Founder
Donna A. Michaels
Donna is a U.S. Navy veteran and retired law enforcement officer. She is a PTSD and TBI Warrior. She has personal experience dealing with the invisible wounds that come with trauma. During the summer of 2017, she responded to one too many traumatic calls and within weeks, she was having thoughts of suicide. Suicidal ideation had historically been something she couldn’t comprehend, but it began to seem like her only options to end her pain.
Like many, she feared the stigma that PTSD carried. Thanks to her veteran family, she sought help privately and began to journal during her therapy. Her story was later published in her book, Courageously Broken. She hoped by sharing her story, she could help others going through similar struggles.
In 2022, Donna launched the HU2H Website after hearing from countless veterans and first responders who were seeking help. She came to realize the need for people like her to find resources, privately, so they could begin their own journey toward healing. A place where the stigma of PTSD couldn’t hinder their efforts to heal. In 2022, HU2H became a nonprofit geared to providing financial support for those needing help in addition to those providing it.
Donna is a proud single mom who has raised an extraordinary young woman. She is rarely, if ever, without her constant companion Saint, her service dog. She enjoys making a difference in others lives while providing hope for a better tomorrow.
President / CFO
Makaala Mazat
Commander Makaala Mazat (retired), a native of El Paso, Texas, enlisted in the Navy in 1993 and was commissioned through the Nuclear Enlisted Commissioning Program in 1999. His formal education includes time at Clemson University, a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Arizona (1998) and a Masters of Business Administration, with a specialty in the Oil and Gas Industry, from University of Houston (2006).
He served on multiple fast-attack submarines, completing multiple Western Pacific and Arctic deployments. He also served overseas in Diego Garcia, Japan, and Bahrain. He most enjoyed his three instructor tours in the Navy, including Commanding Officer of Submarine Training Facility San Diego.
Makaala lives in Dallas, Tx, with his wife Lisa; they have four daughters, Sydney, Avery, Caroline, and Kate. Sydney is currently serving on active duty in the Air Force, and Caroline is pursuing NROTC. He is passionate about helping other veterans in the transition from service to civilian, and helping veterans get the tools and help they deserve.
Makaala is currently attending culinary school to fulfill his love of cooking. He also enjoys woodworking/laser engraving, and photography. As if all of that weren’t enough, he participates in endurance events such as marathons and triathlons. Currently Makaala is training for the Houston Marathon and will run it with his daughter in January.
VP / Parliamentarian
Matthew Kaufman,Esq
As a practicing attorney Matt brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Heroes United to Heal.
In addition to being our Vice President, he genuinely enjoys taking on the role as our “Development Coordinator” and is highly motivated to plan fun, positive events for all involved.
Matt is currently Associate General Counsel for The Wavecrest Management Team, LTD located in Richmond Hill, NY.
Although Matt did not serve in the military, Matt’s passion and drive to assist our nation’s heroes knows no bounds.
Matt comes to Heroes United to Heal after having previously served on the boards of directors of “Warriors Garden”, “Together for the Good, Inc.,” “Code of Vets”, and is currently a volunteer for an Irreverent Warriors chapter in New York City.
As a valuable member of our team, Matt will be working within the business and hero communities to further develop additional resources as well as assist in raising financial support in an effort to help every hero win their battle within.
Matt is often found at the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY supporting the Army Black Knights athletic teams, and speaking to cadets who are seeking to pursue a career in the legal profession.
Vice President
Dr. Jeremiah Owoh
Dr. Jeremiah Owoh has dedicated his life to public service and mentorship which have been guided by the values his mother and grandmother instilled in him. He was raised to understand “That to whom much is given, much is expected”.
Jeremiah considers himself a lifelong learner, having recently completed his Doctorate in Information Management from Syracuse University. He has served over 27 years as a US Army Officer, specializing in Cybersecurity and Data Systems Engineering. His expertise has made him an invaluable member of our team.
Jeremiah recently retired from the US Army and we are honored he has chosen to volunteer for HU2H as he transitions from military service to civilian life. He’s committed to building and contributing to strong teams and always strives to give his best in every endeavor
Early in Jeremiah’s career, he was diagnosed with PTSD, social anxiety, and depression. At that time, acknowledging mental health issues was often seen as a career-ender. Over the years, he saw many of his peers struggle with their mental health but avoided seeking help out of fear that it would jeopardize their military careers. By the time Jeremiah reached the rank of a field grade officer, he had witnessed or heard about numerous suicides amongst other soldiers. Hoping to inspire others to get help to make a difference, Jeremiah decided to be open about his mental health struggles. Since then, he has actively supported mental health initiatives, advocating that recognizing and addressing mental health issues can enhance both career and personal life, rather than ending it.
Jeremiah is a proud father of three and enjoys spending time with his family, bowling, cycling, and watching sports, particularly football.
Chief of Operations
Mike Hriciso
Mike is a proud Navy Veteran and retired law enforcement officer who doesn’t seem to know the definition of “retired”. He has been a member of the American Legion for 16 years and serves as Post Commander in Merritt Island, Florida.
Mike is a lifelong active member of the Boy Scouts of American and currently serves as a Scout Leader in Cocoa, Florida.
Mike has been married to his wonderful wife, Michele who is also a retired first responder and together they adopted a son whom they’ve raised since he was four months old.
Both Mike and his wife have overcome serious adversity having sustained serious injuries during their careers in law enforcement. They understand the toll traumatic events take on veterans and first responders and their support for our team is appreciated beyond measure.
Mike recently started his own business, Beyond Therapy Designs, and is creating custom print merchandise. He has discovered graphic design to be cathartic outlet.
Mike’s other hobbies consist of hiking the Appalachian Trail, RV camping, traveling, NASCAR, and spending as much time as possible with his service dog, Ruger, who is also a member of the “Fab 5” Rescue.
Co-Founder/Secretary
Erin Harris
Erin is the proud daughter of a Vietnam Veteran and knows all too well
the toll PTSD takes on our nation’s heroes and their families. Her mother was a
flight attendant who was flying on 9/11/01 out of Newark on United Airlines.
Erin’s mother is alive and well today, however, she lost close friends and they
each remember that tragic day as if it were yesterday. Erin was one of the
original founding members of HU2H, and much like Donna, her personal ties to
PTSD inspired her call to action. She dedicates her time and effort to our
mission in her late father’s memory.
Erin’s mother has been a proud USO Volunteer for over 40 years, so it is
no surprise that Erin is equally passionate about volunteering. “Giving Back”
comes natural to her and as a result, Erin is extremely supportive of our
nation’s military and first responders.
When Erin isn’t tirelessly volunteering for worthy organizations, she can
be found working hard as a dedicated member of the State Attorney’s Office in
Florida supporting law enforcement, victims of violent crimes. She is
incredibly proud to be part of the Veterans Court team which is near and dear
to her heart.
Additionally, Erin is an active leader with Scouting America where she
enjoys mentoring the youth and spending as much time outdoors as possible.
Lastly, Erin is a very proud mother of two daughters, who are both
currently attending college and are equally as passionate about servant
leadership as their mother. This is one proud mom!
Board Member
Emily Bohlin
Emily is proud mom of 3 fantastic kids and has been a loving wife to her husband, Andrew for over 20 years. While neither she nor Andrew have personally served in the military, their family has extensive military roots dating back to the Civil War. Both of Emily’s grandfathers served in World War 2, and she has countless uncles who served in Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm and Desert Shield. Andrew grew up as an Air Force brat where his father served and retired as a Major after flying the C5 Galaxy. While Andrew was still young, his father flew missions in Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and many more. His cousin Kevin, was Killed in action in Afghanistan which prompted Kevin’s sister, Laura to join the Navy to honor her brother. His other cousin Curt, served in the Air Force. Curt suffered from deep depression as a result of PTSD and partial hearing loss from serving on the flight line. Once his time was complete, he had a hard time transitioning to civilian life and after 26 years of battling his invisible wounds, he took his own life.
The Bohlin family has had firsthand experience of military life, and the toll it takes on the veterans as well as their whole family.
Emily has a passion for helping people and volunteering in the community. Currently she is an Associate Broker/Realtor® with RE/MAX Solution where she loves walking clients though the home buying process, as well as helping Veterans navigate the VA home buying process. She spends countless hours working with the Scouting America organization.
Due to Emily’s passion to serve America’s Bravest and her extensive event planning experience, HU2H is excited to have her as our newest member.
Board Member
Joany Zuhlke
Joany is the daughter of a US Army Combat Veteran and brings a unique perspective that only family members of warriors with TBI’s and PTSD can bring.
Additionally, Joany is a PTS warrior herself, and finds herself often befriending first responders because of her compassion and understanding, She holds a special place in her heart for Veterans and First Responders because she understands the sacrifices they are willing to make for their country and communities when they volunteer to write a blank check for our freedom and safety. She says, “They deserve the best in mental healthcare and support we can offer, they see things most civilians can never imagine.”
Joany credits Donna with “saving her life” after being inspired by Donna’s story and encouragement to “never give up” despite the challenges that come with personal trauma. Joany’s dedication to this cause and willingness to help others heal has made her a valuable member of HU2H.
Joany is happily married to a wonderful husband, and has one bonus daughter, five cats, and a beautiful German Shepherd Dog, King, who was rescued from an unthinkable situation.
King was part of the “Fab 5” and the sire of all the pups who were rescued after their owner passed away. Tragically, they were left to survive for an extended period of time and had to be nursed back to health. Thanks to Donna and Joany’s community, enough donations were raised to save all five dogs and find them loving furever homes.