Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
This is your Team section. It's a great place to introduce your team and talk about what makes it special, such as your culture or work philosophy. Don't be afraid to illustrate personality and character to help users connect with your team.
Mission
Operation: Level Up mission is to create a community that enhances positive mental well being, promotes healing and provides resources for our Heroes, 1st Responders and Veterans, through engaging gaming and gaming culture experiences.
About Us
The Why
Operation: Level Up was founded by Eric Pickard, U.S Navy veteran, who is also a retired paramedic with 25yrs of experience in Emergency Services and his wife Valarie Pickard, driven by a personal understanding of the profound impact of trauma & PTSD on individuals who have served our country and communities.
Having witnessed and experienced the stressors associated with the duties of the job, Valarie recognized a critical need for accessible mental health support - specifically tailored for veterans, first responders and their families! This organization seeks to bridge the gap in services, providing a nurturing environment where peers can connect, share their stories and support one another in their healing journeys.
Eric's own battle with PTSD shaped the vision for this Non-Profit, motivated a commitment to help others find hope, resilience and partner toward recovery through community, understanding and the therapeutic benefits of shared experiences.
Team
Dedication.Passion.Expertise.
Our Board of Directors is a dedicated team of individuals who bring a wealth of experience, compassion and commitment to our cause. Comprised entirely of veterans and EMS professionals, our Board members understand first hand the struggles associated with trauma and are passionate about creating a supportive community for those in need.
Each member of our Board has faced their own battles with PTSD and has emerged with a unique perspective on resilience and recovery. Together, we leverage our diverse backgrounds to guide Operation Level UP in our Mission to provide resources, support and innovative programs aimed at healing and empowerment.
