About Us

Ashley serves as Chair of the Northern Shenandoah Valley Community Veterans Engagement Board (NSV CVEB) and was one of its founding members. She has served the board in several capacities, helping strengthen partnerships, expand resources, and support veterans and their families throughout the Northern Shenandoah Valley. 

Ashley brings more than a decade of nonprofit management and community leadership experience. Professionally, she is a Veterans Employment Services Representative with Virginia Works, where she helps veterans overcome employment barriers, identify career opportunities, and connect with resources that support long-term success. 

A U.S. Army veteran, Ashley served as a medic and is also the proud spouse of an Army veteran. Both are combat veterans and life members of VFW Post 2123. She holds a bachelor's degree in Military Resilience from Liberty University. 

Outside of her professional and community involvement, Ashley is the proud mother of four children and two English Mastiffs. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

chair@nsvcveb.org

Niccole serves as Vice Chair of the Northern Shenandoah Valley Community Veterans Engagement Board (NSV CVEB) and has served the board in several capacities since its inception. Through her involvement, she has helped strengthen partnerships and expand connections to resources for veterans and their families throughout the region. 

Professionally, Niccole is the Director of Online Managed Programs and Military Benefits School Certifying Official at Shenandoah University. She has been instrumental in developing and strengthening veteran programming at the university and works closely with veterans, service members, and military-connected students to help them navigate VA education benefits and connect with university and community resources. 

Niccole holds a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Shenandoah University. Through both her professional role and her work with the NSV CVEB, she remains committed to improving support for veterans and military-connected families. 

Outside of her professional and community involvement, Niccole is the proud mother of three daughters.

vicechair@nsvcveb.org

Sarah serves as the Treasurer for the NSV CVEB. Sarah is the Assistant Manager at Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU), where she began her career in 2007. Over the years, she has made a significant impact as a Branch Financial Education Ambassador, sharing valuable financial insights with members, and as a Volunteer Lead with the WIN Schools Partnership. Her involvement extends to the Link Committee, showcasing her dedication to strengthening community connections.

Sarah is deeply committed to giving back, particularly through her work on the Community Veterans Engagement Board. Supporting veterans is a cause close to her heart, as she believes in honoring their service by helping them transition smoothly into civilian life, ensuring they have the resources and guidance to thrive financially and personally.

Outside of work, Sarah stays busy coaching cheer, attending her three children’s activities, and traveling whenever she can, embracing new experiences with her family.

treasurer@nsvcveb.org

Lisa serves as the Outreach and Media Coordinator for NSV CVEB. She also serves as the Chair of the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber Veterans Business Community. Her focus on the Veteran community is founded in her service as a United States Marine, as well as her family’s dedication to and contributions in military service. 

After years of traveling the world, she is happy to have settled in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley for good. Along with her Marine husband, she runs Liberty’s Pursuit Farm. Learning about and enjoying God’s grace one growing and resting season at a time. She enjoys family time with her two adult sons, daughter-in-law, granddaughter, and two German Shepherd dogs.

contact@nsvcveb.org

Leslie serves as Historian for the Northern Shenandoah Valley Community Veterans Engagement Board (NSV CVEB), bringing more than five decades of volunteer service and a lifelong commitment to supporting the military and veteran community.

Leslie began volunteering with the American Red Cross in 1969 in Darmstadt, Germany. Over the years, she has served in numerous capacities around the world, including work supporting members of the Armed Forces and international programs. In 2024, the American Red Cross recognized Leslie and her husband for their combined 100+ years of service. 

Leslie continues to serve as a board member and volunteer with the American Red Cross and brings her decades of experience, compassion, and commitment to service to the NSV CVEB. 

As the wife of a Korean War veteran, Leslie’s connection to the military community is deeply personal. She has dedicated much of her life to serving others and supporting service members, veterans, and their families.

leslie.caliva@redcross.org

Michael serves as the Community Engagement and Development Coordinator for the Northern Shenandoah Valley Community Veterans Engagement Board (NSV CVEB). A U.S. Army veteran who served as a mechanic, Mike is deeply committed to supporting fellow service members and their families. He is a proud father of five—three sons and two daughters—and his youngest son is currently serving in the Army, stationed in South Korea. Mike brings a strong passion for veteran advocacy, and he thrives on building meaningful connections and helping others improve their lives.

madams@nsvcveb.org

Mike serves as an Advisor for the Northern Shenandoah Valley Community Veterans Engagement Board (NSV CVEB) and previously served as Chair of the organization. His continued involvement brings valuable leadership, institutional knowledge, and a strong commitment to the veteran community. 

A combat veteran, Mike served in the United States Navy submarine service during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He has remained deeply involved in veteran advocacy, previously serving as District Commander for nine Veterans of Foreign Wars posts across the Northern Shenandoah Valley and continuing his service as a member of the VFW in Berryville. 

Professionally, Mike works for the Commonwealth of Virginia as a Deputy Office Manager, where he supports job seekers in connecting with meaningful employment and career opportunities. He also serves as Mayor of Stephens City and is currently in his second term. 

Through his military service, veteran advocacy, workforce experience, and public service, Mike brings a broad perspective and longstanding dedication to supporting veterans and strengthening the communities they call home.

michael.diaz@virginiaworks.gov

Patricia serves as an Advisor for the Northern Shenandoah Valley Community Veterans Engagement Board (NSV CVEB), bringing extensive experience in higher education, community engagement, and building connections between veterans and local resources. 

Patricia serves as Executive Director of the Hazel-Pruitt Armory, home of the Hub for Innovators, Veterans, and Entrepreneurs (HIVE), as well as Industry and External Engagement at Shenandoah University. In her role, she works to create opportunities for collaboration, entrepreneurship, and community engagement while strengthening connections between the university and the broader region. 

Patricia has been a strong advocate for connecting Shenandoah University with veterans, service members, and military-connected families both on campus and throughout the community. Through her work with Shenandoah University and the NSV CVEB, she continues to build partnerships that create opportunities and strengthen support for the region’s military and veteran community.

pyoung1@su.edu

Rich Petro serves on the Northern Shenandoah Valley Community Veterans Engagement Board’s Judiciary Committee and is Commander of VFW Post 2123 in Winchester, Virginia. A United States Army veteran, Rich served from 1971 to 1974, including a combat tour during the Vietnam War. He continues to dedicate his time to serving veterans and their families throughout Winchester and Frederick County. As Commander of VFW Post 2123, Rich leads veteran support efforts, advocacy, and community outreach. He coordinates veteran assistance programs, holiday support drives, and other projects designed to support local service members, veterans, and their families. His leadership within the VFW has also earned him recognition as an All-State Commander in Virginia. Through his work with the VFW and NSV CVEB, Rich brings decades of service, veteran advocacy, and firsthand experience to efforts that strengthen support for veterans across the Northern Shenandoah Valley.

richpetro@hotmail.com

Rafael serves on the Judiciary Committee for the Northern Shenandoah Valley Community Veterans Engagement Board (NSV CVEB). A U.S. Army veteran, he served as both a combat medic and an Information Technology Specialist, shaping his commitment to supporting fellow service members and their families. 

For nearly a decade, Rafael has taught as a Technology Adjunct Instructor with Workforce Solutions at Laurel Ridge Community College, helping veterans and adult learners build the skills needed to enter and advance in the technology field. He brings over 25 years of state, commercial, and federal IT experience, along with numerous military awards and professional certifications. A member of Epsilon Pi Tau, the international honor society for technology, Rafael also serves as the Brand Ambassador for the Northern Shenandoah Valley’s Tech For Troops Program. A program dedicated to empowering Veterans with computers, skills, and Information Technology (IT) work force training. 

Outside of his professional work, he serves as an Assistant Scoutmaster and Advancement Committee Chair for a local Scouts BSA troop, mentoring youth and fostering leadership development. Through his military, professional, and community service, Rafael remains dedicated to empowering veterans, their families and strengthening the communities he serves.