Who We Are

In addition to our partners, The Armory Project is successful as a result of the investment and dedication of veterans, community leaders, subject matter experts, and researchers. TAP is supported by an advisory board and community engagement staff from the VA, and the work is led by a VA research team with support from veteran advisors. Together, we’re developing strategies to prevent firearm suicide by creating time and distance between a person in a suicidal crisis and a firearm.

The Armory Project Team

The Armory Project team (formerly known as VISION) is a coalition of Veterans, community leaders, and experts in public health and research who created and tested TAP in their home state of Louisiana. TAP’s work focuses on building collaboration between firearms professionals and instructors, law enforcement, community leaders, healthcare professionals and others to develop and implement strategies to prevent firearm suicide by creating time and distance between a person in a suicidal crisis and a loaded firearm. Members championed TAP because they are united in promoting secure firearm storage messaging and practices to prevent firearm misuse, accident, theft, and suicide. We also seek to connect firearm owners—including Veterans, service members, and their families—with resources and support during times of distress to prevent firearm suicide and to foster healing for those who have lost someone to firearm suicide.

Jennifer “Gala” True, PhD

Co-Director
Gala is Richard A. Culbertson and Susan A. Leary Endowed Professor in Community and Population Medicine at the LSU School of Medicine and an Investigator with the VA’s South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC). An anthropologist by training, Gala’s work focuses on community-engaged approaches to suicide prevention. Gala co-founded and co-directs The Armory Project.
Claire Houtsma, PhD

Co-Director
Claire is a Suicide Prevention Coordinator for the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System and a Clinical Investigator with the South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC). Her background in suicide prevention research has focused on the role of firearms, capability for suicide, and sociocultural influences on suicide risk.
Amber Goff

Program Manager
Amber Goff, MBA, is the Program Manager for The Armory Project (TAP) at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, where she coordinates day-to-day operations of a veteran-focused suicide prevention initiative in partnership with the VA. She brings more than 15 years of experience in public health research and community engagement. Amber’s career has centered on building resilient communities in the wake of crises — from hurricanes and oil spills to wildfires — and she has co-authored peer-reviewed publications and presented nationally on disaster research and recovery. She is deeply committed to advancing innovative, evidence-based strategies that reduce suicide risk and strengthen support networks for veterans and their families.
Kevin Berry

Marketing and Communications Consultant
Kevin Berry serves as a marketing and communications consultant to The Armory Project, supporting its mission to promote voluntary, temporary firearm storage and reduce suicide through community-based solutions. Kevin is the founder of Marketing Stable and has over a decade of experience leading marketing strategy for nonprofits and public health initiatives. Kevin brings a unique ability to bridge worlds that often speak past each other. He also leads the marketing efforts for Walk the Talk America, a national nonprofit bridging the gap between mental health and responsible gun ownership. His work emphasizes cultural competence, trust-building, and the power of clear, compassionate messaging to drive real change.
Michael Sodini

Strategic Consultant
Michael Sodini is the founder and CEO of Walk the Talk America, a nonprofit that brings the firearms community and mental health professionals together to find solutions that save lives. Since creating WTTA in 2018, Michael has become a sought-after speaker, consultant, and advocate for reducing negative outcomes with firearms through education, compassion, and cultural change.
As a Strategic Consultant with The Armory Project, Mike brings extensive industry expertise and a unique ability to connect firearm culture with mental health and healthcare communities. His experience helps The Armory Project develop practical, culturally informed approaches that promote responsible firearm ownership and proactive care.

Learn about TAP

Community Engagement & Partnership Coordinators

TAP aligns with the suicide prevention work of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The goals of VA’s Community Engagement & Partnership Coordinator (“CEPC”) programs include:

strengthening access to and delivery of suicide care,
using community partnerships to create protective environments, and
identifying and supporting veterans at risk for suicide (regardless of whether they are engaged with the VA in their healthcare or not).

We are grateful for the ongoing partnership and collaboration with the Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinators (CEPCs) in Louisiana.

Stacie Buonaura
Ronell Day

Louisiana State Liaison, VA Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator, and Navy Veteran
Renard Dominique

Louisiana State Liaison, VA Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator, and Marine Corps Veteran
James Ownens Jr.

(Veteran - Marine Corp)
Johnnie Ross
Hilton Wells

(Veteran - Air Force)
Shonda Wintroath