OUR TEAM

Board Chair, Founder

Andy enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 19 and served active duty from 1994 to 1997, with an additional year in the Army Reserves. During his service, he was stationed in Dexheim, Germany, and deployed to Bosnia and Herzegovina for 10 months. His Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) was 96R.

Since leaving the military, Andy has worked independently in the finance and insurance fields. He is also a PADI IDC Staff Instructor and the founder of The Dive Within. He has been a certified diver since 1989 and instructor since 2002.

Andy and his wife, Bethany, have three children, all of whom are graduates of Hollister. Their two oldest daughters are now married and have three children of their own, and their youngest, a son, is currently serving in the U.S. Air Force and stationed in Alaska.

Andy and his family attend the Hollister Church of Christ, and he is a charter member of the Hollister Rotary Club. In his free time, Andy enjoys hunting, scuba diving, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Andy has served on the Hollister School Board for 18 years and is passionate about helping students succeed and ensuring the district provides the best possible education and opportunities to prepare them for their future.

Board Vice Chair

Aaron Gagnepain is a U.S. Army Reserve veteran with three deployments, having served twice in Kosovo and once in Iraq as a combat medic and orthopedic assistant. He went on to dedicate 12 years to the fire service, 15 years as a licensed paramedic, and 5 years as an ER nurse, building a career centered on service, emergency care, and supporting others in critical moments.

A certified scuba diver for more than 25 years, Aaron has personally experienced the therapeutic benefits of diving. He shares that being underwater has been a meaningful way to help manage and alleviate symptoms of PTSD, reinforcing his belief in the healing potential of scuba diving as part of a broader approach to wellness.

Board Secretary

Tracy Whitaker served with the National Park Service for 30 years, working in law enforcement, fire, EMS, and search and rescue. Over the course of that career, Tracy developed extensive experience in emergency response, public safety, and field leadership. Tracy has been a PADI Instructor since 2012, with qualifications ranging from Open Water to Public Safety Diver and currently serving as IDC Staff. In addition, Tracy is an instructor in CPR/Stop the Bleed (STB), Active Shooter response, and Use of Force.

Tracy has held multiple leadership roles in public safety, including 20 years as Dive Team Captain, 9 years as Fire Chief, and 9 years as a Reserve Deputy. Tracy is also a long-time CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management) peer-to-peer debrief facilitator, supporting first responders and others through the effects of critical stress for more than 18 years.

Guided by a “pay it forward” philosophy, Tracy believes in sharing knowledge to help others, encouraging the next generation of leaders, and viewing challenges as opportunities for growth. Lived experience has shaped a humble, appreciative outlook and a commitment to using God-given talents to promote positivity in others—always striving to be the kind of peer one would want in their own support network.

Outside of work and training, Tracy enjoys scuba diving, spearfishing, and anything high-energy and fun. Tracy lives on a small farm in Arkansas, raising cattle—a lifestyle that provides balance, recovery time, and a healthy outlet for managing stress.

Board Treasurer

Bio

Program Director

Kyle Sheppard, BSN has called Hollister home since the age of twelve and has always felt a deep connection to the Ozarks community. A Hollister High School graduate (Class of 2012), Kyle began his college journey at Central Methodist University before completing his Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After graduation, he returned home, married his high school sweetheart Lexie, and began building a life rooted in service.

Kyle started his nursing career in the ICU at Cox Branson Medical Center and later transitioned to the Emergency Department, where he felt privileged to care for friends, neighbors, and families visiting the area. His experiences in emergency medicine deepened his passion for helping others and supporting those who carry heavy responsibilities in their daily lives.

Kyle is also a co-founder of Wolf & Willow Direct Care, a direct primary care clinic being established in Hollister, Missouri, built on the belief that healthcare should be personal, accessible, and relationship-driven.

As a scuba-certified diver, Kyle has personally experienced the peace and clarity that comes from the underwater world. He is honored to be part of The Dive Within, supporting its mission to serve veterans and medical professionals through therapeutic dive experiences that promote healing, connection, and emotional strength.

Bio