MEET THE TEAM
OUR STAFF
KATE VOIGTS
Interim Executive Director
Kate Voigts is a military veteran with 35 years experience in the Army. She retired from the service in 2022, and currently works for the RAND Corporation. She is also a senior mentor with the Army War College. In addition to serving on the BRBR Board of Directors, Kate volunteers with Team Rubicon and Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). She and her husband Kevin live in Columbia, SC.
LAMONT CHRISTIAN
Director of PTG Training
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STEPHANIE CZERESKO
Director Of PTG Services
Stephanie Czeresko has family ties to the military and is a clinical mental health counselor with over 25 years of experience. She and her husband live in Little Mountain, South Carolina, and have four children. Stephanie has been with The Big Red Barn Retreat since 2015, and as the Director of PTG Services, oversees all BRBR services. Committed to Trauma-Informed Care, she helps Veterans, Active-Duty service members, and First Responders achieve Post-Traumatic Growth.
JOHN TJAARDA
Director of Development
John Tjaarda was born and raised in West Columbia, South Carolina and has spent the last thirteen years working with local non-profit organizations in the Midlands. Now, he is proud to be working for an organization that has been a leader in the area for serving those who have served us and our country.
JEFF LAWSON
Director of Operations
With 25 years of military service and 5 years in operational consulting, Jeff had dedicated his life to service. Now, he is focused on supporting veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders through real-world solutions. He believes in mission-driven work, practical leadership, and showing up for those who serve. The Big Red Barn Retreat is a nonprofit that is an extension of that purpose—boots on the ground, heart in the work.
RACHEL SNIPES
Director of Marketing & Communications
A proud native of Blythewood, South Carolina, Rachel (Rae) brings over seven years of experience in graphic design, marketing, and communications to the BRBR. With a deep appreciation for our country and a heartfelt commitment to serving our nation’s heroes, she is eager to contribute to the advancement of the BRBR’s mission through her creative and strategic work.
MELANIE STEWARD
Operations Coordinator
Melanie Stewart, a retired U.S. Army Major with over 20 years of leadership experience, is an alumna of Warrior PATHH and Struggle Well. She is passionate about creating meaningful experiences for veterans and first responders, helping them rediscover purpose and strength beyond the uniform. Holding a master’s in human resources, she serves as the office manager at Big Red Barn Retreat (BRBR), where her role extends beyond administration to include HR support, leveraging her expertise to support the mission of the BRBR.
SYDNEY MARCUCCILLI
Special Events Coordinator
Sydney is the Special Events Coordinator at The Big Red Barn Retreat, where she combines her passion for giving back to the veteran and first responder communities with a talent for planning impactful events. Originally from Illinois, Sydney is a proud graduate of Purdue University and brings a strong foundation in event planning, marketing, and communications.
ANGELA MCDUFFIE
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Angela began her journey with the BRBR as an intern in 2022 and now serves as the Marketing and Communications Coordinator. A native of Prosperity, SC (now living and working remotely in Charlotte, NC), she brings personal passion and perspective to her work, having grown up in a family of Army Veterans, Air Force Veterans, and volunteer firefighters. Through her creative work, she has seen firsthand how Post-Traumatic Growth transforms the lives of our heroes and is proud to share the impact of the BRBR with the world every day.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SUTTON SHAW
Co-Founder | Board Member
Sutton Shaw co-founded the Big Red Barn Retreat, a nonprofit dedicated to serving Veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders. Established in 2014 to honor her father, Leon Irons, a Navy Veteran and restaurant entrepreneur, the Big Red Barn Retreat has served over 10,000 heroes and grown to over $2.4 million in revenue. Moreover, the Big Red Barn Retreat is home to the only proven programs to cultivate and facilitate posttraumatic growth: Warrior PATHH and Struggle Well.
BARBARA IRONS
Co-Founder | Board Member
Entrepreneur and Co-Founder of the Big Red Barn Retreat in honor of her husband, Leon Irons who served in the Navy.
JAMES SMITH
Board Member
James is an American politician who served as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1996 to 2019. Smith is a combat veteran and a serving officer in the South Carolina Army National Guard, a small business owner, and a practicing attorney in Columbia, South Carolina.
KATRINA SHEALY
Board Member
Katrina is a dedicated public servant who represented Lexington District 23 in the South Carolina Senate from 2012 to 2023. As Chairman of the Veteran and Family Services Committee, she championed initiatives to support veterans and their families. Known for her exceptional communication skills and strong relationships with South Carolina lawmakers, Katrina excels in fundraising, negotiation, and volunteer management, making her a vital advocate for community-driven causes.
GRETCHEN BARRON
Board Member
Gretchen, Richland County Councilwoman for District #7, is a dedicated leader and community advocate. She co-founded Barron Academy to provide after-school programs for students in low-performing schools within high-poverty areas. An accomplished author of “The 4G Factor” and a veteran spouse, Gretchen brings her expertise in leadership, relationship-building, and fundraising to initiatives that uplift her community. She is also a proud mother of two boys, further driving her passion for creating opportunities for future generations.
MITCH RAY
Board Member
Mitch led sales operations for the sole custom apparel vendor at Fort Jackson, bringing extensive experience in navigating strict government and military regulations. His board roles, including Fundraising Chair for AUSA and Serve & Connect, highlighthis leadership and expertise in fundraising, marketing, and relationship-building. Mitch’s dedication to service and strategic insights make him a valuable asset to organizations supporting military, first responders, and community initiatives.
DANIEL STANTON
Board Member
Daniel is the CEO of Beam & Hinge, a website development company specializing in strategic marketing and brand development. A U.S. Army veteran and Senior Management Analyst, Daniel brings significant expertise in collaborating with nonprofits to enhance their digital presence through impactful web design. His leadership and marketing acumen have made him a trusted partner in helping organizations achieve their branding and outreach goals.
DAVID KERR
Board Member
David is an experienced leader and U.S. Army veteran who served as Director of Emergency Services from 2011 to 2021. Currently, he works as an Asset Protection Manager at Michelin. David brings extensive leadership expertise through his roles as Vice Chair of the 9/11 Remembrance Foundation and his involvement with the Midlands Veterans Engagement Council, Mission Lexington, and Tunnel to Towers. His commitment to service and veteran support underscores his dedication to community andnational resilience.
RICHARD BUTCHER
Board Member
Richard is an accomplished financial executive and nonprofit leader with extensive experience in strategic planning, financial management, and business operations. He is the former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at United Way, where he played a pivotal role in driving financial efficiency, operational excellence, and mission alignment. Throughout his career, Richard has demonstrated a commitment to fostering sustainable growth and supporting impactful community-based initiatives. His expertise in financial oversight and organizational development will be a tremendous asset to the BRBR’s continued expansion and success.
WELCOME NEW BOARD MEMBERS
HEATHER SMITH
Board Member
Heather F. Smith, a graduate of the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications, has extensive experience in legislative affairs, having served as Executive Staff for the South Carolina House Judiciary from November 2004 to December 2007, and later as Director of Legislative Affairs for the South Carolina Realtors Association from June 2007 to December 2007. She founded Heather Smith and Associates, LLC in January 2023, where she creates and executes public policy seminars, develops comprehensive government affairs and public policy engagement plans, and lobbies elected officials to influence public policy for her clients. Additionally, as a Partner and Lobbyist with The Southern Group of South Carolina from October 2012 to January 2023, she coordinated government relations strategies, attended legislative hearings, and monitored legislation impacting clients at both state and federal levels.
Help Serve Those That Served...
Your support helps us provide these life-changing programs and services at little to no charge to veterans, military, first responders, and their families. With your help, our Warriors won’t just survive — they’ll thrive.
