Meet the Staff of The Fishermen
Alex Gowen
Alex Gowen is the Founder and Director of The Fishermen and is responsible for the overall operation of the organization. Alex's credentials include an EMS certification with the state of North Carolina and specialized courses on chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) casualty management with the Department of Energy and the United States Army. He is the author of the Surviving Terrorism counter-terrorism handbook series for first responders and is the former director of the Anti-Slavery Task Force (ASTAF), a non-profit organization that investigated cases of modern slavery. Professional memberships include ASIS and the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO). For 20 years Alex has undertaken actions to supply medical and other humanitarian aid to the people of various nations.
Sarah Blochner
Sarah Blocher is the Co-Founder and Co-Director of The Fishermen and is also responsible for the overall operation of the organization. Sarah has experience volunteering her time with educators in her community, as well as with humanitarian aid and fair trade organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and Ten Thousand Villages. She has a 2006 EMT-Basic certification, and experience providing basic medical care in both the ambulance and hospital setting. The Fishermen is the realization of Sarah's life-long goal of making the world a better place.
Joanna LiVecchi
Joanna LiVecchi is one of our newest members and is responsible for directing our Dental Hygiene program. Joanna is a graduate of the dental hygiene curriculum at Niagara College and holds an active professional membership with the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association. She is also certified in both basic first aid and CPR. Of considerable note is Joanna's current research into providing methods of dental care to orphanages in areas lacking clean water. Her determination to deliver dental hygiene skills and material to the orphaned children of the world shows a degree of dedication worthy of the highest praise.
Natalie Reeves
Natalie Reeves is our Promotional Events Coordinator and is responsible for assisting in the creation and planning of promotional events for The Fishermen. She will be graduating from Campbell University with a degree in IT Management and Security. Natalie is both a successful model and actress and is a very skilled and highly motivated member of our staff.
Randy Bridges
Randy Bridges is our Warehouse Manager and is responsible for maintaining our inventory as well as coordinating the pickup and delivery of donated medical material for The Fishermen. Randy is a graduate of Brevard College and holds a degree in Psychology. Being a retired social worker specializing in children, Randy provides us with incredibly valuable insight to the needs of those with whom we work.
Shawn Colwell
Shawn Colwell is responsible for directing our Nursing program. Shawn is a highly skilled and experienced registered nurse and is a member of the medical staff of the New Hanover Health Network. He is a nationally-recognized Certified Nurse of the Operating Room by AORN and also holds a BCLS and ACLS by the American Heart Association. Shawn's medical abilities and knowledge provides The Fishermen with incredibly valuable capabilities in the field both abroad and at home.
Richard Wilson
Richard Wilson is our Occupational Therapist and is a graduate of the University of Texas' School of Allied Health Sciences. Richard brings to The Fishermen over 20 years of experience in improving children's cognitive, physical, and motor skills while enhancing their self-esteem and sense of accomplishment. Being one of our biggest supporters and a great motivational resource, Richard is undoubtedly a key member of our volunteer staff.
Claire Wilson
Claire Wilson is an events volunteer and is a primary participant in various Fishermen fundraising and community activities. Claire is a freshman at Eleanor Roosevelt HS in the Science and Technology Program. She enjoys playing the cello and the guitar and she is a member of the College Park Youth Orchestra. She hopes to become more involved with The Fishermen by raising awareness of their mission and by participating in fund raising efforts. She is attracted by the idea of helping children who don't have family support and are limited in their ability to help themselves. She hopes to be able to correspond with or meet some of these children someday.
