Michael Pettinelli, PsyD, BCD, LCSW

 Dr. Michael Pettinelli is the owner and CEO of The Resilient Force Project, LLC, where his mission is to help individuals and organizations grow stronger through life’s most challenging seasons. A veteran of the United States Air Force, he deployed twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Southern Watch, experiences that deeply shaped his commitment to serving military members, veterans, and their families. For more than twenty-six years, Dr. Pettinelli has blended personal insight with professional expertise to help others rise, rebuild, and thrive with resilience and purpose.

Dr. Pettinelli earned his master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Syracuse University and his Doctorate in Psychology from California Southern University, where his research examined the impact of leadership on the well-being and resilience of service members. His career spans clinical practice, higher education, and organizational development. He has taught at the State University of New York (Jefferson Campus) and Columbia College, instructing courses in Personal Growth and Development and Military Case Management.

As a speaker and trainer, Dr. Pettinelli has presented at conferences, First Sergeant Symposiums, workplace trainings, team-building retreats, and Yellow Ribbon programs for returning service members and their families. Previously, he served as Lead Training and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) professional for Clear Path for Veterans, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans in transition. In that role, he facilitated workshops and EAP services on Emotional Intelligence, Work–Life Integration, Adapting to Stress, Preserving Emotional Energy, Time Management, and Effective Communication.

Dr. Pettinelli also served as lead instructor for The Psychology of Remote Combat course at multiple Air National Guard installations, helping service members and leaders navigate the unique psychological demands of remote warfare and high-stress operational environments.

Through both private practice and consulting, he continues to partner with individuals seeking personal growth and with organizations striving to strengthen culture, leadership capacity, and employee well-being.

Dr. Pettinelli lives in Yorktown, Virginia, with his wife and three children. He is passionate about helping people from all backgrounds discover their innate capacity to grow, adapt, and live with clarity, intention, and purpose. His work integrates psychology, leadership, and practical resilience strategies to foster lasting wellness across individuals, teams, and communities.