Our Team
Scott Hyder
Founder & President
Retired Law Enforcement, Army Veteran
Read Bio
Our founder, Scott Hyder, is a Disabled Veteran who served 10 years in the United States Army as a Combat Engineer. In 2004, he was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. During his military career, he was deployed to Kosovo during the Balkans conflict, as well as Kenya and Panama for peace keeping missions.
As a retired law enforcement professional with nearly two decades of experience, Scott personally feels that Veterans, Police Officers and Fire Fighters need more to improve their mental health.
Scott has personally experienced the effects of war, traumatic injury, homicide and the devastation left behind when a loved one takes their life.Â
Driven by his own transformative experiences, Scott has made it his mission make a positive impact.
As a member of Team Forever Young, Scott and his teammates participated in numerous Out of The Darkness Walks sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Team Forever Young became AFSP’s national top fundraising team, raising over $250,000 to date. He has fearlessly addressed audiences of all ages on the crucial topics of suicide, suicide prevention, and awareness, making a profound impact with his public speeches.
Leslie Cregg-Hyder
Vice President & Event Director
Business Owner
Read Bio
With nearly two decades of experience in event production throughout Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire, and the Lakes Region, Leslie Cregg-Hyder is a certified Events and Trade Show Management professional. As Founding Director of Planned Perfectly Weddings & Events, Leslie has
garnered respect and admiration across the New England Event Industry. With a professional portfolio that includes political fundraisers, corporate events, charitable events, and elegant affairs, she is renowned for her professionalism, expertise, and results. Her work with the American Red
Cross, The ALS Association, and It’s My Heart – Boston, polished her specialized ability to deliver events on any budget with the personal touches she is renowned for delivering.Â
Leslie is a philanthropist, sitting on The Advisory Board for Middlesex Community College. She applies her talent and expertise to making a difference in the lives of Military and First Responder professionals. She is a Brand Ambassador for Brides Across America, a non-profit organization committed to gifting weddings, and wedding gowns, to Military and First
Responders. Leslie is the Event Director for Hidden Battles Foundation events which include the Annual Pitch for The Prevention Of Suicide Family Cornhole and Family Fun Day, The 22 For The 22 Ruck, Swim With a Mission/Team Hidden Battles 5K Kayak, and Annual Golf Tournament.Â
In her spare time Leslie enjoys weekends at her family’s lake house, ice coffee, vacationing with her friends and period dated films. Leslie resides in Pelham, New Hampshire with her husband, son and daughter.
Chris Hurst
Executive Board Member
Law Enforcement
Read Bio
Chris has always been passionate about making a positive impact in his community, starting from his childhood. He used to volunteer alongside Scott Hyder, the Founding President of Hidden Battles, assisting with Health/Safety Fairs. Chris attended Salem State University, majoring in Criminal Justice Administration. Currently, he works as a dispatcher in the Communications Division for Massachusetts State Police.
Growing up in Westford, Massachusetts, Chris gained valuable experience through high school and college internships with various police departments. These experiences solidified his commitment to a career dedicated to serving his community. In his free time, Chris is an avid collector of public safety memorabilia, including shoulder patches and challenge coins. He’s also a passionate fan of Boston sports teams, enjoys traveling, visiting local breweries, and cherishes spending time with close friends. Chris and his wife Janice, along with their golden retriever Sam, call Tewksbury, MA, their home.
Kris Lopez
Executive Board Treasurer
Chief of Staff-Data Security Company
Read Bio
coming soon….
Janice Hurst
Executive Board Secretary
Project Manager Multi-Family Development
Read Bio
coming soon….
Matt Ayers
Advisory Board / Equine & Peer Support
Army Veteran, Fire Fighter, Public Works
Dawn Chandonnet
Advisory Board / Scholarship Committee
R.N. - Clinical Nurse Educator
Karen DiRienzo
Advisory Board / Clinician
Mental Health Clinician / Co-Responder, Law Enforcement Agency
Tyler Galvin
Advisory Board / Operations
Business Student
Daniel Houston
Advisory Board / Peer Support
Retired Law Enforcement
Cregg "Creggie" Hyder
Advisory Board / Kids Programs
Student
Christina Liakos
Advisory Board / Culinary Lead
Head of Systems Administration
Ernie Lopez
Advisory Board / Program Advisor
VP of Customer Service Operations
William Luppold
Advisory Board / Peer Support
Retired Law Enforcement
Mike petterson
Advisory Board / Peer Support
Army Veteran, Law Enforcement
Danielle Wilson
Advisory Board / Equine Programs
Health Sciences