Director, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Morgan Wells, MRC, CRC

Morgan Wells is a U.S. Army Veteran and the Founder and Executive Director of Operation Phoenix Rising, a Kentucky-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering Veterans through benefits advocacy, vocational rehabilitation, peer mentorship, and community reintegration. Drawing on her own military service and personal journey of recovery, Morgan leads with a deep understanding of the challenges Veterans face during and after their transition to civilian life.

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After serving honorably as a medic in the U.S. Army, Morgan pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Louisville and a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Kentucky. She is also a graduate of the VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation program.

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Morgan’s professional experience includes roles as an EMT, Social Services Coordinator for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and both a Veteran Service Representative and Rating Specialist with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. These roles equipped her with expertise in navigating complex benefits systems and advocating for those who often feel unheard.

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Her leadership at Operation Phoenix Rising reflects her commitment to providing compassionate, no-cost services to Veterans—ensuring they have access to the benefits, healthcare, education, and community resources they have earned. Under her direction, the organization has built programs that combine military precision with human-centered care, particularly focused on suicide prevention, outreach to rural areas, and connecting Veterans with meaningful employment opportunities.

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Outside of her organizational leadership, Morgan is passionate about community service, mentoring youth, and amplifying the voices of Veterans. She is driven by the belief that “Your mission is now you”—a reminder to every Veteran that their next chapter can be their strongest.

Social Worker, Suicide Prevention and Addiction Recovery Coach

Arielle Wells, CSW

Arielle Wells is the Co-Founder of Operation Phoenix Rising, where she serves as Director of Social Work. She is a dedicated advocate for addiction recovery, mental health awareness, and suicide prevention in the Veteran community. Her work bridges nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and the Department of Veterans Affairs to connect individuals with life-saving services, equipment, and resources.

Arielle’s professional and volunteer experience includes collaborating with the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Volunteers of America, and other community partners to address addiction recovery needs. She has a particular passion for harm-reduction initiatives, including the syringe exchange program, and works tirelessly to ensure equitable access to services that foster dignity and recovery.

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For more than a decade, Arielle has been the primary caregiver for a disabled Veteran, an experience that informs her compassionate and practical approach to advocacy. She currently serves as a Caregiver Peer Support Specialist at the Robley Rex VA Medical Center, where she provides guidance, encouragement, and connection to caregivers navigating similar challenges.

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Arielle’s background also includes specialized work in Veteran-focused social services and unique cultural exchange experiences through her involvement with the University of Louisville’s Brain and Sciences Department and the Ulster Project in Northern Ireland. These diverse experiences have strengthened her belief in the power of connection, cultural understanding, and holistic care in supporting individuals and communities.

Guided by her dedication to service, Arielle continues to champion programs that break down barriers to care, promote recovery, and support the mental health and well-being of Veterans and their families.

Vocational Consultant, Outreach Coordinator, HR & Media Advisor

Lia Murphy

Lia Murphy is a proud U.S. Army Veteran and seasoned Human Resources leader whose career reflects an unwavering commitment to service, strategic leadership, and advocating for the Veteran community. After serving in the military, she transitioned into the corporate sector, advanced into city government, and ultimately into public media—building a track record of connecting people, shaping policy, and amplifying voices that deserve to be heard.

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Her military foundation and 18+ years of HR expertise—spanning employee relations, DEIB strategy, leadership development, and compliance—have made her a trusted resource for Veterans navigating life after service. Whether leading initiatives in the public sector or driving cultural change in the workplace, Lia has consistently worked to remove barriers, open doors, and create opportunities for those who have worn the uniform.

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Now serving as Vocational Consultant and Outreach Coordinator at Operation Phoenix Rising, Lia channels her expertise into helping Veterans find purpose and stability through meaningful employment, vocational training, and career development. She works closely with employers, educational institutions, and community partners to match Veterans' skills and aspirations with opportunities that will help them thrive.

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With a unique blend of lived military experience, HR leadership across corporate, government, and media landscapes, and credentials including EEOC Investigator training and ongoing pursuit of her MSHRM and SHRM-SCP, Lia is a powerful advocate and connector within the Veteran community. She approaches every mission with energy, empathy, and determination—ensuring every Veteran who walks through OPR's doors is met with respect, dignity, and a clear path toward their next chapter.

Certified Peer Support Specialist, Suicide Prevention Coordinator

James Murphy

James “Murf” Murphy is a disabled Iraqi Freedom Combat Veteran whose life reflects resilience, service, and leadership. From 2003–2011, he served proudly as a U.S. Army Infantryman, later continuing his mission on the home front through private security and, since 2015, as a Peer Support Specialist in mental health.

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With more than a decade of professional experience, James has become a trusted advocate in the areas of Substance Use Disorders (SUDs), combat trauma, and suicide prevention. His career has included service at The Brook Hospital, Central State Hospital, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, where he helped advance local and national initiatives that save lives. He played a key role in building the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention Program and shaping Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) programs, ensuring that justice-involved Veterans received support, not stigma.

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James currently serves on the board of the Kentucky Suicide Prevention Group and partners with the Taylor Foundation to raise awareness and drive action in PTSD and suicide prevention. His lived experience, professional expertise, and deep compassion make him a powerful voice in the Veteran community.

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In recovery since 2012, James continues to focus on family, physical fitness, and martial arts as anchors in his own healing journey. Married to his military sweetheart since 2008, he is a proud husband and father of two.

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At Operation Phoenix Rising, James brings not just skills but authenticity and heart to the Peer Support Program. His passion for helping fellow Veterans achieve their own definition of success makes him an irreplaceable asset to the mission: Your Mission is Now YOU.