Meet Our Team

Bob KingsburyFounder & Chief Executive Officer A U.S. Army Reserve veteran, successful entrepreneur, and lifelong servant leader, Bob Kingsbury has devoted his life to one enduring purpose: serving others. After completing his military service, Bob, his wife Patty, and their daughter Jennifer relocated to British Columbia, where he led a critical infrastructure project for the Coast Salish First Nation, helping deliver essential water infrastructure and modern plumbing to an underserved Indigenous community. During those years, Bob and Patty built both an A-frame home and a life rooted in faith, service, and hard work while welcoming their second daughter, Theresa. Those experiences shaped the character, compassion, and servant leadership that continue to define Bob today. After a lifetime of building businesses, strengthening communities, and cultivating meaningful relationships, Bob discovered the calling that would become his greatest life’s work. While serving as Executive Producer of the award-winning documentary Bud’s Odyssey, chronicling his father Robert E. “Bud” Kingsbury’s extraordinary World War II survival story, Bob gained a profound understanding of the invisible wounds carried by those who serve. His own journey toward healing through innovative neurofeedback care revealed what is possible when effective treatment is both accessible and compassionate, inspiring the vision that became Soaring Wings Foundation. Today, Bob leads Soaring Wings Foundation with the same servant’s heart that has guided him throughout his life. Under his leadership, the Foundation has become a trusted source of hope, delivering transformational, evidence-based care that helps veterans and first responders heal, build resilience, and reclaim their lives with dignity and renewed purpose. Bob’s vision continues to inspire a growing community of healthcare professionals, volunteers, philanthropic partners, and supporters united by one unwavering belief: our nation’s heroes deserve more than our gratitude—they deserve the opportunity to heal. Together, they are building more than a foundation—they are creating a lasting legacy of hope that is transforming lives, strengthening families, and ensuring that no hero is left behind.

I was born in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, into a very loving, Christian family and grew up in the beautiful state of Colorado. My father, a naval veteran, served in the Korean War. He always had dreams of being a farmer and rancher and saw his dreams come true in the early 70s when he purchased farmland in Colorado and taught our family a different way of life. I absolutely loved the rural, self-sustaining lifestyle. My mother was a registered nurse and worked into her late 70s for a medical practice with several physicians. I wanted to be just like her and, indeed, followed in her footsteps into the medical field. Educational Beginnings and Career Transition Upon graduation from high school, I attended the University of Colorado, where I was in the premed program. I was firmly focused on that path to become an emergency room physician until I took an EMT class that was taught by a firefighter. He introduced me to the fire service and paramedicine, and I decided to alter my path in life and pursue the medical field as a civil servant. I served for 32 years with the Los Angeles City Fire Department as a firefighter/paramedic and was honored to be in the first emerging group of females to earn that position. Distinguished Service with the LAFD During my career, I spent most of my time assigned to fire stations serving the downtown Los Angeles area. In 1995, I became the first female to be assigned as an LA City Fire Dispatcher—an assignment I thoroughly enjoyed. I also held the position of EMT instructor in our training academy and returned to the field in 2002, where I eventually retired from Fire Station 99 in Beverly Hills in Sept. of 2020. My career choice truly fulfilled my goal to be a medical professional and make a positive difference in the world. Athleticism and Volunteerism I remain very active in sports to this day and have traveled all over the world competing in the World Police and Fire Games and the Police and Fire Olympics. I also have a love of dogs and volunteer at the Patriotic Service Dog Foundation. We train service dogs for veterans and first responders and train peer support dogs for fire departments and police departments to strengthen their behavioral health programs. I became a trained peer support member for the LAFD several years before I retired, and I continue to use that valuable training to help firefighters overcome the effects of PTSD. Impact Through Bud’s Odyssey and Peer Support Being involved with Bud’s Odyssey allows me to offer a proven therapy to these first responders which improves their quality of life and can even make the difference between life and death for some of them. I am proud to say that I was instrumental in establishing the Peer Support Therapy Dog Program for the Los Angeles City Fire Department and have helped other fire departments develop their programs too. It keeps me busy in retirement. Personal Life and Artistic Pursuits I am an accomplished musician and play the piano and I have taken up a new hobby of throwing pottery. I have found great purpose and joy in retirement. I am married to a retired Detective and have 2 children who are also civil servants, and we have a K9 named Carro. Commitment to the Board of Directors I am very honored to serve on the Board of Directors for Bud’s Odyssey to help our foundation connect with first responders and veterans in need, provide education on Brain Paint and offer this life changing therapy to our deserving heroes.

John was born and raised in the small mountain communities of Coarsegold and Oakhurst, located at the south entrance to Yosemite National Park. After graduating from Yosemite High School, he joined the United States Army Military Police Corps and proudly served for eight years. His duty stations included White Sands, New Mexico; Fort Clayton, Panama; and Fort Irwin, California. Following his military service, John was hired by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. Over the course of his 23-year career, John had the privilege of serving in many of the department’s jurisdictions, with much of his time spent in the Specialized Enforcement Division (SWAT). He rose through every rank from Deputy Sheriff to Assistant Sheriff before retiring. John had fully intended to continue serving the department for many more years and was devastated when life-altering medical issues abruptly ended that chapter of his life. After seeking answers from numerous doctors and medical facilities, he was introduced to Soaring Wings. For the first time, he received a clear explanation of the root cause of his rapid physical and mental decline, along with a treatment plan. Ultimately diagnosed with Post-Concussion Syndrome (TBI), John was finally able to pursue meaningful treatment. He credits Soaring Wings, Dr. DiSiena, and their team of professionals for providing the care, documentation, and support that changed the trajectory of his life. Inspired by his experience, John began sharing his story with members of his own department and with first responders from many other agencies. Those conversations led to countless positive outcomes for colleagues and friends who sought help and successfully completed the program. When asked to assist with Soaring Wings, John enthusiastically accepted. He considers it a tremendous honor to give back to the organization that helped restore hope, purpose, and quality of life for him and so many others. Beyond his professional and advocacy work, John is most proud of his family. He has been happily married for many years and is the proud father of three daughters and grandfather to one granddaughter, who bring him immense joy and remain his greatest source of inspiration.

Battalion Chief/EMT Stacy Gerlich, executive officer of the Administrative Operations Bureau, retired in February after 35 years of service in the City of Los Angeles. Her duties at retirement included Gender Equity Officer, LGBTQ Liaison, Department Resilience Officer, Department Sustainability Officer, and manager of the  Behavioral Health Program. She is considered an expert in disaster preparedness. Chief Gerlich is also a member of the Peer Support Program and is extremely passionate about the behavioral and mental health of our first responders. Chief Gerlch was one of twenty-three members of the Los Angeles City Fire Department that responded to the World Trade Center attack in September 2001. Chief Gerlich has two master’s degrees in organizational management and homeland security studies from the Naval Postgraduate School. She completed a certificate in the psychology of leadership and diversity, equity, and inclusion from eCornell University. She has held many departmental positions in her tenure, including CERT Commander, Los Angeles Regional Critical Incident Planning and Training Alliance, Community Risk Reduction Commander, EMS Training Officer, EMS Battalion Captain, and Operations Valley Bureau EMS Resilience Officer. Stacy is also a guest lecturer at California Lutheran University in leadership. She received the Champion of Change award during the Obama administration. In August 2021, Stacy received the Pinnacle Award from the Los Angeles Women in Fire Service (Women in Homeland Security) Association. From July 2023 to October 2023, Chief Gerlich enrolled in SOARING WINGS FOUNDATION Brainpaint program. The results were remarkable. The change in her sleep, anxiety levels, and overall emotional health was evident. She is a true advocate of mentoring others who suffer from the long-term effects of psychological trauma and the toll it can take on each of us.

Jennifer spent most of her young life on the road, as she moved 27 times before age 17. After graduating from high school, she got her BA in psychology at CSU Long Beach and went on to a master’s program in occupational studies for adults with disabilities. In 1999, she had a calling for the mission field and has served overseas in China, Russia, Europe, Israel, and the UK, helping in orphanages, impoverished populations, and church administration. She spent a number of years arranging travel for large mission groups in the church. In 2006, Life’s Mission moved back home to help with Grandpa Bud, as his health had declined. Through many visits to the VA Hospital with him, she saw so many warriors who were still fighting the battles in their minds. It was then she knew that Grandpa Bud’s story had to be told so that others could benefit somehow. That dream became a reality as Jennifer had the honor of being executive producer and narrator for the film Bud’s Odyssey, the epic survival story of her grandpa, Robert E. “Bud” Kingsbury. Jennifer has worked as a travel agent for the Disney company in Anaheim for the past 17 years and enjoys traveling the US and worldwide with various church and charitable organizations. Her passion is to help others find healing and strength, and she considers it a great honor to serve as administrator for the SOARING WINGS FOUNDATION.

After two years of junior college, he enlisted in the Naval Reserve in July 1966. In August 1967, he was called to active duty, and in November, he received orders for twelve months of service at the Naval Supply Activity in Da Nang, Vietnam. Upon returning from Vietnam and being discharged from active duty, while working in his father’s business, he attended and graduated from California State University Fullerton with a degree in business administration with an accounting concentration. In 1981, he took control of his father’s business and continued its growth, selling his interest and retiring in late 2017. He has experience with nonprofit boards, having served on two boards in the past. As a Vietnam vet who suffered from PTSD, he has a passion to help as many vets as possible find and receive treatment from well-trained, qualified professionals at no cost. He and his wife live in Orange County, CA, have three grown children, and have 11 grandchildren.

Brian graduated from Whittier College with a B.A. degree in political science in 1969. While at Whittier, he played varsity baseball and freshman football and served as class president. Obtained a J.D. degree from the University of Southern California, School of Law, in 1972. While at U.S.C., he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force through R.O.T.C. He served in the Air Force as a legal officer in the Judge Advocate General Department. He continued to serve in the Air Force Reserve as a judge advocate, retiring in 1997 with the rank of lieutenant colonel. For 36 years he served as a deputy district attorney in Los Angeles County. Until 1987, in that capacity, he was a trial prosecutor, winning many felony jury trials in cases involving murder, sexual assault, and child molestation. He was then promoted to a series of supervisory positions. He was the assistant head deputy in the Special Investigations Division for five years, prosecuting official misconduct, election fraud, and police officer shooting cases. Furthermore, he then was Deputy-in-Charge in the Juvenile Division for 15 years, supervising juvenile prosecutions in the Long Beach, Pomona, and Downey offices. During his career as a supervisor, he trained and supervised hundreds of junior attorneys, as well as sworn police investigators and support staff. He retired in 2009. After officially retiring, he rejoined the District Attorney’s Office as a part-time deputy in the Parole Division, where he represents the district attorney at various state prisons, opposing parole for convicted murderers. He lives in Yorba Linda with his wife. They have two sons and two grandchildren. He has been a long-time participant in youth activities in the community, including more than ten years in Little League as manager, coach, and league president. He also worked many years with the YMCA and on numerous School Attendance Review Boards.

Christopher Akin brings extensive leadership and program management expertise to CRC, guiding global operations across high-threat and complex environments. He oversees business systems and strategic initiatives, supporting the company’s mission in specialized military training, advisory services, contingency operations, and construction management. Before joining CRC, Christopher served as a United States Marine Corps Infantry Officer, deploying to the Middle East and Southeast Asia in both conflict and benign environments. His military career also includes leading high-risk waterborne training and developing advanced curriculum for small boat and maritime operations as a certified curriculum developer and high-risk training instructor. Christopher holds a bachelor’s degree in international studies from Texas A&M University.

Driven by a lifelong commitment to protecting and serving, Teresa earned a Master’s Degree from California State University of Long Beach. She built a career in public service with the City of Los Angeles, where she developed extensive experience in Human Resources, Payroll, and Security Services. She later served in Los Angeles Police Department Jail Division. Eventually, advancing her career into the LAPD Sworn Academy, where she distinguished herself as Class Vice President upon graduation. Teresa’s life took a transformative turn following a traumatic brain injury. Her arduous recovery ignited a deep passion for holistic healing and wellness, thus leading her to become a dedicated advocate for suicide prevention, PTS, depression, anxiety, and nervous system regulation awareness. Soaring Wings Foundation played a pivotal role in her own healing journey by providing life-changing treatments, support, and compassionate care during one of the most difficult chapters of her life. In gratitude for the profound impact, Teresa now devotes her time and unwavering dedication to saving lives, restoring hope, and healing by ensuring that frontline professionals never have to fight their battles alone. Today, Teresa channels her resilience and purpose into proudly serving as both a Peer Support Member and Board Member with Soaring Wings Foundation.

Chris enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1991, and after completing the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program at Texas A&M University in 2000, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant.  Chris and Jennifer married in 2002 just prior to Chris being deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.  This would be the first of seven deployments they would endure together, four of which were combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.  Chris retired after 23 years of service in 2014. Jennifer continued to work during those deployments and raised their two children almost single-handedly due to Chris being gone so much.  In 2018 they were introduced to SOARING WINGS FOUNDATION through Bob’s sister, when she recognized that Chris was pursuing getting a service dog.  After attending Dr. DiSiena’s orientation, they immediately asked for neurofeedback treatment for Chris to help address his post-traumatic stress.  The neurofeedback therapy proved to be highly successful in reducing Chris’ anxiety related to his post-traumatic stress. Chris and Jennifer continue to support the mission of SOARING WINGS FOUNDATION and have referred numerous veterans and first responders to the foundation for treatment.  They are also advocates for the foundation and are always available to answer questions from the perspective of someone who has gone through the program and as a family member.

Education 1984 Doctor of Chiropractic Cleveland College of Chiropractic Cum Laude 1984 Invited into “Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities” 2000 Distinguished Fellow of the International Chiropractic Association 2003 Qualified Medical Examiner (QME) 2003 Independent Disability Evaluator (IDE) 2007 Certified Physician Provider for FirstLine Therapy/Therapeutic Lifestyle Change Educator (CLE) 2008 Certified Corporate Health Coach (CCHC) 2012 Board Certified Nutrition Specialist (BCNS) 2013 Ordained Minister 2026 Chief Science Officer BrainRevive Clinics and BrainAid Clinics To read more about Douglas A. DiSiena, click here.

I have served in law enforcement for more than 20 years and currently work as a Detective with the Santa Ana Police Department. As a first-generation law enforcement officer, I joined our Peer Support Team to help fellow first responders find support during some of the most difficult moments of their lives and careers. Throughout my career, I have been involved in officer-involved shootings and have personally experienced the emotional strain that can follow a critical incident, including the additional stress of civil litigation. I understand how repeatedly responding to the community’s most traumatic events can take a lasting toll and, at times, overshadow the positive aspects of life. I bring to the team firsthand experience with post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression. I strongly believe in the value of peer support, evidence-based treatment, recovery, mental wellness, and physical fitness. There are effective solutions, but recovery requires a willingness to do the work, reach out, and accept support. I am especially grateful to Soaring Wings, formerly known as Bud’s Odyssey, for connecting me with treatment I did not know was available and helping me regain my quality of life. My goal is to help other first responders recognize that they are not alone, that asking for help is a sign of strength, and that proven treatment can make a meaningful difference.

Bob Moore is an executive leader with more than 35 years of experience in the construction industry. He has led organizations through periods of growth, operational improvement, strategic planning, and leadership transition, with expertise in corporate governance, finance, risk management, and employee-owned companies. Bob is known for his collaborative, values-driven leadership style and his commitment to building organizations founded on trust, accountability, and long-term relationships. In addition to his corporate leadership, Bob is passionate about giving back to the community. He is a founding board member of Howard’s Team and Opicure, two nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving lives through service and support. He continues to serve both organizations as Secretary/Treasurer, providing governance and financial oversight while helping advance their missions. Outside of work, Bob enjoys spending time with family, mentoring emerging leaders, and exploring ideas in leadership, business, and organizational excellence.