About Us

Our Mission

At Strength in Service, our mission is to cultivate culturally competent social workers and enhance the quality of life for active-duty service members, veterans, military spouses, and their families. By promoting mental health support, career opportunities, and fostering social health and belonging, we empower military families to grow stronger and thrive.

Our Vision

Our vision is to build socially connected communities through innovative programs that promote social health, emotional resilience, and antifragility. We aim to create safe spaces where military families can find belonging, develop emotional strength, and prevent the mental health challenges that lead to suicide.

Our Team

Meghan Murphy, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Clinical Supervisor

Meghan Murphy, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with deep expertise in palliative care and psychotherapy for adults and couples. She earned her Master of Social Work from Fordham University and is currently a Doctoral Candidate in Social Work at the University of Southern California. Her doctoral work focuses on expanding equitable access to palliative care by addressing systemic barriers and designing sustainable, integrated solutions.

With over a decade of experience in medical social work, Meghan has led quality improvement initiatives, served on hospital ethics committees, and helped establish opioid task force protocols to ensure individuals receiving palliative care—including those with active addiction or in recovery—receive ethical, compassionate treatment. She has provided interdisciplinary guidance on complex care planning and regularly teaches palliative fellows, resident physicians, nurses, and social work students.

In her private practice, Meghan provides affirming therapy for LGBTQ+ individuals, active-duty military, and veterans, as well as those living with serious mental health challenges and complex medical conditions. She intentionally bridges the traditional divide between physical and mental health, referring to those she serves as “patients” to emphasize the need for truly integrated care.

Meghan also serves as the Clinical Supervisor for Strength In Service, where she provides direct clinical supervision to associate social workers, supporting their professional development and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, ethical care rooted in cultural competence and trauma-informed practice.

Beyond the therapy room, Meghan is an active member of the Social Work Hospice and Palliative Care Network (SWHPN), where she advocates for the advancement of palliative social work and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration in serious illness care.

Kari deLongpre, Associate Social Worker, (ASW MSW)

Assistant Director of Brand Strategy and Clinical Service
Kari deLongpre, Associate Social Worker, is dedicated to delivering accessible, high-quality mental health services to military-connected individuals. As a military spouse, she combines her personal experience with professional expertise to advocate for evidence-based suicide prevention and intervention strategies. Kari is passionate about breaking the stigma around mental health care, particularly for active-duty service members, and fostering a supportive environment for this unique community.

Beyond her clinical work, Kari has led initiatives addressing food insecurity for overseas military families and conducted research to tackle challenges faced by military-connected individuals during her Master of Social Work program. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering in youth sports, exploring new adventures with her Navy spouse of 18 years and their three daughters, walking her rescue German Shepherd, and enjoying a good book.
Andrea Meritt, Associate Social Worker (ASW, MSW)

Psychotherapist

Andrea Meritt is a compassionate therapist and advocate who channels her experiences as a military spouse into supporting service families navigating hardship and loss. With over a decade of diverse professional experience in foster care, schools, residential treatment, domestic violence shelters, and in-patient psychiatric care, Andrea has honed her ability to connect with and support people from all walks of life. Her goal is to help clients feel understood, validated, and hopeful, using an authentic and collaborative approach that incorporates client feedback, lighthearted humor, and spirituality as a potential source of healing.

Trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Andrea integrates evidence-based strategies to address thoughts, relationships, and brain pathways, helping clients achieve life-changing relief and improved daily functioning. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys listening to audiobooks, expressing gratitude for her family and rescue dog, cheering on her favorite football teams, and indulging in both vegetables and junk food.

Peyton Fisher, Master Social Worker (MSW)

Psychotherapist
Peyton Fisher, MSW is a passionate mental health advocate and clinical social worker who takes an integrative approach to healing—recognizing the deep connection between physical wellness and emotional resilience. Her therapeutic philosophy centers on treating the whole person, weaving together physical and psychological care to support long-term well-being.

With clinical experience spanning hospitals, schools, and outpatient programs, Peyton brings both professional insight and personal understanding to her work. As a military spouse and chronic illness warrior, she is especially committed to supporting military-connected individuals and families as they navigate the layered challenges of service, caregiving, and health transitions.

Beyond her clinical role, Peyton is a vocal advocate for young breast cancer awareness and early detection. She serves on the board of a nonprofit dedicated to breast health education and community outreach. When not working, Peyton finds peace in her garden, joy on the beach, and adventure exploring new places with her husband and two children.
Crystal Bettenhausen-Bubulka

Founder & Executive Director

Crystal Bettenhausen-Bubulka is the Founder & Executive Director of Strength In Service. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a deep focus on addressing social isolation, loneliness, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Currently pursuing her Doctorate in Social Work at USC, Crystal combines her expertise in gerontology and mental health to help those in need. In addition to her clinical work, she is honored to be a recipient of the 2024 Pat Tillman Scholarship, furthering her passion for service and leadership in the field.

As the Founder & Executive Director of Strength In Service, Crystal leads the charge in empowering military families and supporting their mental health needs. Through her therapy practice, she offers both online and in-person psychotherapy services across North Dakota, Hawaii, and California, alongside supervision for social work associates and interns. Crystal also serves as the Region E Associate Director for NASW-CA, contributing to the growth and development of the social work profession.

A proud military spouse, Crystal enjoys exploring National Parks and the outdoors with her husband and three daughters, having lived around the world throughout her husband's nearly three decades of Navy service.

Commodore Hei Hei

Director of Sleeping and Lounging
Meet Commodore Hei Hei, the highly esteemed Director of Sleeping and Lounging at Strength In Service. With a keen intellect and an unparalleled sense of emotional intelligence, Commodore Hei Hei takes his role very seriously—whether he’s expertly draped across Crystal’s lap during therapy sessions or keeping a vigilant eye (and ear) on the neighborhood from his favorite spot by the window.
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Known for his impeccable timing, Commodore Hei Hei often makes guest appearances in virtual sessions, offering a calming presence and a reminder that sometimes, the best way to process emotions is with a cozy nap. His dedication to ensuring all is well in the home office is unmatched, though his vigilance does extend to barking at any car that dares to pass by—after all, security is a top priority.
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Adding to his unique charm, Commodore Hei Hei’s occasional snoring can often be heard during bilateral stimulation, providing comic relief during EMDR sessions and lightening the mood when it’s needed most.
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Despite his many contributions to the home office environment, Commodore Hei Hei’s need for constant lap time and his commitment to alerting the household of every visitor (real or imagined) have earned him the distinction of being the primary reason Crystal has an office outside of the home. But rest assured, whether he’s on duty or off, Commodore Hei Hei’s focus is always on the well-being of the team—and maybe a few extra treats.

Our Board

Dr. Jason Gordon, DSW, LCSW
Chairperson

Dr. Jason D. Gordon, Chairperson of the Board, is a Doctor of Social Work and oncology social worker at Naval Medical Center San Diego, supporting patients and families through cancer recovery. A Navy and Air Force veteran, and current Air National Guard Major, he bridges military and civilian life through his deep understanding of military culture. As a part-time professor at USC's School of Social Work, Dr. Gordon mentors aspiring social workers, particularly in military social work.

He actively advocates for better mental health resources as part of the Military Veterans working group and founded the G2 Radio Network, a veteran-owned platform providing vital resources, programming, and music for service members. Through G2 and his free self-help magazine Start Healthy, he amplifies support for military-connected communities, fostering strategic partnerships to expand outreach while ensuring engaging, FCC-compliant content.

Dr. RanDee McLain Malone, DSW, LCSW
Vice Chairperson

Dr. RanDee McLain Malone is a U.S. Navy veteran committed to serving her fellow veterans and their families.  She’s a nationally awarded trainer and facilitator, faculty member, licensed clinical social worker and supervisor, strategic military veterans advisor and subject matter expert in Veterans Treatment Courts. For her groundbreaking work on the team that opened the first federal Veterans Treatment Court in San Diego, RanDee received the national Hank Pirowski Award. She was named Women Veteran Trailblazer of the Year by CALVet in 2021, and she sits on San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria’s Military and Veterans Advisory Council. She is also an appointee to the governor- and legislature-approved California Veteran Health Initiative Research and Surveillance Team, tasked with making recommendations to improve care for veterans statewide. With her expertise in military culture, pioneering leadership in veterans’ courts, and clinical knowledge and compassion, RanDee helps organizations and government jurisdictions improve outcomes for veterans, active-duty military members, their families, and communities.

RanDee earned her Doctorate of Social Work from Boston’s Simmons University. Her doctoral studies focused on the Unique Challenges of the Justice Involved Female Veteran. She received a Master of Social Work with a concentration in military and veterans’ issues in 2014, and a Bachelor of Science in 2012 in criminal justice and sociology. She has worked for numerous organizations that improve outcomes for veterans, including those focused on mental health, substance use and misuse, housing insecurity and justice involvement. During the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, RanDee helped the County of San Diego convert its convention center into a homeless shelter, leading a team of 25 and providing support for an estimated 2,000 veterans and other individuals. The San Diego Business Journal named her a 2021 Health Care Hero for that work.

As a community leader, RanDee also dedicates time to groups that support veterans. She is a co-founder and director of Operation Dress Code, which helps veteran women transition into the civilian workforce; a prior board member of the San Diego Veterans Coalition; and a contributing writer and monthly columnist to San Diego Veterans Magazine, dedicated to the mental well-being of veterans and their families.

In her current work as a national consultant, advisor and trainer, RanDee supports cities, counties and interdisciplinary teams to drive outcomes for veterans and communities. She is on faculty for AllRise and Justice for Vets, where she teaches staff and mentors in treatment courts across the country. She is also a consultant for the Los Angeles County of Military and Veterans Affairs and a national advisor for PsychArmor, where she is a trainer, educator, public speaker and lead subject matter expert on mental health, substance use and misuse, suicide prevention and justice involvement.  She is proud to use her education and lived experience to support vulnerable populations.

RanDee is the spouse of a military veteran. She and her husband relocated to their home state of Arkansas last year,  enjoying time on their hobby farm and spending time with her fur babies Mischief and Mayhem.

Cynthia Fierro Giesecke, M.Ed
Treasurer

Cynthia Fierro Giesecke is an Army spouse and advocate for military family financial readiness. At Operation Homefront, she helped over 100 families with financial assistance, earning the Accredited Financial Counselor® certification through The FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship. She provided over 1,000 hours of financial education through programs like Operation Homefront and the U.S. Army Chaplain’s Dave Ramsey program, earning recognition as Fort Huachuca Military Spouse of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.

Cynthia also worked as a constituent outreach representative, assisting with IRS hardship cases, foreclosures, and connecting military families to resources. She served as a Spanish interpreter for Senator McCain’s team during a binational event in Mexico. She holds a B.A. in Biology, a Master’s in Education, and a Master of Public Leadership, and currently serves as a public servant, nonprofit board member, and President of the Belvoir Spouse’s Club.

Dr. Carie Rodgers, PhD, ABPP
Secretary
Carie Rodgers, PhD, ABPP, is a nationally recognized behavioral health expert who specializes in the treatment of PTSD. She is currently a Senior Analyst at A-G Associates where she provides strategic direction in project development and delivery and collaborates with corporate, non-profit, and government partners. She previously served as Chief Strategy and Impact Officer at PsychArmor, where she developed evidence-based, trauma-informed training programs. Dr. Rodgers continues to advise PsychArmor and ensures its programs are rooted in best practices and scientific research.

With nearly two decades of federal service in the Department of Veterans Affairs and as a faculty member in Psychiatry at UCSD School of Medicine, Dr. Rodgers has played a key role in multiple training initiatives for PTSD treatment, including Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure Therapy. She directed the VA San Diego Military Sexual Trauma Program and has provided training across the VA, Department of Defense, and broader community. Dr. Rodgers holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Oregon, is Board Certified in Clinical Psychology, and serves on multiple advisory boards.

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