Susan Barrera’s path to helping people started many years ago while working for the Rialto Unified School District.  Organically, many students gravitated towards her for advice, guidance and mentorship.  Taking her passion for working with at-risk students a step further, she pursued her educational path and gained a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of La Verne.  While working towards that degree she saw another population who lacked and needed representation – America’s Veterans. 

Becoming a therapist and working with veterans through various organizations, she became aware of the disparities in accessing mental health care for active military and veterans.  Tragically, a consequence of these barriers struck close to home and Susan lost her first-born son, Angel, to suicide after returning from his second deployment to Afghanistan in 2021.   After this crushing blow, she decided to channel her grief into action and created Valor in 2022, with the hope that bringing awareness to this issue and creating a platform that centered around military family and veteran-centered care can begin to make a difference.  

Valor fundraisers and charity drives held in 2022-2024 raised over fifteen thousand dollars for donation to other veteran non-profit organizations. Susan joins the ranks with other Gold Star Mothers across the country who volunteer thousands of hours every year to support Veterans, Active Duty Military, and their families.  Backed by an amazing team of like-minded individuals, Susan’s plans are continuing the growth path of Valor, both online and in various counties throughout Southern California, and bring resources for mental wellness to our military population.

Steven is a dedicated veteran who served nine years in the United States Marine Corps. He holds degrees from Santiago Canyon College and California State University, Long Beach. While studying, Steven worked in the campus Veterans Office, assisting fellow veterans in navigating their benefits. This experience ignited his passion for helping veterans transition into civilian life. Over the years, he recognized a significant gap in support during this transition and has since committed himself to addressing these challenges for veterans.

Born and raised in Southern California, Stephen Myers joined the Navy straight after High School. After spending 3 years on the mighty USS Independence(CV-62), he left the service and obtained his Associates Degree in Computer Aided Drafting. Taking an opportunity to start his own business, he ran his own company for 15 years. More recently Stephen has turned his attention to his real passion, supporting our nation’s Veterans. Stephen brings seemingly never-ending energy and is a dedicated advocate for those who have served in our Armed Forces.

John is a Marine Corps veteran and an accounting student at California State University Fullerton with a passion for supporting his fellow service members. After leaving the military, he found his way into higher education, where an opportunity in the Veterans Office allowed him to directly assist veterans like himself. Having personally experienced the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, John is dedicated to helping others navigate their own journeys, offering valuable insight and guidance to those who seek it. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges and rewards that come with military life; John is fully committed to uplifting and empowering the veteran community through his personal experience and unwavering support.

Since 2016, Elizabeth has dedicated herself to serving the veteran community with unwavering commitment and compassion. Her journey began in higher education, where a chance opportunity led her to the Veterans Office, igniting a profound passion for helping veterans from all walks of life. With several years of experience under her belt, Elizabeth is determined to be a steadfast supporter of veterans and their families, ensuring they receive the assistance and resources they need to thrive.

Having family members who proudly serve in the Army, Elizabeth deeply understands the unique challenges and triumphs that come with military service. She specializes in guiding veterans and their dependents through the complexities of Veteran Affairs (VA) educational benefits, providing a vital support system as they navigate their paths to success. Elizabeth is not just a resource; she is a dedicated advocate for the veteran community, committed to uplifting and empowering those who have served our nation.