The Reflective Journey Foundation began with two people who shared the same heart for helping others. From the beginning of our relationship, we recognized the same values, the same compassion, and the same desire to stand beside people who were struggling. Now married and raising our family together, we have turned that shared purpose into a lasting commitment. When we first discussed creating a foundation, the answer was an immediate yes.

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Michael’s life and career have been shaped by service. He survived the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and was honored by the Boston Celtics as a Hero Among Us for helping others in the aftermath. After years in special education and law enforcement, including serving as Essex Tech’s School Resource Officer, he now shares his experiences as a keynote speaker and author and supports law enforcement agencies as a Sales Engineer with Getac. He also created T/A Connect to help schools ensure every student has trusted adults they can turn to for support.

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Casey earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and began her career in special education before transitioning into healthcare. She now serves as Regional Director of Business Development for Sunrise Senior Living. Her experience in education and healthcare brings a thoughtful, compassionate perspective to the Foundation’s work.

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Together, we are parents to three incredible children: Makena, Chase, and Mia. Raising Chase, who has autism, has given us firsthand understanding of the challenges families face and the difference dependable support can make. Casey remains his fiercest advocate, and our family shares that commitment. These experiences are a deeply personal reason disability support is part of our mission.

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For years, we helped quietly whenever we could: a family facing tragedy, a child with a disability who needed support, a veteran working to find steady ground. We often talked about how we could reach more people and turn those individual acts of care into something lasting. The Foundation grew from those conversations.

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The Boston Marathon remains an important part of our story. Through a survivor-designated entry offered by the Boston Athletic Association, Michael can run himself or choose someone to run in his honor. We have chosen to share that opportunity as a way to celebrate resilience, bring people together, and support the Foundation’s mission.

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In 2026, we shared that opportunity with Brian Scott, an Essex Tech teacher and close friend. Brian ran in honor of Michael and his own father, Dave Scott. As we prepare for the 2027 Boston Marathon, we look forward to sharing that opportunity with another runner and continuing that tradition.

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The Reflective Journey Foundation is built on lived experience, family, service, and the belief that people deserve help during their hardest moments. We are committed to showing up with compassion, offering meaningful support, and reminding people they are never alone.