Meet Our Team

Michael Chase's career has been defined by service, beginning with more than a decade working with students with social, emotional, and behavioral needs, and continuing through his current role as a School Resource Officer at Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School. Michael is also an author and keynote speaker who shares his story of resilience, trauma, and leadership with organizations, schools, and communities across the country.

​

Michael’s life changed after surviving the second blast at the Boston Marathon. His recovery, work in policing, and years of supporting families in crisis inspired him to build a foundation focused on compassion and community.

 

Michael believes deeply in standing with people during the moments that test them most. The Foundation is the next step in his commitment to helping families, children, veterans, and communities who need support, hope, and connection.

Casey's career reflects a deep commitment to supporting individuals and families through life’s most difficult moments. Casey holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and began her career in special education, working with students who required therapeutic and behavioral support. She later transitioned into healthcare, where she now serves as the Community Sales and Marketing Director for Hands for Hearts Hospice, helping families navigate the final stages of life with compassion, understanding, and steady guidance.

​

Casey is the mother of Chase and Mia, and her experience raising a child with autism is a meaningful part of her commitment to this work. Her lived experience as a parent and advocate shapes the way the Foundation stands with families, veterans, and communities in need. Her leadership is rooted in kindness, empathy, and a strong belief in helping others find support when they need it most.

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.

​

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. 

​

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.

​

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.

​

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.

Makena is a two-year captain of the field hockey team, a three-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.