Meet Our Board of Directors

Kelli Hepner is the Founder and President of Camp Braveheart. As a lifelong advocate for mental health and wellness in high-stress professions, Kelli serves as Coordinator of the Columbiana County First Responder Wellness Program through the Columbiana County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board (CCMHRSB). Launched in 2022, the program focuses on post-critical incident physical and mental health recovery, prevention of critical incident stress reactions and cumulative stress, and readiness through education, support, and training. She also coordinates the county's Handle With Care program, which builds positive relationships between school staff, first responders, and youth to foster trust, resiliency, and community connection. Kelli's extensive background includes serving as a licensed EMT, a Certified Police Wellness Officer (CPWO), and a member of the Columbiana County Suicide Prevention Coalition. She has completed specialized training in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), Chaplaincy, Suicide Prevention, Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) studies, first responder culture, National Organization of Victim Assistance (NOVA), and other topics related to first responder wellness. An active participant in the county Crisis Development Team and the Faith Based Collaborative, Kelli founded the Guardian Angels Support Group in 2003 and has served as President of Heroes and Halos since 2012. In 2024, she received the prestigious CIT Champion Award for her exemplary work promoting effective crisis intervention, serving as a liaison between first responders, behavioral health providers, and community support agencies. Recognizing the broader impact of job-related stress, Kelli has expanded peer support groups to include coroner's office and funeral home employees. She leads structured, informative support groups for first responder and veteran peers, while planning engaging family activities to help rebuild bonds and address challenges such as PTSD, depression, and relationship strain. A member and ordained chaplain of the Upper Room Fellowship in Columbiana, Ohio, Kelli's faith is central to her life and work. She is deeply committed to reminding individuals that they are loved, valued, and respected—often affirming God's unwavering love as a powerful catalyst for healing and resolution of unresolved pain. Raised on a family farm, Kelli finds joy in nature, preserving and canning food, and spending time with her husband Greg, their children (Morgan, Ben, and Jon), and their three dogs. Her personal values of family, faith, and compassion drive her tireless dedication to serving those who serve others.

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Meranda currently serves as Head Dispatcher for the Columbiana Police Department, a position she has held with dedication for the past two years. Prior to that she worked as a dispatcher for the Salem Police Department. In this critical role, she oversees the coordination of emergency and non-emergency communications, ensuring swift and accurate dispatch of officers and resources to support public safety throughout the community. Her strong organizational abilities, combined with a creative and resourceful approach to problem-solving, enable her to manage high-pressure situations effectively and maintain calm, efficient operations within the communications center. Meranda is deeply passionate about serving others and takes genuine pride in the positive impact her work has on the lives of community members and fellow first responders. She finds great personal fulfillment in helping people during their most challenging moments, contributing to successful resolutions, and playing a part in bringing relief, safety, and even moments of happiness to those she serves. A devoted wife and mother of three wonderful children, Meranda draws her greatest strength and motivation from her family. They remain her top priority and the driving force behind her commitment to excellence both at home and in her career. Above all, she strives every day to make her children proud of their mother—through her hard work, integrity, and unwavering dedication to protecting and uplifting others. Meranda's core values center on three pillars that guide her life: cherishing and nurturing her family, excelling in her vital role within law enforcement, and continuing to be a positive role model for her children and the community she serves.

Mark Stillion, M.Ed., LPC, LICDC is a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC) specializing in trauma-informed care and addictions counseling. With deep expertise in supporting first responders, military service members, veterans, and their families, Mark provides compassionate, evidence-based mental health and substance use treatment to help individuals navigate complex challenges and achieve lasting recovery. A proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Mark completed four combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Following his final deployment in 2012, he faced significant struggles with PTSD and severe substance use disorder issues. After multiple treatment experiences, Mark found transformative healing through a specialized peer-to-peer program for combat veterans in 2019. Since achieving sobriety in early 2019, he has remained committed to his recovery while channeling his lived experiences into advocacy and helping others. Mark earned his bachelor's and master's degrees following his recovery and now serves as a clinician at The Counseling Center of Columbiana County, where he delivers high-quality behavioral health services. He is an active member of the Columbiana County Suicide Prevention Coalition, contributing to initiatives that promote mental wellness, reduce stigma, and strengthen community connections to prevent suicide. In addition to his clinical work, Mark serves on the leadership team of Wild Ops, a veteran-led nonprofit organization dedicated to helping combat veterans find support, hope, and healing through faith-based outdoor adventures, peer brotherhood, and meaningful relationships during their transition to civilian life. Mark is happily married to his wife, Jessica, and together they share a profound faith in Jesus Christ and a love for the outdoors. In his personal time, he enjoys hiking, fishing, kayaking, and traveling—activities that embody his passion for nature, adventure, and personal renewal. Driven by a deep commitment to advocacy and intervention, Mark continues to work tirelessly to improve the lives of at-risk first responders, military personnel, and veterans by fostering supportive networks and delivering empathetic, effective care.

Lieutenant Don Johnson is a dedicated law enforcement professional with over 25 years of service in East Palestine, Ohio. He currently serves as a Lieutenant with the East Palestine Police Department, a position he has held since 2017. In this role, he oversees operations and continues his long-standing commitment to public safety and community support. Lt. Johnson's career began in corrections as a Correctional Officer at the Northeast Ohio Correctional Facility from 1997 to 2000. He simultaneously served as a Part-Time Patrolman with the East Palestine Police Department from 1996 to 2000, transitioning to Full-Time Patrolman in 2000, where he served until 2012. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2012 and has been a K-9 Handler since that same year, retiring from that specialized duty in 2024 after more than a decade of service. Since 2012, Lt. Johnson has been assigned to the Columbiana County Homicide Task Force, contributing his expertise to major investigations. In 2024, he was assigned to the Columbiana County Mobile Crisis Response Team, where he collaborates with mental health professionals to assist individuals experiencing drug and alcohol addictions as well as mental health crises. A strong advocate for mental health and crisis intervention, Lt. Johnson holds multiple certifications, including: Peer Support Certification (IAFF) Training in Suicide Prevention Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) for First Responders Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training through Columbiana County Mental Health Crisis Development Program His exemplary work in crisis intervention was recognized in 2025 when he was named Columbiana County CIT Officer of the Year. Currently, Lt. Johnson serves on the Board of Directors for Camp Braveheart, reflecting his ongoing dedication to compassionate service beyond traditional policing. With a career rooted in patrol, specialized units, leadership, and community mental health outreach, Lt. Johnson remains committed to protecting and supporting the residents of Columbiana County.

This Bio has not yet been published. Come back later to read more about this board member.

This Bio has not yet been published. Come back later to read more about this board member.