OUr Team

TERESA SHICK

Founder

Teresa Shick is the Founder of The Pillar Foundation. She was a military spouse of 19 years to her husband Jerry, who is a Retired Navy SEAL that served his country honorably for 24 years. Teresa served alongside her husband as Ombudsman at Naval Special Warfare Development Group. During her time as Ombudsman, Teresa advocated and supported command families, surviving spouses, and upheld the foundation of those who serve the home-front for seven years. She has also volunteered and devoted her time and spirit to various military and NSW charities, foundations and fundraising events. Her unwavering dedication to our country's military families and spouses cannot go unnoticed.

Teresa's position as Ombudsman shaped her ability and understanding to help and aid people in times of crisis and uncertainty. She quickly realized that connection and stable support is key. Teresa then received a certificate in Nonprofit Management and used her skills and applied knowledge to create The Pillar Foundation.

The Pillar Foundation is a nonprofit that addresses the needs of the Naval Special Warfare spouse, after service. Our mission is to provide a support network to spouses of transitioned Naval Special Warfare service-members; to share resources, to mentor and guide newly transitioned wives into the civilian world by holding retreats and garnering a database of sisterhood to reconnect state to state. Further objective is to assist with the needs of the spouse educationally or with entrepreneur endeavors.

Teresa's passion and purpose aims to alleviate and reduce the stress of retirement, transition and relocation by offering a sisterhood that will maintain the relationships made and support systems acquired to the pillars of our NSW military families well after time served has ended.

Teresa and Jerry moved home to the great state of Texas in 2017. They currently reside in Tyler, Texas with their 4 children. They happily continue to serve in faith, duty and contribution to their country, community and church.