Leadership
Hearts 4 Heroes USA™ is built on the dedication of passionate individuals who believe every first responder deserves support, dignity, and hope. Meet the people driving our mission forward.
Board of Directors
Bruce Martell
President & Co-Founder
Bruce is the Founder and President of Hearts 4 Heroes USA and a first responder with 40 years of service as a Marine, Deputy Sheriff, and Paramedic. His firsthand understanding of the challenges first responders face helped inspire a mission dedicated to ensuring our heroes have the mental health, wellness, and peer support they deserve.
Shelley Martell
Director & Co-Founder
Shelley is the Founder and Director of Hearts 4 Heroes USA, turning a deeply personal connection between her family, first responders, and their beloved dog Scooby into a mission dedicated to first responder wellness. Known for her passionate advocacy and determination, she continues to lead the organization's growth and the expansion of its Paw Platoon Placement Program.
Mark Piacentini
Vice President & Retired Division Chief
Mark began his EMS career in 1990 and dedicated 34 years to emergency medical services and the fire service, retiring in December 2024 from the Folsom Fire Department at the rank of Assistant Chief. During his career, he played a key role in establishing Folsom Fire Department's Peer Support Team. Mark has been involved with Hearts 4 Heroes USA since its creation and is the handler of Blitz (Blitzen), the first therapy dog placed through the Paw Platoon Placement Program. Together, Mark and Blitz continue to support Folsom Fire Department and surrounding communities.
Brett Jones
Division Chief of Paw Platoon
Brett brings more than two decades of fire service experience to Hearts 4 Heroes USA, serving as a Fire Captain/Paramedic with Rescue Fire Department. A dedicated advocate for first responder mental health and wellness, Brett has been involved with Hearts 4 Heroes USA and the Paw Platoon mission from early on. He is the handler of Ash, Rescue Fire Department's therapy dog, and together they continue to support first responders and the communities they serve.
Susie Worthington
Administrative Volunteer
Susie brings many years of administrative experience to Hearts 4 Heroes USA, where she serves as a dedicated volunteer supporting the organization's day-to-day operations. As a fire wife, Susie has a deep, personal understanding of the behind-the-scenes realities of the fire service and the importance of first responder wellness. Her commitment to H4H USA includes active involvement with Paw Platoon Pawtoberfest and an unwavering dedication to supporting the first responder community.
Advisory Committee
Jelena Tiemann
Attorney, Tiemann Law Firm
Jelena is a Sacramento attorney and dedicated community advocate whose connection to Hearts 4 Heroes USA is inspired by her love of dogs and belief in the powerful support they can provide. She proudly supports the Paw Platoon mission and its impact on first responders, departments, and communities.
Sheri Merrick
Executive Director, Citrus Heights Chamber
Sheri has supported Hearts 4 Heroes USA since its earliest days and currently serves on the Advisory Committee. She continues to champion the organization through her experience, community connections, and strong commitment to supporting first responders.
Ambassadors
David Garibaldi
Performance Painter & Philanthropist
David Garibaldi is a world-renowned performance painter who combines art, music, movement, and storytelling into high-energy live painting experiences. His performances have helped raise millions of dollars for charitable causes around the world, making philanthropy a cornerstone of his work and his art.
Chady Garibaldi
Fitness & Wellness Leader
Chady Garibaldi is a fitness and wellness advocate dedicated to helping others build stronger, healthier lives through physical training, mental resilience, and purposeful living. Her passion for motivating others to develop lasting strength — inside and out — connects naturally with Hearts 4 Heroes' mission of supporting the overall health and wellness of first responders.
Cynthia Renee
Singer/Songwriter & Recording Artist
Cynthia Renee is a Sacramento-area country singer-songwriter and Hearts 4 Heroes USA Ambassador whose music and community involvement reflect her strong support for those who serve. Signed with Twelve-Seventeen/SSM Nashville Records, Cynthia has gained recognition for her heartfelt songwriting and powerful vocals. Her song "Have a Heart for a Hero" pays tribute to first responders, military personnel, and frontline heroes, furthering her commitment to honoring and supporting the first responder community through music.
Interested in Supporting Our Mission?
Hearts 4 Heroes USA™ is always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of first responders and their families.
Get in Touch