Our Story
Grace After Fire was founded in 2002 as The Women’s Heart by Stephanie Moles to improve healthcare access for women Veterans, especially those navigating substance use challenges.
Leadership transitioned from Stephanie to Air Force Colonel (Ret.) Kim Olson, Navy Veteran Mea Williams, and now U.S. Navy Veteran Tana Plescher—each carrying the mission forward with vision and grit.
As our work evolved, so did our purpose: from focusing on barriers to fueling empowerment.
Today, we exist to connect and walk alongside women who are or have exited the US Armed Forces who are taking their first steps into civilian life. Through our programs and services, we provide the tools and resources to excel in life after military service.
Since 2008, we’ve delivered community navigation, family-friendly events, and restorative retreats.
In 2012, we launched Table Talk™ Color Me Camo—a twice-researched, evidence-based conversational peer support program created exclusively for women Veterans.
In 2017, we introduced financial assistance for basic needs.
2020 introduced wellness at the start of pandemic to reduce feelings of isolation and in 2025, we launched STARS (Support and Transition Assistance for Resilient Sisters), our Whole Health initiative focused on mind-body with economic resiliency and long-term reintegration education.
Our Mission
Empowering women veterans along with their family, to harness their strengths, ignite their passion and create impactful change in their families, workplaces, and communities after military service.
Our Vision
Breaking ranks and building dreams: Empowering women veterans and their families to share their stories, build a future, and inspire their communities.
Core Pillars
We promote growth and resilience through engaging Peer-to-Peer activities:
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Whole Health Approach: Targeted skill building prioritizing the physical, financial, mental, and emotional well-being of women veterans.
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Relationships & Family Strengthening: Unique network to help women veterans and their families build strong supportive relationships to amplify resiliency.
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Personal Development: Refining leadership skills through mentorship, enabling women veterans to become advocates and community leaders.
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We value and respect all women Veterans seeking support.
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We demonstrate visionary leadership.
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We create an environment that fosters committed community integration, belonging and social connectedness, for the women we serve, our employees, key stakeholders and partners.
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We engage in and promote the access of resources to all women Veterans and improve their quality of life.
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We practice the highest ethical behavior and personal integrity.
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We implement responsible financial management in the development of resources and programs.
Our Team
Lisa Cortinas
Community Relations Coordinator
Marine Corps Veteran
Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS)
Kathlyn (Kat)Curry
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kimberly Vernon-Hendrix
Board Director
San Antonio VA (LCSW-S)
Misty McNabb
Board Director
TWU
MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC
MBA-HM BSN, RN
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Rhonda Gosda
Board Director
Bank of America Merrill Lynch Commodities, Inc
CPA
Juanita Reescano
Board Director
Marathon Oil
MBA
Our Financials
Grace After Fire is a certified 501(c)(3), registered in the State of Texas and with the Internal Revenue Service. We are committed to transparency and the careful stewardship of the resources generously provided by our valued donors, funders, sponsors, and volunteers.
EIN: 46-3653209
