VETERANS

The Wellness Institute’s mission is to honor and support our Veterans by expanding access to innovative wellness therapies, ongoing rehabilitation, and accessibility to outdoor wellness activities – through trusted partnerships, advocacy, and therapeutic programs that restore strength, independence, and quality of life.

Gina Adams serves as the Program Director of the

Wellness Institute’s Optimal Veteran Program

After witnessing the impact of Parkinson’s disease on her stepfather, a Korean War Veteran, Adams was inspired to dedicate her life to advancing nonpharmacological solutions that expand rehabilitation access, restore independence, and preserve dignity.

In 2021, Adams’ company, Wareologie, was awarded a CRADA grant by the Veterans Health Administration Innovation Network through its Greenhouse Initiative. This collaboration led to the development of patented portable parallel bars, now adopted by VA Medical Centers nationwide to support Veterans’ recovery in ICUs, wound care, stroke rehabilitation, spinal cord injury clinics, and Community Living Centers.

Today, Adams serves as Clinical Director for Optimal Veteran, where she leads Veterans Wellness programs focused on improving access to innovative functional therapies and building pathways to long-term recovery, mobility, and quality of life for those who have served.

Gina Adams serves as the Program Director of the

Wellness Institute’s Optimal Veteran Program

After witnessing the impact of Parkinson’s disease on her stepfather, a Korean War Veteran, Adams was inspired to dedicate her life to advancing nonpharmacological solutions that expand rehabilitation access, restore independence, and preserve dignity.

In 2021, Adams’ company, Wareologie, was awarded a CRADA grant by the Veterans Health Administration Innovation Network through its Greenhouse Initiative. This collaboration led to the development of patented portable parallel bars, now adopted by VA Medical Centers nationwide to support Veterans’ recovery in ICUs, wound care, stroke rehabilitation, spinal cord injury clinics, and Community Living Centers.

Today, Adams serves as Clinical Director for Optimal Veteran, where she leads Veterans Wellness programs focused on improving access to innovative functional therapies and building pathways to long-term recovery, mobility, and quality of life for those who have served.

Brandon McKenney serves as the Program Director of the

Wellness Institute’s Optimal Veteran Outdoor Program

Brandon McKenney is currently serving as the District Ranger for the Mogollon Rim Ranger District within the Coconino National Forest. A proud Navy veteran, Brandon served for a decade as a Navy Corpsman, deploying multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan with Marine Corps infantry and artillery units. He concluded his military career in 2016 as an Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman, holding both jump and dive qualifications.

After transitioning from the military, Brandon earned his degree in Criminology from the University of Arkansas, where he also interned at the Terrorism Research Center. He has since dedicated his career to public service, working for the Department of Veterans Affairs, the State of Arizona, and now the U.S. Forest Service.

Brandon is passionate about supporting fellow veterans and fostering wellness through community, nature, and service. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, exploring new places and cultures, and working on his rural property overlooking the Grand Canyon.

Brandon McKenney serves as the Program Director of the

Wellness Institute’s Optimal Veteran Outdoor Program

Brandon McKenney is currently serving as the District Ranger for the Mogollon Rim Ranger District within the Coconino National Forest. A proud Navy veteran, Brandon served for a decade as a Navy Corpsman, deploying multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan with Marine Corps infantry and artillery units. He concluded his military career in 2016 as an Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman, holding both jump and dive qualifications.

After transitioning from the military, Brandon earned his degree in Criminology from the University of Arkansas, where he also interned at the Terrorism Research Center. He has since dedicated his career to public service, working for the Department of Veterans Affairs, the State of Arizona, and now the U.S. Forest Service.

Brandon is passionate about supporting fellow veterans and fostering wellness through community, nature, and service. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, exploring new places and cultures, and working on his rural property overlooking the Grand Canyon.

VETS Wellness Village

Official Launch Party

VETS Wellness Village

Official Launch Party

Find your outdoor adventure

The National Veterans Outdoors Resource HUB has thousands of outdoor experiences for Veterans

You answered the call to serve—now it’s time to answer the call of the wild.

The Wellness Institute will participate with Veterans Organizations and produce activities that utilize the resources of the National Veterans Outdoors Resource HUB.

Built by a Veteran, for Veterans, the National Veterans Outdoors Resource HUB is your all-access pass to thousands of free or highly subsidized, unforgettable, outdoor experiences. Whether you’re an avid angler, a passionate hunter, a nature enthusiast or just looking to unwind, the HUB puts the outdoors at your fingertips.

Find your outdoor adventure

The National Veterans Outdoors Resource HUB has thousands of outdoor experiences for Veterans

You answered the call to serve—now it’s time to answer the call of the wild.

The Wellness Institute will participate with Veterans Organizations and produce activities that utilize the resources of the National Veterans Outdoors Resource HUB.

Built by a Veteran, for Veterans, the National Veterans Outdoors Resource HUB is your all-access pass to thousands of free or highly subsidized, unforgettable, outdoor experiences. Whether you’re an avid angler, a passionate hunter, a nature enthusiast or just looking to unwind, the HUB puts the outdoors at your fingertips.