Faces of H.O.O.V.E.S. | Leadership Behind the Mission
With intensive season kicking off next week, we want to introduce you to the faces you’ll find around the farm — and the heart behind the mission.
Next up… meet Matthew Dick, our Chief Technology Officer and a proud alumni of the program.
While his role is one of our more behind-the-scenes positions, it is an essential part of the team — helping everything run smoothly, securely, and efficiently so the mission can continue to grow and impact lives.
Now let’s get to know him a little better
How did you first find H.O.O.V.E.S.?
“I was already connected with Amanda through my time at the 180th Air National Guard Base, and I had been following her work and posts on Facebook for a while. But the moment everything crystallized for me was when I went through my first healing intensive. The insights I received through that experience confirmed my deep love of empowering others. I knew then that by bringing my talent and skill set to H.O.O.V.E.S., I could help the organization find real efficiencies and growth — and that ultimately benefits our veterans and cohorts directly.”
What is your role here?
“My current role is Chief Technology Officer. I help develop and oversee our technology solutions and strategies, while also keeping the organization’s data secure and in compliance. Behind the scenes, my focus is making sure technology serves the mission — quietly, reliably, and in a way that lets everyone else do their most meaningful work without friction.”
What do you hope people feel when they come here?
“If I had to distill it down to one thing, it would be this: I hope they feel truly seen. I hope they feel that space is being held for them — exactly where they are, exactly as they are. No judgment. No agenda. Just presence.”
What’s one lesson the animals have taught you?
“All of the animals here have shown me just how beautifully simple life can be when we allow ourselves to let go of the attachments and complexities we carry. They’ve also shown me what authentic love and connection truly feel like. Animals are a genuine reflection of us — and being with them reveals that we already possess everything we need.”
What keeps you going on the hard days?
“Love and appreciation. Knowing that this is a journey, and that each day brings its own challenges and gifts. I stay grounded in the awareness that I have the tools to navigate whatever comes my way — and that even the hard days are part of something bigger and more meaningful.”
If you could switch places with any animal at the farm for a day…
“From the very beginning, I deeply resonated with Frankie, the beautiful pup. While she has since moved on to work outside of the farm, those end-of-day cuddles during intensives were something special. She had this incredible gift of knowing exactly when someone needed her. The idea of spending a day simply being present like that — pure, connected, and uncomplicated — feels like a beautiful way to live.”
Matthew represents a powerful part of H.O.O.V.E.S. — where innovation meets heart, and purpose drives every decision behind the scenes.
We’re so grateful to have him as part of our leadership team and to see his journey from participant to leader.
Stay tuned as we continue Faces of H.O.O.V.E.S. | Leadership Behind the Mission and introduce more of the incredible people who make this work possible.
2 Responses
Love seeing the positive impact you’re making!
Keep up the great work.