Leslie VanDerau joined Empowered to talk about her non-profit Heroes Outdoor Therapy (H.O.T), her time in the U.S. Marines, the stigma of mental health associated with veterans, building bonds, and a ton of other topics.  

About Leslie:  Leslie served in the Marine Corps Reserve, as a Combat Engineer from 2003-2009 with a deployment to Iraq for OIF II in 2004. Leslie founded Heroes Outdoor Therapy (H.O.T).Through H.O.T, Leslie is able to pass along the passion that saved her, to other Veterans, in a similar situation. Leslie wants Heroes Outdoor Therapy to be that vessel that will transport them outside, both figuratively and literally, and much like herself, help Veterans find therapy in the outdoors.

01:12   Leslie’s service in the U.S. Marine Corp

01:57   Women serving post 9/11

03:19   Heroes Outdoor Therapy 

05:14   Reaching out for help

06:51   Stigma

08:14   How did Kelsey & Leslie meet?

09:02   Building a bond

11:28   Outdoor therapy

15:53   Starting a non-profit

17:48   What is an outdoor therapy event?

23:14   How can you support H.O.T? 

About Empowered: EMPOWERED with the goal of shining a light on “empowered” women in the veteran/military, emergency responder, and law enforcement communities. Hosts: Kelsey De Santis is a Marine Corps Veteran, serving as a Military Police K9 officer and Martial Arts Instructor. Kelsey has an undergrad degree in entrepreneurship and a master’s degree in communication. Kelsey believes in bringing amazing women together to share their stories and empower others to step into their own greatness.Dr. Jason Piccolo is a 25+ year LEO, U.S. Army Veteran (OIF 05/06), and dad to an amazing empowered young girl. Jason’s goal is to learn from amazing women guests in the “Protector” spectrum.