RESILIENCE TRAINING · COACHING · CONSULTING
Michael Pettinelli, PsyD, BCD, LCSW
Founder and CEO of The Resilient Force Project — a psychologist, Air Force Veteran, speaker, and resilience expert helping individuals, teams, and organizations perform at their best.
MEET DR. MICHAEL PETTINELLI
Helping individuals, teams, and organizations build sustainable resilience
Dr. Michael Pettinelli is a psychologist, Air Force Veteran, speaker, and resilience expert dedicated to helping individuals, teams, and organizations perform at their best. With more than 26 years of experience in mental health, leadership development, and military support services, he combines clinical expertise and coaching with real-world insight to help people uncover hidden patterns, adjust behaviors, and live in alignment with their values.
A veteran of the United States Air Force, Dr. Pettinelli deployed twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Southern Watch — experiences that deeply shaped his commitment to serving military members, veterans, first responders, and their families.
His work integrates clinical practice, leadership development, resilience training, and organizational consulting. He earned a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Syracuse University and a Doctorate in Psychology from California Southern University, where his research focused on leadership and its impact on service member well-being.
CREDENTIALS
Professional highlights
PsyD, California Southern University
MSW, Syracuse University
Board-Certified Diplomat (BCD)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Veteran, United States Air Force — two deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Southern Watch
26+ years of combined military and professional service
Adjunct Professor, SUNY Jefferson & Columbia College
Lead Instructor, The Psychology of Remote Combat course at multiple Air National Guard installations
Former Lead Training & EAP Professional, Clear Path for Veterans
Founder & CEO, The Resilient Force Project, LLC
EXPERTISE
Areas of expertise
Emotional Intelligence
Stress Management & Burnout Prevention
Leadership Development
Communication & Team Performance
Resilience Under Pressure
He supports professionals, organizations, and leaders navigating high stress, burnout, transition, and emotional overload through an integrated resilience approach that addresses physical wellness, emotional resilience, psychological strength, social connection, and purpose-driven growth.
SPEAKING
Presentations & training
Military conferences
First Sergeant Symposiums
Yellow Ribbon events
Leadership and organizational workshops
At the core of his work is a passion for helping people become the best version of themselves through meaningful connection, trust, and authentic resilience.
Helping Individuals, Teams, and Organizations Build Sustainable Resilience
Michael Pettinelli, PsyD, LCSW is the Owner and CEO of The Resilient Force Project, LLC, where he helps individuals and organizations strengthen resilience and perform under pressure.
A veteran of the United States Air Force, Dr. Pettinelli deployed twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedomand Operation Southern Watch — experiences that deeply shaped his commitment to serving military members, veterans, first responders, and their families.
With over 26 years of experience, his work integrates clinical practice, leadership development, resilience training, and organizational consulting. He earned a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Syracuse University and a Doctorate in Psychology from California Southern University, where his research focused on leadership and its impact on service member well-being.
His professional background includes:
Teaching at SUNY Jefferson and Columbia College
Leading training and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services for Clear Path for Veterans
Serving as Lead Instructor for The Psychology of Remote Combat across multiple Air National Guard installations
Dr. Pettinelli has delivered presentations and resilience training at:
Military conferences
First Sergeant Symposiums
Yellow Ribbon events
Leadership and organizational workshops
His areas of expertise include:
Emotional Intelligence
Stress Management & Burnout Prevention
Leadership Development
Communication & Team Performance
Resilience Under Pressure
He supports professionals, organizations, and leaders navigating high stress, burnout, transition, and emotional overload through an integrated resilience approach that addresses:
Physical wellness
Emotional resilience
Psychological strength
Social connection
Purpose-driven growth
At the core of his work is a passion for helping people become the best version of themselves through meaningful connection, trust, and authentic resilience.
Dr. Pettinelli lives in Yorktown with his wife and three children and remains dedicated to helping others adapt, grow, and lead with purpose.
Bring this work to your organization
Resilience training, organizational assessments, and leadership consulting tailored to the people you lead.
