​​​

Dave Cooper – USN SEAL (Retired) 

​Entrepreneur and organizational change leader, with a Master’s Degree in complex adaptive systems science (current Ph.D. candidate). Former Command Master Chief, Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG). Over twenty years of experience in Naval Special Warfare (NSW) and Joint Special Operations Forces (SOF) selection, education, training, and operations. Extensive combat experience. Over ten years of experience creating, leading, and sustaining high-performing teams, solving complex strategic issues from the battlefield to the boardroom to combat the threat of terrorism worldwide.

 

Education

BS (Molecular Biology), Juniata College, Huntingdon, PA                                        

MS, HEC (Paris) and Said Business School, University of Oxford                            

Ph.D. candidate (current), Arizona State University, Complex Adaptive Systems Science with an emphasis in Sustainability. Complex adaptive systems science is a field of study that is inherently interdisciplinary and integrates concepts, tools, and methodologies from a wide range of scientific disciplines.

​

Awards and Recognition

Featured in the best-selling book The Culture Code along with some of the most innovative business leaders and researchers in the U.S.Military: Silver Star, 6 Bronze Stars with “V,” 4 x Presidential Unit Citations (unit equivalent of Navy Cross), 2 Meritorious Service Medals, 2 Distinguished Service Medals, and numerous other joint and individual awards.​

​

​

Melissa Love – Founder of MOSAIC

Entrepreneur, executive director, strategic advisor, operations consultant, wellness coach, certified energy healer and devoted mom of three.  Ten years of experience as a corporate HR professional. Over ten years of experience as an entrepreneur, establishing three organizations to include MOSAIC Institute, a strategic services firm, RESILIENCE, two thriving bi-coastal fitness studios serving over 10,000 clients and The MOSAIC Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit that supports the professional and personal development of veterans and active-duty military. Accumulated over 5,000 hours of lifetime meditation practice and taught over 500 wellness classes to clients around the world.

 

Education

BA, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA                                                        

Specialized Training: Pacific College of Oriental Medicine Integrative and Holistic Health Practitioner, Soul of Yoga Institute Certified Yoga Teacher, Spiritual Arts Institute Certified Associate Teacher and Certified Aura Therapist.

​

Ryan Blake – USN EOD (retired)

Ryan was born in Massachusetts where an early love of the water led him to Massachusetts Maritime Academy. After the attacks on 9/11/2001, he enlisted in the Navy where he originally served on Patrol Crafts as a navigator and rescue swimmer before eventually joining the Explosive Ordnance Disposal community where he served until retiring in 2022. He served in a variety of roles from Leading Petty Officer to Executive Officer/Deputy Director with multiple tours in contingency operations, planning, program and project management, requirements, training, and team building. 

 

He was fortunate to join a MOSAIC retreat in 2022 and has enjoyed sharing lessons learned with other Veterans as they make their transitions to the next chapters of their lives. He currently works as a technology scout for the Department of Defense with a goal of "bridging the gap" for defense and industry partnerships in support of America's national security. 

​

Sofia Salas – US Navy Veteran
A US Navy veteran with nearly seven years of service, Sofia has a multifaceted background,
having served as a Master at Arms specializing in law enforcement and weapons proficiency
instruction. After being stationed in Bahrain, she was hand-selected to join the Women in
Special Operations Force (WISOF) training at the US Navy Special Forces training schoolhouse
in San Diego, ensuring the integration of women in SEAL/SWCC pipelines. She also led the
fitness program for support personnel. Having completed personal trainer, yoga instructor, and
life coach training, Sofia is passionate about fostering both physical and mental wellness. In
addition to her role as the MOSAIC Alumni House Manager, she guides veterans in reframing
survival triggers and building resilience. Sofia also runs a mortgage lending business and is
active in real estate as a project and operations manager for redevelopment projects in Texas.
Her diverse expertise allows her to empower individuals in personal development.

​​

Jonathan Daige (JD) – US Army Veteran

JD served in the Army Reserves for 8 years with two deployments to Iraq. He came home to join the Worcester Police Department where he served for over 18 years. He also served on the SWAT team for 8 years.  JD founded and leads Thin Blue Ride, a 501c(3) that raises funds for veterans, first responders and families battling cancer. JD has battled testicular cancer that spread to the lungs, chest and brain several times due to toxic exposure from his military deployments. Currently he is battling Leukemia but handling it very well. Recently, JD received his Masters Degree in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College. He lives in Massachusetts with his wife Kelly and two amazing step children Max and Vivi, and black lab Rocksie. 

​

Mark Shafer – USMC veteran

Born in Baltimore, Mark grew up in Fort Collins, CO.  Mark enlisted in the Marine Corps right out of high school.  On July 29, 2002 he set foot on the yellow foot prints of Paris Island, SC. Mark was assigned to 2D Amphibious Assault Battalion, Camp Lejeune, NC, The Basic School, Quantico, VA and Amphibious Assault Schools Battalion, Camp Pendleton, CA. During his time in the Fleet Marine Force he attended many secondary schools to include Marine Combat Instructor of Water Survival and Airborne Jump School.  Mark has multiple deployments to Iraq, one in which he was wounded and received a Purple Heart for his injuries.   After serving 12 years, Mark now resides in his home town of Fort Collins with his family.  He is a firefighter, fulfilling his passion to serve his community and help others as well as continuing to assist his fellow service members through being a part of the MOSAIC team.  

​

Chris Madsen – US Army Veteran

Born at Joint Base Lewis-McChord and raised in Fort Hood before moving to Cleveland, Ohio, Chris has always embodied a life of service. After the September 11th attacks, he enlisted in the Army, serving as an Infantryman with the 101st Airborne. Chris attended the Army Sniper School in 2005 and deployed to Southwest Baghdad the same year as a Scout/Sniper.

 

Following his military service, Chris transitioned into a civilian career as a carpenter while pursuing a degree in environmental geology. After spending eight years in the environmental consulting industry, he now serves as an Environmental, Health, and Safety Manager, where he also leads communications for the company’s Corporate Veterans Network, advocating for veteran support and empowerment.

 

In 2020 and 2021, Chris faced personal challenges that prompted him to seek healthy outlets. He deepened his fitness routine and explored writing, yoga, and solitude in nature. His time in the woods with his dog, Koda, has been particularly meaningful, offering space for reflection and personal growth. Grateful for the experiences gained at the 2022 MOSAIC retreat, Chris is dedicated to sharing the practices he learned and fostering a supportive community for fellow veterans.

​