Our Team

Captain Robert Sweaza is a retired police officer who served 30 years in law enforcement. Robert worked several assignments during his tenure, including crimes against children, sexual assault and Crisis Intervention. Additionally, he supervised and managed nearly every division within the agency. During the last several years of his career, Robert focused on providing mental health training and wellness programs for officers and was influential in developing the Trauma Support Team within his agency.

Robert holds a master’s degree in criminal justice and is an adjunct crimirnal justice instructor. His graduate studies focused on community engagement with an emphasis on mental health issues and de-escalation tactics. Robert also has a master’s degree in social work with a focus on providing mental health services to first responders and their families. He earned a graduate certificate in leadership and is a graduate from the prestigious California POST Command College.

Robert has worked in the addiction field since 2022, counseling both first responders and non-responders. He is currently a group facilitator and therapist at the Unified Wellness Center, an addiction recovery program in Orange County specifically for first responders and military, both active duty and veterans.

Robert is the President of Blue Wives Matter, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide financial and mental health support for families who have experienced the death of a law enforcement officer, no matter the cause of death.

Tony Stambuk grew up in Orange County, CA and joined the United States Army at age 18. He completed Basic Infantry Training at Fort Benning, GA and went on to graduate from Airborne and Ranger training.

Tony was assigned to the 2nd Ranger Battalion at Fort Lewis, WA. During his 8 years of service, he completed one combat deployment to Iraq and six combat deployments to Afghanistan. As a Ranger, Tony distinguished himself as an expert marksman, Assault Team Leader, Squad Leader and an Instructor for Close Quarter Battles (CQB).
In 2011 during his fourth deployment to Afghanistan, Tony was injured in an enemy attack by shrapnel from a grenade that shattered the bones in his arm. His passion for serving as a Ranger outweighed his pain and he completed two more deployments. In 2012 he was awarded the Purple Heart.

However, it was this injury, along with PTSD that led Tony on the path to substance use. After much hardship and an unhealthy way of living, Tony made the decision in 2015 to become sober. As part of his journey, Tony was assigned to and completed the 18 month Veterans Court program. Following that experience, he enrolled in a 2 year intensive reintegration program for veterans.

Since becoming sober, Tony has dedicated himself to helping others, especially veterans with their addictions and mental health issues. He has worked as a cross fit coach, behavioral health technician, substance abuse counselor and case manager for adults in recovery. He is currently the Program Director for Unified Wellness Center, providing culturally competent treatment to first responders and veterans.

In addition to being a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC), Tony has a BA in psychology,  is currently in a masters program for social work, and is pursuing his LCSW.

Tony is the father to two amazing daughters and focuses on health and fitnes He is passionate about helping veterans reintegrate into life after addiction.

Dr. Sanjai Thankachen graduated from Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medicine in 2000. He completed his residency in psychiatry in 2008 at the Creemoor Psychiatric Center in New York. Affectionately known as “Doctor T”, he did many of his rotations at the prestigious Columbia Presbyterian Hospital.

While in New York from 2004-2008 , Dr. Thankachen had the honor and the opportunity to work closely with First Responders who were affected by 9/11. His experiences at Ground Zero changed his life forever. Dr. T has continued to serve this community for the last two decades.

Dr. Thankachen currently serves as Medical Director and Psychiatrist at the UWC and is a specialist in Addiction Medicine. Dr. T is involved and in good standing with professional organizations and societies, including the American Psychiatric Association.

“Being able to be of service to the ones who truly give the ultimate service and sacrifice day in and day out, really set the precedent for wanting to be able to help as many of these extraordinary people as possible.”

Dr. Thankachen is also involved in professional organizations and societies in good standing including the American Psychiatric Association, Indian Medical Association, and the Karnataka Medical Association.

During the later years of his service, John faced the challenges of prolonged civil unrest and
significant political and departmental change. Amid these stressors, he developed unhealthy
coping mechanisms and began using alcohol to manage the emotional toll. Recognizing the
impact this had on his well-being, John made the decision to pursue sobriety and began his
personal journey toward recovery.

Following his departure from law enforcement, John joined the Unified Wellness Center (UWC)
as a group facilitator and is now Lead Case Manager. He was deeply inspired by the Center’s mission to support the mental and emotional health of first responders. Through this work, John discovered a renewed sense of purpose in helping others navigate the same struggles he had once faced

Matty worked as Director of Development and Training at Recovery First Treatment Centers, Matty’s influence is profound. He has co-founded a successful First Responder Treatment facility and continues to provide education, resources, and a pathway to healing for those in need.

Matty’s expertise is multifaceted, including his role as an instructor at Santa Ana College, where he imparts crucial mental health knowledge to new recruits, equipping them with healthier coping mechanisms. His involvement with the Save A Warrior program as a Shepard underscores his commitment to suicide prevention.

Matty’s advocacy extends to public speaking, where he addresses the escalating suicide rates among first responders and promotes mental health awareness. His collaboration with Dr. Gina Gallivan in developing wellness programs for agencies nationwide further showcases his dedication to the cause.

His story, a testament to resilience and recovery, has been spotlighted in the documentary “PTSD911,” available on Amazon Prime Video. As a keynote speaker, Matty delves into critical topics such as mental health, recovery from PTSD, substance abuse issues, and the importance of support within the first responder community.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Matty treasures time with his family, including his wife Elizabeth and their children, Logan, Nathan, Charlie, and their newest addition, daughter Jordan. Together, they engage in community events and continue to champion the life-changing work of organizations like his nonprofit First Responder Peace & Refuge Foundation.