Javin Peterson is the founder and Executive Director of Shepherd’s Gate. His story is a testament in perseverance, faith and overcoming obstacles. At an early age Javin struggled with ailments that created pain in his legs and joints. The pain atrophied his legs and at times impacted his ability to walk. Ever the optimist, he did not allow these challenges deter him from pursuing his dreams and calling to fly.

 In 2000, then 2nd Lieutenant Peterson graduated from the US Air Force Academy with a B.S. degree in Human Factors Engineering and commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. At the Academy, he was a 3-time All-American and 2-time USAG national Still Rings champion. Following graduation, then Lt Peterson was assigned to Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas for pilot training. He earned a KC-135 aerial refueling tanker and the Del Rio Chamber of Commerce Citizenship Award for outstanding work with the local community. As an aerial refueling pilot, Javin amassed over 600 combat hours and earned five Air Medals for sustained excellence in Iraq and Afghanistan. He served over 20 years culminating as a Lt Colonel and "Air Force Two" pilot at Joint Base Andrews, MD.

The vision for Shepherd’s Gate Health was born in the spring of 2010 as Javin was watching the Affordable Care Act debates. Frustrated by the process, Javin thought “somebody should do something about this”. His question was answered with a tug on his heart saying “Yes, you’re right, you should.” After running from this answer, Javin, like Jonah, ultimately choose to be obedient to the promptings on his heart and enrolled in the Masters of Health Administration program at George Washington University. While at GW, Shepherd’s Gate began to take shape and Javin has been working with community stakeholders, namely churches, to provide solutions to address the Social Determinants of Health with the underserved in their community. One of the areas Javin is most proud of is Shepherd's Gate Health's impact the area of adolescence mental health and addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences .