Our Team
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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.
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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.
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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. Chris graduated from the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Training Alliance Reserve Police Academy in 2018 where he went on to work at a local agency. Currently, he is a dispatch supervisor for a large police agency.
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/food establishments, and cherishes spending time with close friends. Chris and his wife Janice, along with their daughter Adelynn and golden retriever Sam, call Tewksbury, MA, their home.
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Kris serves as the Chief of Staff at Hunt.io, a leading threat intelligence company. In her role, she ensures organizational alignment and efficiency, coordinating various departments to achieve the company’s strategic goals.
She has been a dedicated board member of the Hidden Battles Foundation since its inception. Her commitment is deeply personal; her stepbrother, an Army veteran, tragically died by suicide in 2009. In his memory, she dedicates herself to supporting veterans and first responders, ensuring they receive the resources and community support they need. Coming from a family of veterans, Kris has always been driven to give back to those who serve.
In addition to Hidden Battles, Kris gives back in various capacities, with the Greater Lowell Community Foundation and the Megan House Foundation, and as a hospice volunteer for Home Health and Hospice Care. She is so appreciative of the guidance and support she has received throughout her journey and is passionate about paying that kindness forward.
In her free time, Kris enjoys traveling, attending concerts, PureBarre classes, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Danielle Ayers
Advisory Board / Equine Programs
Health Sciences

Matt Ayers
Advisory Board / Equine & Peer Support
Army Veteran
Field Service Maintenance Rep - Gas Turbines

Dawn Chandonnet
Advisory Board / Scholarship Committee
DNP - Manager of Nursing

Karen DiRienzo
Advisory Board / Clinician
Mental Health Clinician
Co-Responder, Law Enforcement Agency

Tyler Galvin
Advisory Board / Operations
Financial Analyst

Christina Grillakis
Intern / Operations
Student

Julianne Griswold
Advisory Board / Clinician
Hidden Battles Radio Co-Host
Trauma Therapist & Business Owner

Daniel Houston
Advisory Board / Peer Support
Retired Law Enforcement

Cregg "Creggie" Hyder
Advisory Board / Youth Programs
Student

Christina Liakos
Advisory Board / Culinary Lead
Head of Systems Administration

Ernie Lopez
Advisory Board / Program Advisor
VP of Customer Service Operations

Gabby Lopez
Advisory Board / Youth Programs
Student

William Luppold
Advisory Board / Peer Support
Retired Law Enforcement

Mike petterson
Advisory Board / Peer Support
Hidden Battles Radio Co-Host
Army Veteran, Law Enforcement, Business Owner
