Feeding hope,resilience, purpose,and connection.

Susie Clarke

Susie Clarke is a retired U.S. Army commissioned officer who served honorably for 22 years in enlisted and officer leadership positions. During her distinguished military career, she became the first soldier in the European Regional Medical Command inducted into the prestigious Sergeant Audie Murphy Club—recognition of her leadership, professionalism, and commitment to soldiers.

Susie founded FAVS in 2017 with a passion for serving veterans, service members, and their families. Drawing on her military leadership and lived experience, she has helped create a proactive health and wellness ecosystem grounded in compassion, dignity, and humanity.

Through FAVS, Susie develops programs that open doors, strengthen families, and build healthier communities. Her goal is to ensure that every person served by FAVS feels seen, valued, respected, and supported throughout their journey toward greater hope and resilience.

“Compassion creates hope, hope inspires healing, and together we can build stronger allies and alliances—because every mind matters.”
— Susie Clarke

Connect with Susie Clarke on LinkedIn

James Clarke Jr.

James Clarke Jr. is a retired U.S. Army Senior Noncommissioned Officer, Combat Medic, instructor, and nonprofit executive with more than three decades of experience spanning military service, healthcare operations, medical training, and emergency management. During his military career, he led the Nursing Department at the largest U.S. Army outpatient clinic in Germany and served as a Hospital Training Coordinator, Medical Platoon Sergeant, and EMT Instructor. Following retirement, he continued directing healthcare operations and medical training in civilian and overseas settings.

As Chief Operating Officer of FAVS, James directs daily operations, strategic planning, organizational systems, partnerships, and program execution. His disciplined approach promotes responsible stewardship, strengthens organizational capacity, expands FAVS’ presence, and turns strategy into measurable, sustainable community outcomes. Informed by combat service and lived experience with PTSD, he leads with accountability, precision, and purpose—positioning FAVS for sustainable growth and lasting impact in the lives of veterans, service members, military families, and the communities it serves.

“Service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. It continues through lifting others, building stronger communities, and ensuring no veteran or family has to face life’s challenges alone.”
— James Clarke Jr.

Connect with James Clarke on LinkedIn

LaJohn McDonald Jr.

LaJohn McDonald Jr. serves as FAVS’ Director of Training & Education, leading initiatives that strengthen veterans, service members, first responders, families, and communities. A Navy Veteran and behavioral health advocate, he expands access to education, peer support, and evidence-informed training that promote resilience, recovery, and lifelong wellness. Drawing on his experience with the Military Peer Network, Veterans Treatment Court, SAFE Certified Recovery Support, and Mental Health First Aid, LaJohn equips individuals and organizations with knowledge, compassionate leadership, and resources. His dedication to education and service advances FAVS’ mission of improving lives and building stronger, healthier communities for those who serve.

LaJohn McDonald instructs, mentors, and leads training initiatives that strengthen peer support services, leadership development, and organizational excellence. Drawing on extensive military leadership and behavioral health experience, he develops resilient teams, equips professionals with practical skills, and advances FAVS’ mission through education, mentorship, and servant leadership. His commitment to excellence reflects a lifelong dedication to serving veterans, service members, military families, and those seeking support.

“When I help others reach their wellness goals, my own goals are accomplished.”
— LaJohn McDonald Jr.

Connect with LaJohn McDonald Jr. on LinkedIn