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Elevating Veterans thru Optimal Living

Let's EV-OL, Because Love Goes Both Ways!

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OUR MISSION

Elevating Veterans’ life conditions

through the use of Optimal Living communities

built upon holistic wellness, health consciousness,

sustainability and cooperative living, and camaraderie

CREATING A BRIGHTER FUTURE

Elevating Veterans thru Optimal Living, or EV-OL, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit aimed at aiding veterans in civilian life.  EV-OL focuses primarily on combat veterans who struggle with depression, self-sabotaging choices, and/or housing insecurity. Our community will consist of an intimate neighborhood of 80 homes, an organic garden, four lap pools, serene meeting spaces, a wellness center, and small veteran-run businesses. Our multiple programs promote healing and the integration of positive wellness practices, which allow veterans to elevate their life conditions.

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GREAT PEOPLE ON A MISSION!

MEET THE EV-OL TEAM

Michelle Shaw

Chief Executive Officer

Michelle holds a bachelor’s in Political Science and a Masters in Education. Whether teaching, opening a school, or working on political campaigns, Michelle strives to help create positive change in the community, and now she is working toward a nation that invests in quality-of-life standards for veterans. Michelle lives in Tennessee where she spends time with her sons as they hike, garden, and dine with extended family.

    Rob LeBlanc

    Chief Operating Officer

    Born and raised in the suburbs of Boston, Rob attended Wesleyan University where he studied sociology and economics. Rob has over ten year of Management consulting experience, advising companies on strategy and operations. Having spent time in various cities (NYC, CHI, Raleigh Durham) Rob has settled down in the suburbs of Nashville Tennessee where he lives with his two children and their loyal dog Eddie. 

      Jennifer Francies

      Chief Financial Officer

      Jennifer has worked for two decades with active duty and veterans in the property and casualty (P&C) Insurance industry. Her undergrad and grad work in communications, sociology, psychology, and organizational management provides Jennifer the foundation to be solutions based in her continued efforts to help veterans both inside the EV-OL community and in the population at large. Her motto is: Don’t just survive; THRIVE!

        Ameet Shukla

        Director of Healthcare

        Ameet was a Sergeant and Combat Medical Specialist in the Army. Ameet believes that transitioning from service in the military to civilian life is a struggle that many veterans face, and that this is a time where it can be easy for other difficulties to arise. He looks forward to creating tangible results for the betterment of veterans’ lives, as he develops the business relationships required to undertake a project of this magnitude.

          Bill Cussins

          Director of Public Relations

          Bill was a U.S. Army Major, working in Air Defense Artillery in Desert Shield/Storm and Military Intelligence as a CI Special Agent during Iraqi Freedom. Bill sees the transition from military into civilian life as a crucial time and he will use his communication and public relations skills to raise awareness for this issue. Bill lives in southern Arizona, where he is an actor, Ho scale model railroader, and a devoted husband.

            Don Christoff

            Director of Sustainability

            For nearly 40 years, Don has worked in various roles within the information technology (IT) industry but now he is  transitioning to a climate crisis focus that begins an accelerated Arizona State University bachelor’s/master’s program in Innovation, Sustainability and Global Technology.

            “My goal is for life to thrive. My efforts will be result driven to that end.”

             

              Cartier Del Castillo

              Designer / Outreach Coordinator

              Cartier is currently majoring in Political Science and Cultural Anthropology at Vanderbilt University, and studying neuroscience. He believes that no veteran should face housing insecurity and plans to utilize skills gained from political campaign work to help build the coalition required to make sustainable communities for veterans. Cartier enjoys hiking and driving through the beautiful landscapes of Tennessee.

                Bellagio Del Castillo

                Outreach Coordinator

                Bellagio has witnessed the struggle of veterans in his own life. Using his experience in building community support through knowledge sharing and training, Bellagio looks forward to creating a neighborhood that is a safe space for veterans to ask for assistance and feel supported. Bellagio believes that, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them,” and can’t wait to see the EV-OL community open.

                  Muskaan Daryani

                  Administrative Assistant

                  Muskaan is currently pursuing a degree in Economics and Public Policy at UC Berkeley. She believes that veterans deserve quality supportive wellness services that allow them to better their lives. Using her community service and public speaking experiences, she hopes to help de-stigmatize the need for mental wellness support. Muskaan lives in California and Arizona and enjoys reading, waiting, and watching old movies.

                    Man of Mystery

                    Advisor

                    Our Man of Mystery has a long and impressive military career as a Lieutenant Colonel. He knows the camaraderie that exists between those who have served and believes veterans struggle when those strong connections are no longer present. Though his high security position is preventing his full engagement, he is acting as a valuable advisor as we build a supportive EV-OL community for his fellow veterans. 

                      Your Name Here

                      Your Career Here

                      Does this sound like a project that you would like to be a part of?

                      Do you have a passion and talents that would lend themselves to this mission?

                      Are you looking for a way to make a positive impact on your society and to be able to leave a legacy that will survive long after we all have left the planet?

                      Let’s Connect! Contact EV-OL.

                        Your Name Here

                        Your Career Here

                        Does this sound like a project that you would like to be a part of?

                        Do you have a passion and talents that would lend themselves to this mission?

                        Are you looking for a way to make a positive impact on your society and to be able to leave a legacy that will survive long after we all have left the planet?

                        Let’s Connect! Contact EV-OL.

                          CONTACT US

                          Do you have questions you’d like to ask? Do you have ideas that you’d like to share?

                          Are you interested in collaborating with us?

                          We would love to hear from you.

                          let’s connect!

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