About Us
Our people are the passion behind our important mission: to support and empower Lady Veterans who have experienced Military Sexual Trauma (MST) by providing a sisterhood focused on healing and restoration.
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Our Mission & Vision
The mission of Shield of Sisters is to support and empower Lady Veterans who have experienced Military Sexual Trauma by providing a sisterhood focused on healing and restoration. We create safe spaces where these courageous women can share their stories, access vital resources, and transform from surviving to thriving. We strive to foster resilience, strength, and hope, ensuring that every woman can reclaim her voice and triumph over trauma.
Shield of Sisters (SOS) will one day be the premiere nonprofit organization for Lady Veterans who endured Military Sexual Trauma during their service to the United States. We will lead the way by raising awareness of this pervasive issue, collaborating with like-minded organizations, and advocating for policy changes within the Department of Defense to eliminate sexual assault in the military. Our Restoration Retreats will occur all across the United States and its territories with the assistance of regional and local SOS chapters.
Meet Our Team
Management
Board of Directors
US Marine Corps Veteran
Principal, Empire-Capitol Strategies
Co-Director, National Military & Veterans Alliance
US Navy Veteran
Author, Reclaim Your Worth
US Navy Veteran
Board Member
US Navy Veteran
Director, IMCOM Sustainment; U.S. Army Installation Management Command; U.S Army Materiel Command; Redstone Arsenal, Alabama
Executive Advisors
Paul McKellips
A Message from Our Founder
As women, we’re hardwired to believe that we are responsible for how others respond to our bodies, even with violence. We think carefully about how we present ourselves so as to not be “distracting” or attract “the wrong kind of attention.” No outfit or perfect combination of choices prevents sexual assault. Most attacks happen in our own homes or by trusted people in our lives – including fellow service members. We serve our country just like men. Sexual assault is an indication of what is broken with society, not an indication of who you are. You did not cause your attack, and you share none of the blame.
You are not alone. Shield of Sisters is here for you.
Shield of Sisters (SOS) is a 501c3 veteran organization that was launched in 2022. Military sexual trauma (MST) impacts 1 in 3 lady service members/veterans. SOS was created to help restore the lives of our sister veterans. They can live their story in a new way with a new vision.
Shannon Hough, Executive Director & Founder
Shannon Hough is our CEO and Co-Founder. She is a Lady Veteran of the Navy, a military wife and mother. Shannon has also served as a mayor, congressional staff member and as a city administrator. Shannon holds an MPA and MBA from Norwich University. Shannon endured sexual assault in the Navy over 25 years ago and never fully recovered from what happened to her. While Shannon was serving as a congressional staffer she encountered several service members who needed help with their own sexual assaults while serving in the military. She decided to create Shield of Sisters as a way to help her sisters that endured MST. Shannon’s passion is helping others find restoration and supporting her sister service members. She is an avid reader, loves to cook and spend time with her family, including her dog Zeus.
Jay Fain, Board Chair
Combat Wounded Veteran | DOD Contractor | Patient Advocate | Philanthropic Ambassador
Jay Kelly Fain Jr. is a dedicated combat-wounded U.S. Army veteran,entrepreneur, and advocate whose work has focused on supporting his fellowveterans, the disability community, and those in need of healing. He served in theU.S. Army from 2005 to 2008, where he was injured in combat, resulting in a hipdisarticulation amputation. Despite the challenges, Jay’s resilience anddetermination have made him a powerful voice for others facing similar obstacles.
Following his military service, Jay transitioned into a career with the Departmentof Defense (DOD), where he worked as a contractor supporting the intelligencecommunity and special operations. His unique experience as a combat veteran hasinformed his work in advocacy, where he has served as an ambassador forveteran-focused philanthropic organizations, striving to inspire others and sharehis story of perseverance and triumph.
From 2021 to 2023, Jay served as the Executive Director for the Black Rifle CoffeeCompany (BRCC) Fund, a non-profit dedicated to helping veterans, firstresponders, and their families. In this role, he played a pivotal part in coordinatingefforts to provide resources and support to those who have sacrificed for theircountry.
Currently residing in Kansas City, Jay is focused on volunteer work, creatingcontent to inspire others, and sharing his journey through videos and personalstories. He is also dedicated to supporting his wife, who is an advocate for helpingindividuals heal from trauma. Together, they work to make a difference in thelives of others by promoting resilience, healing, and the power of community.Whether through his work with veterans, his personal story of overcomingadversity, or his dedication to giving back, Jay Kelly Fain Jr. continues to be atireless advocate for change and support for those in need.
Wendy Lakso, Board of Directors
Wendy has over 20 years of experience in the public and private sector, leading prevention, specifically suicide prevention, and public health initiatives. Ms. Lakso is a proven leader, who has achieved extraordinary results as the Chief of the U.S. Army Suicide Prevention Program, the Department of Defense Suicide Prevention Office Director of Partnerships, Training, and Communications, and while serving as the Deputy Director, Suicide Prevention Office, Department of Veterans Affairs.
Ms. Lakso was instrumental while working with the White House as the Deputy Executive Director, in orchestrating the creation of the President’s Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End the Tragedy of Suicide for the Nation. She has been affiliated with the Army for over 38 years, as a Spouse and mother of a Veteran, and currently serving Active Duty Soldier.
Jean Ibañez Payne, Board of Directors
Born in the United States, Jean Ibañez Payne was raised in Colombia, South America. Jean returned to the United States to finish high school and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1992 serving as a Yeoman until 1996. In 1996, she began her 20 years of experience in workforce training, communications, marketing, diversity, program management, and risk management. Jean is a corporate leader in communications, marketing, diversity, inclusion, language translation, and interpretation. While Jean has spent considerable time in the corporate world, her passion has always been helping others with language needs and increasing awareness and efforts around Diversity and Inclusion. This passion motivated her to start TI Verbatim Consulting (TIVC).
In 2006, she moved to Virginia to join a Fortune 200 utility company of over 14,000 employees where she focused on Energy Trading, but her passion for people led her to Diversity and Inclusion efforts. She managed the entire Diversity and Inclusion program for the company which operated across multiple cultures in 14 states and four business units. Jean launched the first Employee Resources Group (ERG) program for Veterans and Women; a first in the utility company’s 100-year history. In the first six months of the program, the ERGs surpassed their initial membership goals by 900%.
Jean led program development, policy platform implementation, and extensive benchmarking with peer utilities and companies of disparate industries across the country. Other achievements included projects to increase intern program diversity and effectiveness of the program, closing the underrepresentation gap for women and minorities, establishing diversity goals, rebranding the diversity program, implementing policies for new parents, and developing system enterprise inclusion training. In 2014, Jean took a huge leap of faith with the support of her husband and started TIVC. TIVC has quickly become a successful business in the corporate and government environment and has earned the trust of customers such as Canon, Dominion Energy, Department of Energy, Department of Defense the Bureau of Fiscal Services, Defense Logistics Agency, and NASA.
Jean is a certified coach with certifications in Lean Six Sigma and Change Management with an emphasis on Process Improvement and Service Quality. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master of Business Administration.
Kaila Fain, Director of Mission Readiness
Kaila Fain is a remarkable individual whose life journey has been defined by a deep commitment to service, self-defense instruction, and a profound passion for helping others. She has embarked on a multifaceted career that reflects her unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of those around her.
Military Service – Kaila’s commitment to service took her to new heights as she joined the armed forces at 17, becoming an Army veteran after 6 years of service. Her time in the military instilled in her a sense of discipline, leadership, and a profound understanding of the importance of teamwork—a set of values that would shape her future endeavors of becoming a leader where ever she lands.
Empowering Through Self-Defense – Following her military service, Kaila found her true calling as a self-defense instructor. Her certifications in self-defense, along with her CPR and medical training, have enabled her to empower individuals to protect themselves and build their self-confidence. She particularly focuses on teaching women the skills and mindset necessary to defend themselves, promoting self-reliance and personal safety.
Mentorship and Community Engagement – She dedicates her time to mentor young adults, offering guidance and support as they navigate the challenges of life. Kaila firmly believes in the potential of the younger generation and strives to be a positive influence in their lives. She’s so excited to help and volunteer with Technology Shared Foundation to engage through Social Media and outreach.
Kaila Fain is an exemplar of dedication, compassion, and selflessness. Her diverse career, ranging from military service to self-defense instruction, mentoring, and caregiving, reflects her ceaseless commitment to making the world a better place. She inspires those around her to find their inner strength, embodying the principle that we all have the power to help ourselves and, in turn, help others. Kaila’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of service and the indomitable spirit of a woman driven by a passion for making a difference.
Penny Carlson, Vice President
Penny’s passion is advocacy, training and helping others develop resilience and working through trauma. This passion has led her to Shield of Sisters. She has recently been certified as a Master Resilience Trainer and in Motivational Interviewing for advocates. She holds an associate degree (AAS) in Paralegal studies and a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and Homeland Security from Herzing University.
Penny has been serving in the Army Reserves for 15 years and has over 12 years of working with Service Members in advocacy and prevention roles in both the Army Reserves and her fulltime civilian position with the Wisconsin National Guard. She is also Level III certified as a D-SAACP credentialed Victim Advocate.
Penny currently lives in Mauston, WI with her amazing husband and 3 energetic and comical dogs and two loyal cats. She is also a military wife, mother to one Son, Cameron and grandmother to two beautiful granddaughters, Kaylee and Leia.
She enjoys the outdoors with her husband to include concerts, biking, kayaking, Jeeping, exploring state parks and marking places off their bucket list. Penny has a second passion for dogs and is a certified dog obedience instructor who enjoys helping other pet owners gain a better understanding of their pets. One of her goals is to become certified to train service dogs for military Service Members.
Jodi Harman, Director of Programs
Jodi’s bio is coming…stay tuned!
Shelley Huckins, Director of Outreach & External Relations
After several years in elementary education, I’ve returned to my true love, veterans and military support. My journey has led me to Shield of Sisters as a Director of Outreach and External Relationships. My multi-disciplinary background, grounded in psychology and teaching, informs my approach to community engagement and building external relationships. At Killeen ISD, I honed my skills in elementary education, ensuring the development of young minds through innovative teaching methods. My core competencies lie in fostering educational environments and extending our mission at Shield of Sisters to empower and educate, aligning with my values of service and community upliftment.
Laurie Sayles, Board of Directors
Laurie Sayles is an author, change agent, thought leader, and President & CEO of Civility Management Solutions (CivilityMS), a professional services consulting firm working within the Government and Commercial space. CivilityMS is a certified Small Business Administration 8(a), Women-Owned, and verified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business located in Greenbelt, MD.
She developed her interest and love for entrepreneurship in the projects of South Chicago through her creation of novice business models for childcare and the selling of goods. Merging her mindset of being in service with the desire to be of service, Laurie joined the United States Marine Corps and concluded with seven years of active duty.
Building upon entrepreneurship and service, Laurie transformed her skills into the creation of CivilityMS and her pioneering efforts behind many business adventures and advocacy work. As a thought leader, she has served as a resource to many organizations that seek to empower and inspire their members, employees, and guests with the tools required to establish, nurture, and maintain success in various areas of their lives.
Laurie currently serves as the Chair of the Women Veterans Business Coalition, which fights for policy changes for Veteran Women-Owned Businesses. Laurie is also a member of the 2023–2025 UMGC Alumni Association Advisory Board and Shield of Sisters, an organization helping sister service members overcome military sexual trauma. Proceeds from her book “As My Leaders Go … So Do I” support programming for survivors of economic domestic violence. Laurie recently launched a nonprofit “R3” (Recognize, Repair and Repeat), which aims to improve the lives of women, women who have served in the military, and their families by providing them with exposure and access to wealth-building resources for their success.
Bob 'Shoebob' Carey
Captain Bob “Shoebob” Carey, US Navy (Ret) is Chairman and Chief Bottle Washer of the National Defense Committee, a veterans organization dedicated to military and veterans civil and legal rights. and is also Principal at Empire-Capitol Strategies, a government consulting firm he’s headed since 2004,
Prior to the National Defense Committee, Shoebob served as Executive Vice President, Advocacy & Strategy for The Independence Fund, a veterans organization serving catastrophically disabled veterans, their caregivers, and their families. Prior to that he served as the Director of Military and Veterans Engagement for the Republican National Committee, providing national support for State and campaign committees in reaching military and veteran voters on the issues most important to them, and in assisting those campaigns and voters in navigating the complex military voting process.
Shoebob was previously President of Abraham & Roetzel, LLC, a bipartisan, full-service government affairs and issue management firm, which he joined in May 2012. Prior to Abraham & Roetzel, Shoebob served in the Senior Executive Service as Director of the Department of Defense’s Federal Voting Assistance Program, which helps military and overseas voters exercise their right to vote, raising military voter participation 21%.
After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania in 1985, Bob was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy and reported to USS Comte de Grasse (DD 974). After earning his Surface Warfare Officer designation, he reported to Pensacola, FL, earning his Naval Flight Officer wings in 1989. After additional training, he reported to Attack Squadron 85 (“The Bombing Buckeyes”) onboard USS America, flying the A-6E Intruder through two deployments, including 37 combat missions during Operation Desert Storm. Shoebob left active duty in 1995 after serving on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations.
In 1995, Shoebob joined the staff of newly elected Senator Spencer Abraham (R-MI), serving as his Military Legislative Assistant, Senior Legislative Assistant, and Legislative Director. In 2001, Shoebob moved to serve as first Legislative Director to Senator George Allen (R-VA), also assisting the Senator in his roles as Assistant Majority Whip and Chair of the Senate High Tech Task Force.
Soon after the 9/11 attacks, Shoebob was mobilized from the Reserves to active duty, again to serve on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations. Upon his demobilization in 2002, he was appointed a Senior Policy Advisor to the Secretary of Energy, serving as Deputy Chief Financial Officer for the Department’s $14 billion energy, science, and environment programs.
In 2004 Shoebob left government service to form Empire-Capitol Strategies, a strategic planning and policy development consulting firm. He also served as Senior Fellow at the National Defense Committee, establishing the Alliance on Military and Overseas Voting Rights, and consulting the Pew Center on the States’ Military/Overseas Voting Initiative.
Shoebob served as an instructor at the United States Naval Academy and the U.S. Naval War College and served six times as Commanding Officer of various U.S. Navy Reserve units. His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Air Medal (two individual awards with Combat “V”, and two Strike/Flight awards), Navy Commendation Medal (four awards, two with Combat “V”), the Navy Achievement Medal, as well as numerous unit commendations and service medals.
He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and the Naval War College, is pursuing a doctorate in public policy at Liberty University, and studied at the London School of Economics and Political Science, Georgetown University, the Center for Financial Management Studies at the University of London, and the Keenan-Flagler School of Business at University of North Carolina.
The origin of his callsign “Shoebob” is still publicly unknown but apparently can be decoded with beer or whisky.
Scott Hoxworth - Chief of Staff
With over 30 years of experience as a pastor, counselor, and executive leader, Darryl Scott Hoxworth brings a wealth of wisdom and insight to his life coaching practice. His deep understanding of human behavior, leadership development, and personal transformation makes him a sought-after guide for individuals seeking clarity, direction, and breakthrough in their lives. Scott specializes in helping professionals navigate ADHD in the workplace, rebranding their personal and professional identities, and implementing lasting behavioral change. His SOUL and FOCUS methods provide a structured yet intuitive approach to unlocking potential, overcoming barriers, and living with intentionality.
Having served in the Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) and Killeen, Texas area for over three decades, Scott has worked extensively with military personnel, veterans, and their families, providing counseling, crisis intervention, and leadership development tailored to the unique challenges of military life. His deep ties to the military community have equipped him to support service members in navigating transitions, post-deployment reintegration, and mental resilience.
A former regional vice president overseeing hundreds of pastors and churches, Scott has spent decades mentoring, teaching, and counseling individuals from all walks of life. His extensive experience includes trauma counseling, crisis intervention, and working closely with military contractors and veterans. Scott’s approach is marked by his ability to listen without judgment, see the best in people, and help them tap into their strengths. His unique coaching style combines strategic insight with deep personal care, making every session both transformative and empowering. As the founder of Soul Colonic: Health and Wellness, Scott is committed to guiding others toward holistic success—spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. His life’s work is rooted in his core belief: You Matter.
Marsha Hoxworth - Director of Programs | Life Coach
For over 30 years, Marsha Hoxworth has been a tireless advocate for those without a voice, helping individuals reclaim their strength, confidence, and purpose. A dynamic leader, certified educator, ordained minister, and life coach, she has dedicated her life to empowering individuals through women’s and marriage retreats, leadership training, trauma-informed advocacy, and global missions.
Marsha has a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by military personnel and their families. She spent a year transcribing for the Military Child Education Coalition, gaining critical insights into the needs of military families, children, and the challenges of transition and resilience. Her decades of ministry in Killeen, Texas, and Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) have placed her at the heart of the military community, where she has provided support, healing, and leadership to service members and their families.
A compassionate advocate for women overcoming sexual trauma, Marsha has worked extensively with survivors, helping them navigate the path to healing, restoration, and renewed confidence. Through trauma-informed retreats, counseling, and mentorship, she has empowered countless women to reclaim their voices and step into their true strength.
As an executive pastor, conference speaker, and international missions director, Marsha has led and developed leadership teams, organized outreach efforts for trauma survivors, and facilitated transformative retreats across the U.S. and abroad. Her ability to foster resilience, spiritual growth, and personal transformation has made her a sought-after mentor and speaker. Her expertise includes:
• Women’s & Marriage Retreats & Leadership Training
• Life Coaching & Personal Development
• Trauma-Informed Support & Advocacy
• Support for Women Overcoming Sexual Trauma
• Military Family Support & Resilience Coaching
• Public Speaking & Workshop Facilitation
• Organizational Leadership & Team Development
• International Missions & Humanitarian Outreach
Jo Anne Harrison – LPC-S, Director of Survivor Support Services
Jo Anne “Jo” Harrison, a lifelong resident of the military community in Killeen, Texas, is dedicated to that community’s culture and mental health. As a Mental Health Therapist, she focuses on healing the minds of survivors of military sexual trauma and PTSD. Her experience originates from being the child of a 30-year veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars. Jo also lived with a spouse and a child who are veterans. Jo has had the unique opportunity to live, work, teach, and counsel this incredible group of people.
Jo’s qualifications include a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology. She is also certified in Executive Leadership, Special Education, and Equine Therapy. She has served as a Teacher, Supervisor, Director, and Founder of organizations that support the military community. In addition to her role with SOS, she leads a mental health practice and supervises practicums, interns, and LPC Associates. Her preferred mode of therapy involves working with horses in her sessions, allowing her to partner, mentor, and teach others in this approach to treatment.
Davis D. Tindoll, Board of Directors
Mr. Dave Tindoll was selected to the Senior Executive Service in December 2004 and serves as the Director, IMCOM Sustainment, U.S. Army Installation Management Command. As Director, he is responsible for the command and control of 10 Garrison Commands and 23 Terminals, Depots, Activities, Arsenals, and Plants (TDAAP) in the delivery and integration of base operations support to Army Installations. Collocated with Headquarters, U.S. Army Materiel Command, he represents the Commanding General, IMCOM, in a supporting-to-supported command relationship to synchronize the AMC Commanding General’s priorities for facility/infrastructure maintenance and installation management services.
Prior to his career in civilian service, Mr. Tindoll served as a Regular Army Officer for 30 years with assignments in Europe, Korea, and the United States. Some of his most notable military assignments were as Deputy Director of the Southeast Region, Installation Management Agency; Chief of Staff for the Army Aviation Center; Garrison Commander Fort Rucker, AL; G3/Director of Training for the Army Aviation School; Squadron Commander of 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault); and was the Senior Trainer for Aviation and Armament at the Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk, LA. Other leadership positions have been in multiple Cavalry, Aviation and Armor organizations.
Leah Stiles, Board of Directors
Leah Stiles is a retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief with more than 20 years of dedicated service and a lifelong commitment to uplifting those who serve. As the founder of SEA WAVES, the only veteran service organization in the nation focused on eating disorders in the military community, Leah has become a powerful voice for awareness, prevention, and change.
Her advocacy bridges military culture and mental health care, addressing the unique challenges faced by service members, veterans, and their families. Drawing from her own lived experience, Leah works to break the silence and stigma surrounding eating disorders, bringing compassion, education, and systemic solutions to the forefront.
In her role with Shield of Sisters, Leah continues her mission of service by supporting programs that empower women veterans to heal, connect, and thrive. She brings expertise in nonprofit leadership, strategic advocacy, and community outreach along with an unwavering belief that no one should face their battles alone.
Leah is currently pursuing her Master’s in Nonprofit Management at the University of Central Florida, furthering her expertise in leading mission-driven organizations and driving systemic change. Leah enjoys coastal living with her husband, Marlando, their beloved bulldog Beaux, and a close-knit family that inspires her work every day.
Financials
Shield of Sisters is committed to transparency and accountability. Our IRS Form 990 is available here to provide insight into our financial stewardship and ongoing commitment.
Financial Statements
• Form 8879-TE – IRS e-file Signature Authorization
• IRS 990 – 2022/2023 – 2022 990
• IRS 990 – 2023/2024 – 2023 990
• IRS 990 – 2024/2025 – 2024 990
Founders Circle Members
Helping sister Veterans live in a new light.
Helping sister Veterans live in a new light.
Break the barriers of silence surrounding Military Sexual Trauma.