Meet Our Staff
Michael Anthony
Michael joined GratitudeAmerica as Executive Director in June 2016, bringing over two decades of leadership experience in education and military service. He previously spent 20 years at Publix Supermarkets, where he oversaw corporate education for all managers before transitioning to serve his fellow combat veterans.
Michael holds degrees in education and advanced degrees in training and performance improvement. Following the 9/11 attacks, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve to serve his nation. He advanced through enlisted positions before commissioning as an Army officer in 2004. During his military career, Michael commanded large units, led troops in combat overseas, and developed a regional medical strategy in Southeast Asia before retiring as a Health Services Officer at USINDOPACOM, Camp Smith, Hawaii.
His military honors include the Combat Action Badge, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and Bronze Star Medal.
Michael may be reached at michael@gratitudeamerica.org
Chris Brower
As a youngster, Chris was fascinated with tribal warrior culture. The army seemed like a perfect choice after his dad told him, ‘Straighten up and find a job because you are not college material.’ For over 10 years, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment became his extended family. When he was selected as an Operational Advisor for the Asymmetric Warfare Group (AWG), he developed his talent in teaching strategies for overcoming obstacles.
His skills were put to the test when his son was diagnosed with leukemia and eventually succumbed to the disease in 2006. Alcohol, food, and excessive work masked his growing depression and anxiety. In 2020, Chris reluctantly attended Warrior PATHH after months of pressure from a friend. Now, Chris has found his passion and purpose as the Program Director. He is a more dedicated husband, a more involved father to 3 children, and has found peace in his heart.
Chris may be reached at chris@gratitudeamerica.org
Kristi Cromer
Kristi joined GratitudeAmerica as the Program Director for Military Support Retreats in early 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to serving veterans and their support persons. Her journey with GratitudeAmerica began in 2018 when she attended a retreat alongside her husband, a 22-year combat veteran who is currently still serving. Kristi credits the skills they gained during this retreat as pivotal in their growth as a couple, particularly in successfully navigating a battle with cancer and a third combat deployment. Driven by her passion for helping others, Kristi pursued a B.A. in Social Work at Thomas University. Kristi's prior professional experience includes roles with the Department of Defense and the State of Georgia's Office of the Child Advocate. With thirteen years of experience working with the military, she has cultivated a strong foundation in supporting those who serve.
As a military spouse and Gold Star sister, Kristi approaches her role with empathy and purpose. Her life philosophy revolves around the importance of service to others and making each day count. Having volunteered and facilitated for years with GratitudeAmerica, Kristi is excited to lead the MSR program, where she passionately serves veterans and their support persons, fostering opportunities for connection, growth, and healing within the veteran community. Kristi resides near Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband. They enjoy their big, blended family, which includes six children, a cat, and a spoiled English springer spaniel.
Kristi may be reached at kristi@gratitudeamerica.org
Ashley Semerenko
Ashley has worked with GratitudeAmerica since 2017 as a facilitator for their military support retreats program and became a PATHH Guide for the Warrior PATHH program in 2019. Prior to working with GratitudeAmerica, Ashley graduated with an MSW from Loyola University Chicago in 2012 and since then has provided individual and group therapies to teens, couples, adults, and elders. Ashley also has worked for the past 5 years with military veterans and their families in recreational and educational programs and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Ashley believes that there is an overwhelming (and often overlooked) value and power of people simply connecting to one another – whether it’s connecting over experiences beliefs, feelings, etc.- that connection can be a binding and helpful force for people.
Ashley’s professional training and experience, coupled with her personal and family experience, allows her to provide different perspectives as well as a unique ability to better relate and understand others’ experiences. Ashley collaborates with retreat participants and PATHH students to identify and highlight their strengths, identify and challenge problematic thinking/perspectives, and introduce new coping and communication skills to consider.
Ashley may be reached at ashley@gratitudeamerica.org