OUR OFFICERS
Nicholas Luciano, Executive Director/Founder
Nick founded Forever Your Overwatch when he recognized the need to train staff and clients at domestic violence shelters in areas such as personal security, active shooter, and threat assessments. Nick works as a Master Instructor at Fort Dix, NJ training pre-deploying troops in active shooter, combatives, tactics, warrior mindset, convoys, and urban warfare. Prior to that Nick worked installing security systems and alarms for residential and commercial buildings. Nick also worked for Blackwater USA and Dyncorp protecting dignitaries overseas in hostile areas and served five years in the United States Marine Corps. Some of his training and education include: Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Walden University, Active Shooter Response training conducted by Department of Homeland Security and ALICE, Academic Instructor course, CPR and AED qualified.
Zisa Belfer, Vice President
Zisa is a licensed psychotherapist and Columbia University graduate. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive experience with grief and trauma. She volunteers with Grief clients and focuses on Post Traumatic Stress in her practice. Zisa has always wanted to help others and feels that working with those in need is her calling. Zisa is also passionate about self-defense training.
Marc Belfer, Director of Training
Marc is a professional bodyguard and security expert. A long time student of System-A martial arts, he learns and teaches how to survive. Marc has taught rape awareness courses, self defense for women classes and various security related seminars. He describes his work with others as deeply gratifying.
OUR STAFF
Cara Turcich, Administrator and Fundraiser
Cara manages administrative tasks and development efforts for Forever Your Overwatch Foundation. She is passionate about making sure survivors are heard, empowered and supported. Cara graduated from Monmouth University with a M.A. in Public Policy & B.A. in Political Science with a Business Administration minor. In her spare time, Cara is an avid traveler and believes in taking advantage of every opportunity “because there was nowhere to go but everywhere,” (Kerouac, 1957).
OUR VOLUNTEER TEAM
Doug Boyle, North Jersey Regional Team Leader
Doug is a twenty-five-year veteran firefighter and holds a brown-belt Koei-Karate and also kickboxes. He believes that helping others is a calling and duty.
Paul Carson, Volunteer
Paul Carson is an Air Force Security Forces member of 15 years and is a veteran of Iraq. Paul has attended numerous combat skills training courses, crisis intervention classes, less than lethal weapons training (stun guns, batons, etc), and is a former combat skills instructor.
Drea Marie, Volunteer
Drea holds a master’s degree in human services and has over twenty years’ experience in the field of domestic violence including drafting grants, developing prevention programs and directly assisting survivors of domestic violence in multiple situations. Drea is passionate about empowering survivors using self-defense and home protection tactics. Drea trains regularly in the art of Krav Maga and is passionate about fitness.
Nicole Smith, South Jersey Regional Team Leader
Nicole has been a very reliable volunteer with FYO since we recruited her at one of our training events. Nicole is passionate about self-defense training with an emphasis in Krav Maga. She believes any woman, regardless of age or experience, can be strong mentally and physically.
Jonas Sherman, Volunteer
Jonas has 34 years’ experience in martial arts, 15 years as an instructor. He also has 22 years in the security industry, including executive protection, security contracting and post disaster response including aid relief, security for aid workers and search and rescue. He also is a firearms expert with over 20 years experience, as well as seven years as an instructor. Jonas is not only well-qualified but very driven to help anyone in harm’s way.
Celeste Whitehead, Volunteer
Celeste has been providing addiction and trauma counseling in an NJ state psychiatric hospital for over 10 years. She has a passion for volunteering with agencies that provide support in domestic violence or sexual assault. She has a lifetime of giving dedicated to non-profits, friends organizations, auxiliaries, the scouts, etc. Celeste earned her BA from Rutgers Camden and has been volunteering in Camden city since her childhood. She brings knowledge of mental health first aid and trauma informed care to the team.