Our Story & Team

“I didn’t set out to build a treatment center. I set out to stop burying veterans.”

What pushed me over the edge wasn’t a policy failure or a budget meeting—it was a photograph. A woman in uniform. A veteran. Her story was in a BBC article. She died by suicide after suffering Military Sexual Trauma (MST). She had done everything right—served her country, asked for help—and the system failed her. Just like it’s failed so many others. She wasn’t the first. But I decided she had to be the last. After years of walking alongside veterans in crisis, I kept seeing the same story: trauma unacknowledged, cries for help dismissed, treatment delayed or denied. So we created The Pink Berets MST Facility—not just as a safe haven, but as a declaration. This facility stands for every veteran impacted by Military Sexual Trauma. Because trauma doesn’t follow rules or respect boundaries. MST affects those who served—and were betrayed by those they trusted most. So does the weight of silence. So does depression. And too often, so does suicide. That’s why we built something different. A place where veterans are not filtered through red tape, but met with compassion. Where care is immediate, trauma-informed, and personal. Where no one is turned away because they don’t fit a bureaucratic box. We didn’t build this with government funding. We built it from loss. From grief. From the unshakable belief that no veteran should be left to suffer in silence. That when a life is on the line, help should never be out of reach. If you’re a veteran, or loved one—know this: you are not alone. And you are exactly who we built this for.

— John McDermott, CEO & Veteran

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CARE

Meet our team

Clinical

Clinical Director

Magan Buchanan, LICSW

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Behavior Analyst

Joy Wimberly, BCBA, LBA

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Therapist

Hayley Altamirano, LMSW

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Medical

Psychiatrist

Dr. Moniqua Tillman

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Registered Nurse

Karla Chambless, RN

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Administration & Medical Assistant

Shana Capps, MAC

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Operations & Administration

Operations Director

Terry Sellers

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Housing Manager

Rachel Brakefield, MAC

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Behavioral Technician

Rachel Mitchell

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Full biographies

Meet the people behind the care.

Clinical Team

Magan Buchanan

Magan Buchanan is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), EMDR-certified therapist, and Clinical Director. She earned her Master of Social Work degree from Troy University and has experience in clinical leadership and direct client care. Her work includes trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance use, and life transitions, with an emphasis on compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to the individual.

As Clinical Director, Magan supports clinical quality, staff development, and program leadership. Outside work, she enjoys family time, reading, and being in nature.

Clinical Team

Joy Wimberly, BCBA, LBA

Joy Wimberly is a Licensed Behavior Analyst from Birmingham, Alabama. Her behavioral-analysis work has included development of The Pink Berets' Contingency Management Program, using structured positive reinforcement to support veterans working toward sustained sobriety and recovery.

Joy has particular interests in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, anger management, mindfulness, emotional resilience, and long-term coping skills. She also contributes to branding, outreach, and development of the Emergent Care Program. Away from work, she enjoys international travel, Pilates, and time with her Chihuahua, BeBe.

Clinical Team

Hayley Altamirano, LMSW

Hayley is a Licensed Master Social Worker who earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees in Social Work from Arizona State University. Her professional focus is compassionate, client-centered support for people with co-occurring disorders, helping clients strengthen recovery, resilience, and overall well-being.

Originally from Texas, Hayley now lives in Alabama and enjoys family time, lake life, and her two Labrador retrievers.

Medical Team

Moniqua Tillman

Full biography coming soon.

Medical Team

Karla Chambless, RN

Karla is a Registered Nurse known for compassionate care and a calm, steady presence. She brings a nurturing approach to the medical team and to the veterans she supports.

Karla lives on a small farm in Arley. She is married, has three grown children and seven grandchildren, and enjoys camping, travel, concerts, and family time.

Administration & Medical Support

Shana Capps, MAC

Shana supports office administration, the medical department, and group support at the Arley campus. Her family connection to military service includes a grandfather who received the Purple Heart during World War II, and that history informs her commitment to veterans.

She is working toward Case Management Certification and is known for handling many operational needs at once. Outside work, she enjoys lake life, camping, and time with her children and her dog, Cooper.

Operations Team

Terry Sellers

Terry oversees maintenance and IT initiatives, helping keep both daily operations and longer-term facility projects organized and moving forward. His role centers on practical problem-solving, technical support, and operational reliability.

Originally from Cullman, Alabama, Terry enjoys comedy shows, golf, pickup basketball, and family life with his wife and four children.

Operations Team

Rachel Brakefield, MAC

Rachel serves as House Manager and a MAC Tech at Client Care Continuum. She supports veterans with care, structure, and a commitment to maintaining a safe and supportive residential environment.

Rachel lives in Arley with her four children. Outside work she enjoys reading, art, movies, and supporting her children in their sports and activities.

Operations Team

Rachel Mitchell

Full biography coming soon.