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The People Behind Our Organization
Michael Cooley
Technical Advisor
Michael is a 2024 University of Pittsburgh psychology alumni, currently pursuing a MSW degree. Mark is Michael's cousin as well as his main inspiration for wanting to join the field of social work- to work to amend adoption policies to give adoptees the proper mental health resources and funding they need to flourish.
Nate Beck
Vice President
My name is Nate Beck and I am the Vice President of the Mark Matesic Memorial Foundation. I have been a fire fighter for 10 years. During those years, I was a live-in at Penn Hills Station 227, that is where I first met and became like a big brother to Mark. I believe that mental health services for all emergency
responders is greatly needed in our communities. Losing Mark has given me that strength and dedication I needed to ensure my brothers and sisters in the emergency responders community are able to access mental health services and that we are given mental health insurance from the township or borough at all times. I am a business owner of a towing company called N&M Towing located in Pittsburgh. N&M stands for Nate & Mark, a way to honor my friend and little brother.
Mark Matesic
The Heart of Our Mission
Mark is more than just a name to this Foundation – he is the very reason we exist. His unwavering commitment to his community and his brothers and sisters in the first responder family continues to inspire every step we take. Though Mark is no longer with us, his compassion, courage, and dedication to helping others are at the core of everything we do. His memory fuels our drive to support those who risk their lives for others while silently struggling themselves.
Jennifer Martinez
Founder & President
My name is Jennifer Martinez, I am Mark’s mom and President of Mark Matesic Memorial Foundation. I created the foundation after my son Mark died by suicide on March 24, 2022. After losing my son to suicide, I made it my mission to ensure that all emergency responders have access to mental health services. I adopted both of my children, Mark and Ian, and was blessed beyond the world that I was chosen to be their mother. I have been a teacher for Pittsburgh Public Schools for 21 years and have also worked in the field of mental health, corrections and drug and alcohol. As MMMF is still a very new foundation, I would like to offer more mental health support to emergency responders through station meetings but also, I envision begin support groups for our emergency responders in the community monthly.
Ryan Delaney
MA, LPC
Ryan is an outpatient mental health therapist who operates a private practice located in Turtle Creek called August West Wellness. Ryan works with demographics of all sizes and shapes, specializing in trauma and grief counseling. His role in the organization is to provide education and awareness about mental health. Ryan hopes to normalize talking about mental health and help teach people the skills necessary to soothe their souls.
Heather L. Fry
Board Member
Dr. Fry is a licensed clinical psychologist and the owner and lead clinician at Oakmont Psychotherapy Associates, an outpatient clinical practice located in Oakmont, PA that services individuals, couples, and their families across lifespan development and transitions. She served four years active duty in The United States Navy, attaining the rank of Lieutenant, as a military psychologist. Dr. Fry is a provider for law enforcement and first responder populations at the Federal, State, and local levels of government and service. She specializes in trauma and anxiety clinical presentations, and has attained STAR-Behavioral Health certification status as a provider to veteran populations and their families throughout all phases of their service and military careers.
Even Our Strongest Heroes Need Help – Call 988
As a first responder, you face unimaginable challenges every day, but even the strongest among us can struggle with mental health. If you're feeling overwhelmed, remember that support is always available. Call 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for free, confidential help. You don't have to carry the weight alone—reach out and take the first step toward healing.