At The STEPS Foundation, we understand from personal experience that the transition from military to civilian life can be a challenging journey, not just for the service member but also for the family. Founded out of genuine need, The STEPS Foundation emerged from the realization that while there were numerous organizations dedicated to supporting veterans, there was a significant gap in resources for the spouses of those who served in Special Operations Forces (SOF).

Our story began with a personal journey. As a spouse of a SOF veteran with 26 years on active duty, I experienced first hand the lack of support available for SOF spouses navigating the complexities of this transition. Determined to bridge this gap, The STEPS Foundation was born.

With the invaluable support of fellow organizations who support the SOF community, we embarked on a two-year journey of development and collaboration. Partnering with SOF spouses like Miriya Smith, our Director of Programs, has added immense value to our team and the programming we offer. 70% of our service providers are Spouses from the SOF community. Drawing from our collective experiences and insights, we have crafted holistic, personalized programming designed specifically to address the unique needs of SOF spouses as they reintegrate into civilian life.

In December of 2023, The STEPS Foundation was founded to continue the Spouse Transition Enrichment Programs and Support (STEPS) serving the SOF community with support and guidance for SOF spouses across the nation. We navigate the challenges, celebrate the victories, and uplift one another on the transformative journey.

Welcome to the STEPS Foundation, where we are empowering women every step of the way.

The STEPS Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt, national non profit charitable foundation. Tax I.D. Number 37-2120310

Meet the Team

Angela DeJarnette

Founder & Executive Director

Angela DeJarnette, the Founder and Executive Director of The STEPS Foundation, brings her unwavering commitment and personal experience to empower the spouses of Special Operations service members during their transition from military to civilian life.

Having been married to Captain Tom DeJarnette for the last two decades, seventeen of which he spent as a U.S. Navy SEAL, Angela intimately understands the unique challenges faced by military spouses throughout their journey. Her family's story includes enduring six deployments, ten relocations, and two overseas tours, residing in places such as Okinawa and Belgium. Angela's dedication to supporting military families led her to collaborate closely with Ombudsmen and Family Resource Group Coordinators, providing crucial assistance to service members' families during deployments.

Miriya Smith

Director of Programs

Miriya Smith, our dedicated Director of Programming at The STEPS Foundation, brings a rich background and deep commitment to her role. Originally from Southern Maine, Miriya ventured to Boston, Massachusetts, where she pursued her passion for Entrepreneurship and Marketing, earning a BA degree from Suffolk University.

After completing her education, Miriya found her way to the sunny shores of San Diego, California, where she has made her home with her Husband for the past 14 years. During this time, she has established herself as a seasoned professional in Human Resources, dedicating 11 years to this field. Her expertise in HR has equipped her with valuable insights into the dynamics of organizational management and development. Miriya's extensive HR experience is now directed towards her heartfelt commitment to the military community through her work with STEPS.

A graduate of Vanderbilt University, Angela furthered her knowledge by completing the Military Spouse Leadership Development Program in 2022. Her certifications from The McChrystal Group Academy, Harvard University National Preparedness Leadership Initiative, and Psych Hub Mental Health Ally reflect her commitment to improving the lives of military families.
Currently residing in California with her husband, two children, Sophia and Jack, and their beloved Golden Retriever, Sandy, Angela cherishes the coastal lifestyle while passionately giving back to her military sisters. Her dedication to supporting and mentoring transitioning military spouses remains at the heart of The STEPS Foundation's mission, ensuring that every spouse finds the strength, resources, and community they need to thrive in their civilian life.