OUR STAFF & INTERNS
Meet Our Staff and Interns!
CINDY MCGREW
Founder & CEO
Cindy McGrew worked full time for 18 ½ years, at Legg Mason, now Morgan Stanley, as a Client Service Representative. She left her full time job to devote her efforts full time to Operation Second Chance. She began this mission of hope out of love for our country, pride in being an American and a huge respect for those serving in the military.
NICK
Intern
Nick Joined the US Army in 2006, deployed to Sadr City, Iraq in 2008 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was catastrophically wounded by an IED in August 2008. He spent 3 years recovering at Walter Reed as a double above knee amputee. Moving back to Michigan in 2011, he met his future wife Dani who he married in 2013. They have 3 children, all boys ages 6, 4 and 1. Nick stays active with several adaptive sports and hunting. He is also very active with his children, helping coach their sports and activities.
KATIE SANDERS
Staff Member
Katie Sanders is the Director of Outreach and Development for Operation Second Chance. Katie and her husband, Tim, have been involved with OSC for more than a decade, starting as volunteers and participants in the annual bike ride, Ride Allegheny, which raises funds for OSC.
In 2019, she officially joined OSC as an employee. Since, she has focused on building new programs and expanding relationships with the Veteran community and plays a role in helping plan retreats at Heroes Ridge at Raven Rock.
VANESSA CHISM
Staff Member
Vanessa is the Programs Director & Military Family Liaison for Operation Second Chance. She is the wife & caregiver to her husband, Cody, who was medically retired from the U.S. Army due to injuries sustained in OIF. Vanessa was actively involved throughout her husband’s military career and was named Family Readiness Group Leader of the Year by the 95th MP Battalion in Mannheim, Germany. Operation Second Chance has had a huge positive impact in her life since 2009. Advocating, educating and supporting Veterans & their families will always be a passion for her. Vanessa received her Associate Degree from Tallahassee Community College in 2013. Vanessa is continuing to pursue completing her Bachelor degree in Behavioral Neuroscience.
TAMI
Intern
Tamara Carracino was in the US Army for 4 years as an Air Traffic Controller. At a young age she married a US Army soldier that remained in and retired after 24 years of service. After supporting her husband during 3 combat deployments she developed a passion to support and help others facing life challenges. After her husband’s retirement, he continues to serve the community, and is working as a police officer, where she saw similar challenges and a need for support. Tamara currently resides in Tallahassee, FL. where she facilitates an OSC Veteran & Family support group. Her family of four enjoys being outside, swimming, canoeing, theme parks and more.
JESYKA
Intern
My name is Jesyka O’Brien and I am lucky to call myself an intern with Operation Second Chance. It has been one of the most fulfilling opportunities to help our wounded,Ill, and injured Veterans and families. I have been my husband’s paid caregiver for the last 12 years. I currently reside in Delaware with my husband RET SGT (Purple Heart Veteran) Shaun O’Brien and our three amazing children.
BEV
Intern
Bev is a caregiver to her husband, Max, who was combat injured and subsequently retired from the U.S. Army. During Max’s recovery at Walter Reed, Beverly became involved with Operation Second Chance programs and developed lifelong friendships with others facing the same struggles on the road to recovery. Beverly realized the importance of having a strong community of peers and began to work tirelessly to develop local programs, events, and opportunities for local families of wounded warriors.Beverly is currently working on a degree in Social Work and holds certificates in Military Resilience and Crisis Response and Counseling.
