Board of Directors
Matt McDonell
Chairman, Founder and Executive Director
Matt McDonell, originally from Detroit, Michigan, resides in Fox Point, Wisconsin. A U.S. Army veteran, Matt served as an Airborne Infantryman with the 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), primarily stationed in Germany, and deployed to Afghanistan in a combat role from 2012 to 2013. He was medically retired in 2015. Since transitioning to civilian life, Matt has built a successful lawn and snow company, earned his MBA from Cardinal Stritch University in 2020, and received his Master of Social Work from Concordia University in 2023.
Joel Correa
Board Member
Joel Correa served in the US Marine Corps as an Infantryman from 2000-2008. He’s a combat veteran and served a tour in Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2004-2005, specifically inside the “Triangle of Death”. He was awarded the Purple Heart for being wounded in action during his deployment.
He’s currently a Fire Lieutenant for the Milwaukee Fire Department and has been a firefighter at the busiest companies for the past 13 years. He’s on the Milwaukee Fire Department Peer Support Team, Milwaukee Fire Honor Guard and a lead advisor for the Milwaukee Junior Fire Institute.
Joel is a father of four children and tries to spend as much time as he can with them. He is passionate about mental health. As a Next 18 camp alum, he’s experienced first-hand the positive impact this program has on veterans and first responders and is very excited to be a part of the board to help his fellow brothers and sisters.
Erin Souik
Board Member
Erin has served in various roles across social services and nonprofit sectors, advocating for those navigating the complexities of mental health systems. Her leadership extended into higher education, where she spent over a decade advising and mentoring students, reinforcing her commitment to fostering personal and emotional growth in others.
Recently, Erin has embraced a more holistic philosophy toward wellness. As a 200-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) and an experienced 1,000-hour yoga teacher (E-RYT), she integrates practices like yoga, meditation, and breathwork into her therapeutic approach. These practices allow her to connect with individuals on a deeper level, offering healing that encompasses mind, body, and spirit.
Erin’s unwavering love for her country and dedication to mental health advocacy is reflected in her work with Next 18, an organization that uses sport and holistic methods to support mental wellness for veterans and first responders. Through her compassionate leadership, Erin strives to bring accessible, life-changing wellness practices to those who need them most, leaving a lasting impact on individuals and communities alike.
Zach Deboer
Board Member
Zach is a financial advisor at Gentian Financial. Gentian is consistently ranked by Forbes and others as one of the top financial planning practices in the state of Wisconsin and the US.
He has a passion for helping people make smart financial decisions, and helping people plan for and live a more meaningful & joyful life.
He also has a passion for fitness. He has completed 6 Ultramarathons. The last Ultra being a 100miler June 2023, where he raised over $20,000 for a local charity that helps people with disabilities.
Being a student of our nation’s history, and specifically military history. Zach at one point had dreams of serving his nation through military service. However, 3 major shoulder surgeries before the age of 20 dashed those dreams.
He feels Next18 is his calling to serve those who have served or currently serve us. Zach believes he is on this Earth to give, to inspire, and to serve.