Meet the Team

These are the strong-hearted individuals who are working at and with Knowledge Point Network to help us reach our goals.

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Zach Griffin tested extremely high on their tests when he joined the Army. Being a great problem solver, he became a helicopter mechanic. Then the Iraq War began. An extremely good mechanic, he was in high demand to ride on the choppers. When the pilots landed to rest, he had to get on another chopper, then another. He ate and slept (and sleep was rare) on the choppers with hostile fire conditions at any moment for weeks at a time. The pressure to get those multi-million-dollar vehicles quickly operational after a breakdown was intense. With friends being killed by IED bombs and Iraqi rocket attacks, the toll on him was devastating, but he hung in there and was honorably discharged. Back in America, he worked several jobs, each one always paying better but with more and more pressure. He barely slept, but drove himself on, trying to forget. He twice came close to suicide. His wife had an affair and left him. Hitting rock bottom, he spent two years living with a Cowboy Church pastor. His faith grew and his original “giving heart” that he had as a child returned. He became a mentor for the Texas Vet Court, helping fellow PTSD sufferers. After one KPN event, Zach volunteered and has grown into his current leadership position. His outreach and charisma is a boon to so many other PTSD sufferers. His life purpose is: To save other veterans. Zach’s Relationship to the Organization. When Zach attended a KPN’s forest event, he immediately saw the value of KPN’s method to help veterans overcome PTSD. He signed on and has traveled every trail in the state park forest. After re-discovering his faith and leading Christian retreats, he now utilizes his leadership talents for KPN. He is even a leader in “Healing Waters” which helps veterans with fishing. Zach is an overcomer. Why is the project important to Zach? Zach’s mission purpose is found in “saving other veterans.” He’s been there! And his giving heart is for them. He feels KPN is outfitting veterans to return to normal life, and he sees KPN as a vital tool in their growth because the organization helps each veteran formulate and attain his or her own positive vision. He lives to foster success in others and to help them make their life vision become a reality. Knowing that the chasm is too big for some veterans to achieve success, he wants to be there for them. What is remarkable about Zach? Zach Griffin never gives up. This standard alone is highly evident to attendees at the events, whether in the forest or inside the team-building facility. His self-confidence and grace exudes from him, yet his story is a profound example for other veterans of “yes, you can overcome.” In various situations, Zach is an outstanding problem-solver. He quickly assesses and adjusts to meet the needs of an individual or a team. When the veterans share their stories or when they assist in restoring nature-damaged areas of the trails, he is there, always making a positive difference. Despite his multiple injuries, his attitude is always positive. Despite his personal life losses, he maintains a great relationship with his daughter and new wife. He is a premier example of how any veteran can become an overcomer.

Ed Ponikvar's journey in education traces its roots as a trainer and intervention specialist, marking the genesis of a remarkable ascent through the ranks. His trajectory led him to pivotal roles, such as regional marketing manager, regional vice president, and national director of education, where he reported directly to the CEO and Board of Governance. In these leadership capacities, Ed played a crucial role in developing and implementing innovative programs that fostered success contracting services for non-profit public education systems. Beyond the realm of education, Ed is a fervent advocate for the protection of natural resources. Relocating his family from the Northeast United States to Houston, Texas, Ed sought proximity to the Sam Houston National Forest. Nominated by both locals and the land lord (US Department of Agriculture) Ed relented and ran for the office of President. After 5 years of volunteering at the ground level he was voted by peers to preside over perhaps the most bureaucratic and complex ecosystem situations in the nation. Serving as Chairman of the Board for the Sam Houston Trails Coalition, Ed played a pivotal role in retooling the organization from bankruptcy to sustained solvency. Known for venturing where eagles fear to tread, Ed accomplished what all classify as impossible. Supported by an inner circle of loyal supporters who willingly walk through fire. Certainty of how to execute hort term tasks to achieve the long term mission is a crucial but natural skill for Ed. The key is uniting dissimilar personalities welded together through endeavor and at times strife. In 2019, Ed founded Knowledge Point Network (KPN), a 501c3 charity with a mission to provide purpose for disabled and PTSD-suffering military veterans. Serving as sentinels of serenity, these veterans access natural forests and engage in physical activities blended with stewardship. KPN's impact extends mental health solutions through a process sensitive to ensuring access on fragile soils across the nation, offering potent intervention through a sense of mission that benefits all involved, particularly disabled and PTSD-suffering individuals. Passionate about harnessing technology to enhance education, Ed became a certified train the trainer for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. His commitment to holistic well-being is evident in the programs he creates. Ed officially activated the “KPN Jr. Ambassador” program for ages 8 to 18. Designed to help students cope with stress and anxiety, they are guided to intentionally detach from technology. Making it fun getting things done is a mantra. Though stewardship disguised as play a culture envelopes the entire family though supporters and friends dedicated to do what ever it take for the parent to prosper. Recognized as a sought-after speaker and presenter, Ed has delivered keynote addresses at national conferences. His influence extends to various publications, including receiving the local Community Impact award. Labeled a "Trail Blazer" by the Houston Chronicle's Houston Gives Section, Ed graced the cover of AMA. Returning to his roots, Ed revitalized the community and renewed the original track equipment that marked the beginning of his unparalleled journey of giving. A graduate of Keller graduate school of management with an advanced electronics engineering degree, Ed resides in Houston with his wife and a delightful herd of Weiner dogs. His story is one of dedication to education, environmental stewardship, and a relentless commitment to making a positive impact on the world around him. If you wish for more information on KPN’s founder Google search “Perseverance pays Ed Ponikvar”

Dr. David Andrews

Key Event: Dine and Dash Dice Run

This concept is hard to describe to someone that has never ridden a motorcycle but becomes as tangible as dirt or water
once experienced. You eventually mount up on the motorcycle and take that first, sometimes scary, step into a journey of unknown ups, downs, and obstacles.

Dine & Dash Dice Run

Zach Griffin

Key Event: Outdoor Disabled and PTSD Suffering Veteran Workshop

We are in the transportation business but not external transportation, but internal toward better, more purpose-driven lives. We are here for those that want to change their trajectory from the inside out.

See how Zach Facilitates Mission Systemic Mission purpose

Mickie Thompson

Key Event: 3D Family art

Mickie’s passion has been decades in the making but it was Montgomery Texas
that activated her brand recognition. A portion of all of Mickie’s sales goes to KPN a 501c3 tax deductible charity.
After a short time olunteering catipulted Mickie work to be found in Galleries

See Their Contribution to the mission

Meet the Team

Bishop John Lewis B.O.D

Craig M Erickson B.O.D.

Tomas P. Larsson B.O.D.

Zach Griffin

Dr. David Andrews

Rebecca Noreiga

Mickie Thomson

Tina Ponikvar

Ed Ponikvar

Our Featured Volunteers

Dr. David Andrews

Zach Griffin

Mickie Thompson