purple Heart recipient, Joe’s own journey with Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) profoundly shapes his commitment to aiding others facing similar struggles. His personal experiences have enabled him to connect deeply with other veterans, contributing to the prevention of 18 veteran suicides since 2009.
In his professional life, Joe spent over 15 years as a Credit Card Fraud Investigator and Department Manager, where he honed his skills in team-building and leadership. He leveraged these skills in his nonprofit work, particularly through innovative programs like Project GROW (Gardening, Recreation, Outreach, and Wellness), which he introduced to the Forsyth County School District in 2015. This program educates veterans and students on Aeroponic Tower Gardening, promoting mental wellness through horticulture.
In 2023, alongside his wife Carol, Joe successfully secured a $1.28 million Congressionally Directed SAMHSA grant for a Proactive Veteran Intervention Recovery Program, which supports veterans in North Georgia. This initiative includes Project GROW among other services, enhancing the holistic support system for veterans.
Joe is actively involved in various veteran organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Marine Corps League, American Legion, and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). His contributions to the veteran community have been recognized through multiple awards, including O’Charley’s Veteran of the Year in 2015 and the Veterans Empowerment Organizations (VEO) Volunteers of the Year award in 2022, shared with his wife.
Married for 49 years with two children and three grandchildren, Joe’s personal and professional life exemplifies his dedication to his country, his family, and the well-being of his fellow veterans. His leadership at AboutFace-USA® continues to inspire and make a substantial impact in the lives of many, fostering environments where veterans can achieve holistic wellness and recovery from the psychological aftereffects of trauma.
Carol LaBranche
Co-Founder and President
AboutFace-USA®
Carol LaBranche is a key figure at AboutFace-USA®, where she has dedicated the past decade to creating supportive environments for veterans and their families. With a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of North Georgia and a Bachelor’s in Education from the University of Michigan, Carol brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. Her background in business management, sales, and administration across both for-profit and non-profit sectors enriches her ability to lead and advocate effectively.
Carol’s professional journey includes significant experience in real estate as an Associate Broker and Director at the Crye-Leike School of Real Estate, coupled with expertise in mortgage originations and insurance transactions. These roles have honed her leadership, management, and communication skills, making her a compassionate and effective leader within the veteran community.
Her commitment extends beyond her professional duties; Carol is actively involved in various veteran and mental health organizations. She holds leadership positions with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary and is a proactive member of the Forsyth County Mental Wellness Coalition and the Criminal Justice Mental Health Task Force. Her volunteer work includes significant contributions to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), where she instructs and facilitates courses aimed at educating veteran families on mental health issues.
Carol’s passion for improving veteran care is evident in her ongoing research and education in trauma-informed care and behavioral health treatments. Her deep understanding of the challenges faced by veteran families drives her continuous effort to enhance the supportive services offered by AboutFace-USA®, ensuring it remains a cornerstone for veteran community wellness.
Dennis T. Brown
Board Member
AboutFace-USA®
U.S. Army Colonel Dennis T. Brown, D.B.A. retired after 30 years of distinguished service. During his military career, he demonstrated exceptional leadership, particularly as a leader of leaders in the war in Afghanistan. Beyond his military accomplishments, Dennis has made significant contributions to his community as a former Commander of American Legion Post 307 and as a former Forsyth County Commissioner.
In his civilian career, Dennis is a respected faculty member at Kennesaw State University, where he teaches in the Criminal Justice Department. His courses include terrorism, homeland security, cybercrime & law, and cyber forensics, reflecting his deep expertise and commitment to educating the next generation of professionals in these critical areas.
Dennis’s extensive experience and dedication to public service make him an invaluable asset to the AboutFace-USA® board. His strategic vision and leadership skills play a crucial role in guiding the organization’s mission to support and empower veterans and their families.
Jim Lindenmayer
Board Member
AboutFace-USA®
Jim Lindenmayer serves as a dedicated board member of AboutFace-USA®, bringing a wealth of experience from his distinguished military and civilian careers. He grew up on a farm near Herkimer, New York, an area rich in Revolutionary War heritage. Jim graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1980 with a BS in Chemical Engineering and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army. He served with the Armored Cavalry branch of Combat Arms, holding various command and staff positions at both the Troop and Squadron levels. After his active duty service, he continued in the Reserves until 1989.
Following his retirement from the corporate world in 2014, Jim focused on making a meaningful difference in the lives of veterans. He founded the Cherokee County Homeless Veterans Program on Veterans Day 2014 and serves as its Program Director. The program assists homeless veterans and focuses on preventing homelessness among financially challenged, disabled, or elderly veterans. Services include short-term housing, car donations, food, clothing, furniture, toiletries, VA and SSDI claims assistance, a fly fishing program, and home repairs in partnership with the Home Depot Foundation and Habitat for Humanity. Since its inception, the program has helped over 2,000 veterans.
Jim also contributes to the veteran community as a member of the Balance of State (BOS) Homeless Committee for the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and leads the Housing Pillar for VETLANTA. His dedication has earned him national recognition, including an award from the American Legion National Commander in 2015 and a service award from the Marine Corps League Woodstock in 2016.
Jim is married to his supportive wife, Margo, of 36 years. His extensive military background, coupled with his passion for veteran advocacy, makes him an invaluable asset to the AboutFace-USA® board.
Marion Pierre
Programs Manager
AboutFace-USA®
Marion R. Pierre serves as the Programs Manager at AboutFace-USA®, bringing over 15 years of teaching and training experience to the organization. Marion is renowned for her strong research, analytical, and problem-solving abilities, alongside her excellent communication and customer service skills. As a strategic planner, she excels in critical and logical thinking, with a keen eye for detail and time management.
In her role, Marion leverages her expertise in stakeholder management, cross-functional collaboration, budget and financial analysis, customer service, strategic planning, and conflict resolution. Her career achievements include recognition in Emory University’s Aspiring Leaders Program and several prestigious awards such as AT&T’s Customer Care Vice President’s Award and multiple Eagle Awards for Quality of Work Life Training.
Before joining AboutFace-USA®, Marion held significant roles at Emory University and the University of Phoenix, where she developed and managed public engagement programs, taught humanities, and provided leadership in assessment initiatives. Her educational background includes a Master of Theology and a Master of Divinity from Emory University, a Juris Master in Business Law, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro.
Marion is also actively involved in her community, serving on various boards and committees, including the Youth Hope Builder’s Institute and the Sullivan Center. Her dedication to promoting empowerment through scholarship and mentoring underscores her commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.
Jen Proffitt
Programs Manager
AboutFace-USA®
Jen Proffitt serves as the Finance Manager and board member of AboutFace-USA®, where she provides crucial financial guidance and support. With a career spanning since 2005 in the Accounting and Finance field, Jen brings extensive expertise to the organization. Her role encompasses managing grant applications and organizing fundraising events, ensuring the financial health and sustainability of AboutFace-USA®.
Inspired by her father, a Vietnam veteran, Jen has developed a profound passion for helping veterans. This passion is evident in her work as a Financial Literacy Coach for veterans and their families. She is dedicated to assisting veterans in getting their financial lives in order, recognizing the unique and confidential nature of each individual’s situation and goals.
Jen’s commitment to financial accountability and her empathetic approach make her an invaluable part of the veterans’ journey towards improved financial well-being. She finds great fulfillment in being able to contribute to the betterment of veterans’ lives, and her efforts significantly impact their ability to achieve financial stability and independence.
Her extensive background in finance, coupled with her personal connection to the veteran community, positions Jen as a key asset to the AboutFace-USA® board, where her insights and leadership continue to drive the organization’s mission forward.
OUR PARTNERS
Behavioral Health
Partner Program
AboutFace-USA®
AboutFace-USA is dedicated to providing free comprehensive mental and behavioral health support to veterans and their families. Clinicians bring a wealth of expertise and compassion to their roles, specializing in veteran mental health and wellness and ensuring that each veteran and family member receives personalized care tailored to their specific needs. This approach emphasizes understanding and addresses the unique challenges they face, fostering a supportive environment for their whole-health wellness journey.
Clinicians focus on therapeutic interventions and counseling, providing veterans with the tools and strategies they need to manage and overcome their mental health challenges. Dedicated to offering effective therapeutic support is crucial in helping veterans achieve and maintain mental well-being.
We provide expert guidance on behavioral health programs and initiatives which involves developing and implementing effective support strategies that cater to the diverse needs of veterans. Our goal is to offer top-notch services that contribute significantly to the overall mission of turning lives around for the better.
Together, we form a dedicated team committed to enhancing the mental and behavioral health of veterans and their family members through targeted and compassionate care.
Kennesaw State University
Partner Program
AboutFace-USA®
AboutFace-USA® is honored to collaborate with Kennesaw State University’s Center for the Advancement of Military and Emergency Services (AMES) Research on the Profiles of Resilience initiative. This program is dedicated to capturing and disseminating the inspiring stories of resilience displayed by military veterans and their families, who have triumphed over significant life challenges.
The initiative is expertly led by Katherine Moore, LMSW, whose guidance is pivotal in shaping the narrative and outreach of the program. The Profiles of Resilience initiative benefits immensely from the academic partnership with Dr. Brian Moore, Dr. Tyler Collette, and Dr. Israel Sanchez-Cardona, all of whom bring specialized expertise from Kennesaw State University.
Dr. Brian Moore, with his PhD in Health Psychology, contributes valuable insights into the physical and mental health challenges faced by veterans. His research supports the development of programs that enhance the wellbeing of veterans and their families.
Dr. Tyler Collette, holding a PhD in Psychology, focuses on the psychological resilience and recovery processes. His work ensures that the stories shared highlight therapeutic and empowering aspects, offering hope and actionable strategies to others in the veteran community.
Dr. Israel Sanchez-Cardona’s PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology enriches the initiative with strategies on organizational support for veterans, facilitating smoother transitions and integration into community life. His expertise is crucial in the structural planning and execution of support systems within the program.
Together, these professionals have played a key role in aiding AboutFace-USA® in the strategic rollout of grants that support not only the Profiles of Resilience initiative but also other critical programs such as the community center, the veteran ride service, and various partner programs. Their collective research and expertise in understanding veteran needs have been instrumental in securing funding and designing programs that truly cater to the veteran community. This collaboration exemplifies how academic partnerships can significantly enhance the impact of non-profit initiatives aimed at supporting our veterans.
Veteran-Led Peer Support
Partner Program
AboutFace-USA®
AboutFace-USA®‘s Partner Program Veteran-Led Peer Support Groups are an integral part of the organization’s mission to empower and support veterans. These groups provide a secure and understanding environment where veterans can share their experiences and challenges, find mutual support, and access resources tailored to their unique needs.
Leading these peer support groups are two dedicated veterans, Mike Brooks and Keegan Merritt. Mike Brooks, a former Army sergeant, brings his experience in leadership and team management to the group, offering insights and strategies for navigating the complexities of post-service life. His commitment to veteran welfare is driven by his own experiences and the belief in the strength of community support.
Keegan Merritt, who served in the Navy, focuses on the mental health aspects of veteran support. His background in psychology and personal journey with PTSD has equipped him with the tools to offer guidance and empathetic support to other veterans striving to adjust to civilian life.
Together, Mike and Keegan facilitate discussions, organize activities, and ensure that the peer support groups meet the needs of their members, helping them to forge strong bonds, share coping strategies, and work towards a more positive and supported future. Their leadership is instrumental in nurturing the trust and camaraderie that characterize these vital support networks within AboutFace-USA®.
T.E.A.M Leadership Huddle with John Sterling
Partner Program
AboutFace-USA®
John Sterling is a key figure in the AboutFace-USA® organization, specifically leading the T.E.A.M. Leadership Huddle. This program, held online every Tuesday night from 7:00 to 8:30 PM, is designed to empower leaders through a structured platform where they can engage in meaningful conversations and enhance their leadership skills.
John Sterling, a medically retired U.S. Army Noncommissioned Officer and former Military Intelligence professional, brings his extensive experience as a Master Resiliency Trainer to this initiative. His role involves teaching critical resiliency skills and leadership acumen, which he developed over his military career and continued through his work in the veteran non-profit sector. In 2017, Sterling founded Azimuth Leadership, LLC, focusing on “behavioral health leadership” across various communities, including military, sports, education, and healthcare.
The T.E.A.M. Leadership Huddle operates on principles of Trust, Transparency, and Tolerance, encouraging participants to lean into life, learn from their experiences, and leverage these insights in their service to others. This veteran-led, peer-to-peer group aims to support veterans, especially those dealing with trauma, by fostering a network of support and normalizing the experience of feeling broken. The group’s mantra emphasizes the importance of leaning, learning, and leveraging the support within the community
T.E.A.M Leadership Huddle with John Sterling
Partner Program
AboutFace-USA®
John Sterling is a key figure in the AboutFace-USA® organization, specifically leading the T.E.A.M. Leadership Huddle. This program, held online every Tuesday night from 7:00 to 8:30 PM, is designed to empower leaders through a structured platform where they can engage in meaningful conversations and enhance their leadership skills.