Meet Our Board
Tim DeMaio
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Timothy DeMaio is a U.S. Navy veteran, former intelligence & overseas contractor, diplomat, and the founder of Berserker Built, a company that combines creativity and purpose by crafting functional art with skateboards while supporting veterans and first responders. With 10 years of military service and extensive experience in the intelligence community, Tim’s journey reflects resilience, leadership, and a deep commitment to serving others.
During his Navy career, Tim held significant roles, including assignments at the Presidential Retreat Camp David, serving on the U.S. Navy Marksmanship Team, and working alongside EOD and Navy SEAL teams. After his military service, he continued to serve as an overseas contractor with Other Government Agencies and Diplomatic Security, completing critical missions in 51 countries.
While serving overseas, Tim sustained multiple traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that profoundly impacted his health. Seeking specialized treatment at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) at Walter Reed Military Hospital, proved to be a transformative experience in his healing journey. Inspired by his recovery, Tim channeled his challenges into a mission to support others.
He founded Berserker Built as both a creative outlet and a platform for change. Through crafting unique skateboards, Tim directs proceeds to organizations assisting veterans and first responders battling PTSD(I), TBIs, trauma, and addiction. His work exemplifies the power of art, community, and purpose.
Beyond entrepreneurship, Tim raises awareness about veterans’ issues through storytelling. As a military technical advisor, co-producer, and actor in the film The Silence of War, he sheds light on the struggles veterans face during and after their service.
Tim’s dedication to continued service alongside his wife, Tabitha, led to the founding of Operation Path Forward, a nonprofit organization that curates care packages for active-duty military, veterans, and first responders. Their vision includes creating a wilderness retreat in Montana, where nature and holistic healing can help America’s heroes recover and thrive.
Tim’s commitment to service, creativity, and advocacy continues to inspire change and healing within the veteran and first responder communities.
Co-Founder, President
Tabitha DeMaio
Co-Founder, Secretary, Treasurer
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Tabitha DeMaio is a dedicated and compassionate individual, deeply involved in supporting military veterans, first responders, and their families. As the Co-Founder of Berserker Built, Tabitha plays a vital role in the company's mission to create functional art while donating proceeds to organizations that help heal those suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, addiction, and trauma.
Tabitha holds a Master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from SUNY Buffalo, showcasing her passion for lifelong learning and intellectual growth. A world traveler, she has taught internationally in China, Venezuela, and Greece, where she made a profound impact on her students and communities through her dedication to education and cultural exchange. Her experiences abroad have shaped her into a globally-minded, empathetic individual who connects with people from all walks of life.
A devoted wife and loving mother, Tabitha treasures her two baby boys, Sawyer-James and Liam-Maverick. Despite battling Stage 4 cancer, Tabitha remains a source of inspiration to her family and community, showcasing courage and determination. Her story has fueled efforts within Berserker Built and initiatives like Operation Path Forward, which aim to provide care packages, retreats, and holistic healing opportunities for military and first responder communities.
Tabitha’s remarkable journey, both personally and professionally, serves as a beacon of hope and resilience. Her contributions to education, her global perspective, and her steadfast commitment to supporting those in need leave a lasting impact on everyone she touches.
Austin Shamlin
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Austin Shamlin is the founder and CEO of the Traverse Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating human trafficking through the innovative use of data intelligence. With over 20 years of experience in law enforcement, security, and humanitarian efforts, Austin has built a career rooted in resilience and a commitment to justice. Prior to establishing the Traverse Project in 2023, he served as the Director of Operations for an anti-human trafficking nonprofit affiliated with the Tim Tebow Foundation.
Austin's expertise extends to geopolitical security, particularly in Haiti, where he has worked as a special advisor to the Haitian Minister of Justice. His career includes impactful roles as a police executive for the D.C. government and as a government contractor, operating in high-stakes environments such as Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Haiti.
Beyond his leadership in the Traverse Project, Austin is the founder of "Task Force Red Hand," an initiative aimed at addressing the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP). As a speaker and advocate, he sheds light on the realities of human trafficking and the importance of using technology to dismantle these networks.
Driven by his unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable populations, Austin continues to inspire change through his tireless advocacy, leadership, and innovative approach to addressing global injustices.
Jaime McCafferty
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Jaime McCafferty is the practitioner and owner of True North Athletic Therapy based out of Bozeman, Montana. With over 25 years of experience in sports medicine, her practice focuses on a systems-based approach to injury and athletic performance, utilizing the body’s fascinating designed physiology to heal itself. Her background in this field is diverse, including the Montana State University Bobcat Sports Medicine team, she has been medical staff for the X Games both nationally and internationally, and her private practice.
Jaime is also a firearms instructor for TACTIC, a well-respected training facility run by former Navy SEAL Chris Forrest. In this role, Jaime is able to mix her love of coaching with empowering people through the unique medium of tactical firearms training. At TACTIC, one of the core values is “leaving people better than we found them” and it is a mantra that bleeds into all areas of life.
Throughout her career, Jaime has pursued her own athletic dreams, including competing at a high level in CrossFit, finishing 8th place at the 2018 Granite Games 40-44 masters division and finishing in the top 1% of the worldwide CrossFit Open multiple consecutive years. She decided to switch her focus to the sport of Olympic Weightlifting, ultimately earning a place on the USA Masters Weightlifting team and finishing her career strong with a 1st place finish in snatch, 4th place clean and jerk, resulting in an overall silver medal at the 2022 World Masters Championship. Competing in weightlifting has turned to coaching high level athletes through her USAW club True North Weightlifting. But competitive nature dies hard, as Jaime’s new competitive focus is training and entering various events with The Tactical Games combining fitness and firearms.
Jaime has a passion for giving back to active duty military, veterans, and first responders, believing these are the heroes who are the backbone to our freedom and who rarely receive the gratitude they deserve. As a volunteer for Big Sky Bravery in Bozeman, Montana, she has seen firsthand the positive impact organizations can have on our nations heroes. Serving as a board member for Operation Path Forward provides tremendous opportunity to continue to support and work alongside other like-minded individuals to provide an environment for healing and develop meaningful relationships with others.
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Nicholas Ige is a distinguished U.S. Army veteran who served with the renowned 82nd Airborne Division and the elite 75th Ranger Regiment during his decade-long military career. Throughout his service, Nick exemplified exceptional courage and resilience, earning the prestigious Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal with Valor for his actions in combat. His experiences on and off the battlefield provided him with a profound understanding of the unique challenges veterans face, including the lasting effects of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and post-traumatic stress disorder/injury (PTSD/I).
Currently a Senior at Harvard University, Nick is pursuing a degree in neuroscience with a mission to bridge his military experience and academic expertise. His studies focus on finding innovative ways to address the mental health challenges many veterans endure. Through scientific research and practical solutions, Nick aims to improve the quality of life for those who have served, combining cutting-edge advancements in neuroscience with a deep, personal understanding of veterans' needs.
Nick’s dedication to raising awareness for veteran mental health extends beyond the classroom. He has initiated an ambitious project to climb the tallest mountains on each continent, using these challenges to inspire others and highlight the power of resilience and adventure in the healing process. His efforts serve as a call to action, encouraging society to recognize and support the ongoing struggles of those who have sacrificed for their country.
With an unwavering commitment to his fellow service members, Nicholas Ige continues to embody the values of courage, service, and innovation, striving to make a lasting impact in the lives of veterans and their families.
