The science behind our mission
Boulder Crest Institute is the world leader in advancing the science of Posttraumatic Growth (PTG).
The science of Posttraumatic Growth was initially described in 1995 after a decade of research and clinical work focused on trauma survivors. UNC-Charlotte professors and psychologists Richard Tedeschi and Lawrence Calhoun discovered that many trauma survivors grew in positive ways in the aftermath of their trauma.
Today, Dr. Tedeschi chairs the Boulder Crest Institute and is dedicated to supporting combat veterans, first responders, and their families. Dr. Tedeschi is supported in this work by the Vice Chair of the Boulder Crest Institute, Dr. Bret Moore, a twice-deployed former Army psychologist.
Transforming lives through training
Our mission: to train people to thrive in the aftermath of their trauma. Boulder Crest’s signature PATHH programs teach our participants how to make peace with their past, live in the present, and begin planning for their future.
Our PATHH programs (Progressive and Alternative Training for Helping Heroes) are based on the science of Posttraumatic Growth (PTG), a process designed to transform times of deep struggle into profound strength and lifelong growth.
strengthening the family connection
Boulder Crest understands the sacrifices and stresses of military and veteran families. We believe that each family member plays a crucial role in the health and wellbeing of the entire family.
Through our signature PATHH programs and Rest and Reconnection (R&R) Stays, families have an opportunity learn more about themselves and each other and rediscover the love and connections that brought them together.
Our history
Boulder Crest was founded by Ken Falke and Julia Falke. Ken spent 21-years in the US Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) community and retired as a Master Chief Petty Officer. Halfway through Ken’s career, he was severely injured in a parachuting accident and after healing, went on to make over 1000 parachute jumps and lead men and women on thousands of high-risk missions. Ken’s personal story is a great example of Posttraumatic Growth.
During the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, hundreds of EOD warriors were injured and killed on the battlefields. Ken and Julia visited many of the wounded EOD warriors and their families and witnessed firsthand the care they received.
Ken and Julia felt that these brave men and women and their families deserved more support and care than what was available to them. The Falkes started their personal journey of philanthropy by hosting veterans and their families for meals and short stays at their home, but they knew there was more work to be done.
In 2010, the Falkes donated 37 acres of their property and made a substantial financial investment to establish Boulder Crest Foundation.
From this generous act and the tireless efforts from a passionate team of individuals and an incredibly supportive community, Boulder Crest forged ahead developing a new approach to train combat veterans, first responders, and their families to transform their struggles to strength. We call it PATHH — Progressive and Alternative Training for Helping Heroes.