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Our Creative Founders.

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Taylor Quill

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Alex Smith

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Morgan James

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Patrick Nelligan

Co-Founder

Patrick R. Nelligan is a retired Command Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5) with over 40 years of military and leadership experience. As the 8th Command Chief Warrant Officer of the United States Army Reserve Command, he oversaw all Army Reserve Warrant Officers, advising on talent management, professional development, and quality of life initiatives. CW5 Nelligan’s military career began in 1982, serving in Field Artillery and Health Services Maintenance, with deployments including Operation Enduring Freedom in Kuwait (2002). He held multiple senior leadership roles, including: Command Chief Warrant Officer, Army Reserve Medical Command Command Chief Warrant Officer, 75th Innovations Command Command Chief Warrant Officer, 81st Regional Support Command He also serves as Lead Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist at the Veterans Administration, contributing to healthcare innovation and medical technology support. My “Why” for Joining Elpis Alliance? “My military career was dedicated to supporting service members, ensuring they had the tools and resources needed for success. Elpis Alliance represents an opportunity to continue that mission—leveraging technology, mentorship, and innovative solutions to enhance veterans’ lives. My goal is to help build a future where veterans receive the care, support, and empowerment they deserve.”

Donna Dognin

Executive Director CEO

Donna Dognin is a dedicated advocate, community leader, and veteran support specialist, serving as the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Veterans Strong Community Center. With a background in sociology and law, she transitioned from the legal field to championing veteran outreach initiatives, shaping resources and support services for veterans and their families for over a decade. A QPR/suicide awareness trainer and Mental Health First Aid-certified advocate, Donna brings a critical focus on mental health, crisis intervention, and holistic veteran support. Her work has earned recognition from state and local organizations, reinforcing her impact in the veteran community. As the daughter and sister of disabled veterans, Donna’s commitment is both professional and deeply personal. Through Elpis Alliance, she continues to ensure veterans and their families receive the care, resources, and support they deserve. My “Why” for Joining Elpis Alliance? “Veteran support isn’t just about services—it’s about building a community that understands and uplifts those who have served. Elpis Alliance is a platform for real change, and I am committed to ensuring veterans receive the advocacy, care, and opportunities they need to thrive beyond their service.”

Court Marshall

Co-Founder Chief of Operations

Court Marshall is a seasoned performance consultant, operations leader, and military veteran with over 35 years of experience driving transformative outcomes across the military, corporate, and nonprofit sectors. As a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Master Resiliency Trainer, and Certified Scrum Master, Court specializes in optimizing complex systems, enhancing operational efficiency, and mentoring high-performing teams. His expertise spans Human Resources, Financial Services, Life Insurance, Annuities, Disability Claims, and Healthcare, where he has successfully led large-scale business transformations. He has advised C-level executives, leveraging data-driven insights, manpower research, and capacity planning to align operational objectives with strategic business goals. As Co-Founder and Chief of Operations at Elpis Alliance for Veterans, Court is dedicated to revolutionizing veteran support through AI-driven mental health solutions, community-building initiatives, and innovative care models. His leadership ensures the seamless integration of cutting-edge technology, operational excellence, and holistic well-being initiatives to empower veterans in navigating post-service life. My “Why” for Joining Elpis Alliance? “My personal experience with the profound impact of out-of-order death has fueled my commitment to building structured, resilient systems that empower individuals—especially veterans. I believe in creating solutions that don’t just address immediate challenges but establish long-term, sustainable change. Through Elpis, I am driven to bridge the gap between innovation, accessibility, and human-centered care to reduce veteran suicide, enhance well-being, and build a future where no veteran is left behind.”

DR James O'Brien

Medical Advisor

Dr. James C. O’Brien is a board-certified sleep medicine specialist with over 50 years of medical experience, dedicated to advancing restorative sleep and its impact on mental health. He earned his medical degree from New York Medical College in 1975 and completed his residency and fellowship at Carney Hospital. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Disease, with a career spanning decades in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, insomnia, and narcolepsy. Dr. O’Brien’s extensive clinical experience in sleep medicine provides valuable insights into the critical role of sleep in mental health, particularly for veterans. His research and practice emphasize how optimizing sleep can improve cognitive function, emotional resilience, and overall quality of life. His expertise aligns with the Elpis Alliance for Veterans, where he plays a key role in developing sleep-focused programs to address veteran well-being, mental health, and long-term health outcomes. My “Why” for Joining Elpis Alliance? “Sleep is foundational to mental health, recovery, and resilience—yet it remains one of the most overlooked aspects of veteran care. Through Elpis Alliance, I am committed to leveraging decades of expertise in sleep medicine to create transformative programs that improve veterans’ sleep, mental well-being, and overall quality of life.”

DR Lauren Mentasti

Medical Advisor

Dr. Lauren Mentasti is a practicing dentist and public health advocate with a commitment to improving healthcare access and overall wellness. Since 2009, she has been providing comprehensive dental care in Avon, Connecticut, integrating preventive health strategies and personalized care into her practice. She earned both her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) and Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees from the University of Connecticut, focusing her graduate research on expanding access to care for underserved populations. A strong advocate for veteran health and wellness, Dr. Mentasti actively supports Elpis Alliance for Veterans, applying her expertise in public health and airway health to enhance healthcare access and promote long-term resilience. She plays a key role in organizing the Airway Screening Event, an initiative designed to establish key sleep hygiene measurements—a crucial factor in restorative mental health for veterans. Her work aligns with the Elpis Alliance’s mission to improve veteran well-being, resilience, and access to high-quality healthcare services, ensuring that veterans receive the comprehensive care they deserve. My “Why” for Joining Elpis Alliance? “Individualized healthcare is fundamental to mental and physical resilience, yet so many veterans face barriers to care. Through Elpis Alliance, I am committed to integrating public health, dental care, and airway health strategies to enhance veterans’ overall well-being and long-term quality of life.”

Monette Madayag

Chief of Finance

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Monette Madayag serves as the National Treasurer and Budget Committee Chair for the U.S. Army Warrant Officers Association (USAWOA) and is a Human Resources Technician in the National Capitol Region. With extensive experience in financial management, strategic planning, and veteran advocacy, Monette has been a driving force in promoting well-being and resilience among veterans. Since 2017, she has been a leader in Team Red, White & Blue (RWB), organizing events focused on mental and physical resilience for veterans. Her expertise in fundraising and financial planning directly supports the Elpis Alliance for Veterans, ensuring sustainable funding for initiatives honoring the fallen and advancing veteran wellness programs. As a Navy daughter and an Air Force mom, Monette is personally invested in strengthening veteran communities. Through strategic financial planning, fundraising efforts, and wellness initiatives, she is committed to creating long-term solutions that empower those who have served. My “Why” for Joining Elpis Alliance? “Supporting veterans is more than a mission—it’s personal. Through Elpis Alliance, I am dedicated to leveraging financial expertise and strategic planning to ensure veteran support programs remain sustainable, impactful, and accessible to those who need them most.”
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