Meet Our Team

Michael Chase is a keynote speaker and author whose work centers on resilience, leadership, and the power of human connection. His perspective is shaped by years in special education and law enforcement, along with his experience surviving the second blast at the 2013 Boston Marathon. Today, he shares those lessons with educators, law enforcement professionals, and business leaders, encouraging people to build trust, support one another, and find purpose through adversity.

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Michael is also the creator of T/A Connect, an initiative designed to help schools ensure every student has trusted adults they can turn to for support. He serves as a Sales Engineer with Getac, bringing his experience as a police officer and School Resource Officer to his work supporting law enforcement agencies through technology, training, and customer support.

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Through the Reflective Journey Foundation, Michael carries that commitment to service forward by supporting families, children, veterans, and communities in need. His work is grounded in the belief that people can find hope and strength when they know they do not have to face their challenges alone.

Casey’s career reflects a deep commitment to supporting individuals and families through life’s challenges and transitions. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and began her career in special education, working with students who needed therapeutic and behavioral support. She later transitioned into healthcare and now serves as Regional Director of Business Development for Sunrise Senior Living, continuing a career rooted in compassion, service, and thoughtful leadership.

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Casey is the proud mother of three children: Makena, Chase, and Mia. Her experience raising a child with autism has strengthened her commitment to advocacy and given her a personal understanding of the difference a strong support system can make. She brings that perspective to the Reflective Journey Foundation’s work with families, veterans, and communities in need. Her leadership is grounded in kindness, empathy, and the belief that no one should have to face life’s most difficult moments alone.

Matthew Griffin is a dedicated advocate for mental health, service, and community support. He is a twenty-one year veteran of the United States Navy, the Virginia Beach Police Department, and the Keene New Hampshire Police Department. During his law enforcement career, Matt specialized in undercover operations and was assigned to the Attorney General’s Drug Task Force, where he worked to combat violent crime and substance abuse at the state level.

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After retiring from law enforcement, Matt continued his commitment to service through writing and public speaking. He is the owner of Journey Speaking and Books and the author of “The Journey to Midnight,” a memoir that reached the number one spot on Amazon’s bestseller list four times. His work has been featured across numerous media platforms, including podcasts, television programs, and the PBS series “Hiding in Plain Sight,” where he was selected as the lead for season two. 

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Matt is the father of four boys, including a son with autism, and his lived experience as a parent and advocate shapes his work with families and communities. As a national speaker, mentor, and consultant, he focuses on reshaping the cultural narrative around mental health. He works with military personnel, law enforcement, firefighters, emergency services, and individuals seeking hope during difficult moments. Matt brings compassion, experience, and a strong commitment to the Foundation’s mission of supporting families, children, veterans, and communities in need.

Brandon Crocker is a Board Member of The Reflective Journey Foundation and a seasoned leader with more than thirty years of experience in construction, law enforcement, security, and specialized training. His career includes work with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington DC, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina. Brandon has supervised tactical response units, managed major investigations, and led training facilities that prepare personnel for high-pressure and complex situations. He is known for his calm presence, strong communication skills, and ability to build meaningful relationships with teams, partners, and communities.

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Brandon later served as a firearms and school safety expert with the FBI, traveling across the country to train law enforcement agencies and school communities in threat assessment, crisis response, and safety preparedness. His experience across multiple levels of local, state, and federal operations gives him a valuable perspective on the challenges facing families, veterans, and communities today.

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Brandon is guided by his faith and a sincere desire to serve others. He brings a steady, compassionate heart to the Foundation and remains committed to standing with people during difficult moments. His operational expertise, leadership, and personal dedication strengthen the Foundation’s mission to support families and communities in need.

Makena Chase is the Director of Creative Development for The Reflective Journey Foundation. She is a junior at Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School, where she studies Dental Assisting and maintains a 4.3 GPA. Makena is a standout student leader, selected each year as her class representative on the school’s Student Council, a group of only four students chosen out of more than two thousand. She was also elected by her peers to serve as class representative during her sophomore year, reflecting the trust and respect she has earned within her school community.

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Makena is a two-year captain of the field hockey team, a four-time team MVP, a Cape Ann League All Star, and was recognized as an MIAA Rising Sophomore for her academic, athletic, and community achievements. Her leadership extends beyond athletics. In eighth grade she created her school’s first Kindness Week initiative, and in 2024 she designed and organized the inaugural Kindness Week 5k at Essex Tech. The event has grown significantly, raising more than twenty thousand dollars in 2025 and bringing together hundreds of students, families, and community members.

Within the Foundation, Makena supports event planning, creative design, photography, volunteer coordination, and project development. She brings fresh ideas, steady leadership, and a genuine passion for helping others. Makena has always looked out for classmates who face challenges or feel unseen, and her relationship with Chase has only strengthened her compassion. Loving him came naturally to her, and that connection continues to shape her commitment to kindness and inclusion. Makena plays a key role in expanding the Foundation’s outreach and helping build programs that support families, children, veterans, and communities in need.