About Us

Driven by a passion for community well-being, Oneil Brown established To Prepare in February 2025, a 501c(3) nonprofit organization. Drawing on his years of dedicated service with East Texas CERT, including collaboration on search and rescue efforts with the Child Abduction Response Team (C.A.R.T.), Oneil recognized a critical need for proactive education. To Prepare directly addresses this by delivering impactful programs focused on equipping families with crucial knowledge about abduction statistics and providing tangible resources to minimize negative impacts.

Beyond abduction awareness, To Prepare actively strengthens community resilience through accessible training in essential emergency response skills. We empower individuals with vital techniques in CPR, first-aid, Stop the Bleed, and practical steps for navigating medical and natural emergencies. At To Prepare, we take action to cultivate safer, more informed, and ultimately stronger communities.

Andrew Harden, President

I bring over a decade of leadership and athletic experience within Richardson ISD. An alumnus of Lake Highlands High School, I continued my academic and athletic pursuits at the University of Memphis on an athletic scholarship, where I earned letters in both football and track and field. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Professional Studies and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership.

Over the past 19 years, my roles have included PTA President, Health and Physical Education Instructor, Instructional Coach, Behavior Specialist, Teacher Mentor Lead, Head Track and Field Coach, Varsity Assistant Football Coach, and Sub-Varsity Head Coach.

I am actively involved in several professional organizations, including the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA), Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA), Texas Alliance of Black School Educators (TASBE), Richardson Area Alliance of Black School Educators (RAASBE), Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA), Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA), USA Track and Field (USATF), and the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). , I am also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Oneil Brown, Executive Director

Hello, my name is Oneil Brown. I’ve been an herbalist for over seven years and became a Certified Master Herbalist with the American Naturopathic Medical Certification Board in 2022. My work is centered on promoting holistic wellness. I am dedicated to using natural approaches to help support the body’s ability to thrive.

This passion for helping others and preparedness led me to become a certified instructor for Wilderness First Aid, CPR, and First Aid with both the Emergency Care & Safety Institute (ECSI) and the American Red Cross. I am also an instructor for Stop the Bleed with The American College of Surgeons (ACS) and The Stop the Bleed Coalition.

For the last seven years, I have been a volunteer with my local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) here in East Texas, focusing on search and rescue. I also have the opportunity to collaborate with the Northeast Texas Child Abduction Response Team (CART) on missing person cases which includes both children and adults.

Driven by a desire to empower my community, I founded the non-profit “To Prepare.” Our goal is to provide awareness and training on child safety and to offer essential emergency preparedness education and training classes.

Caroline Laporte, Secretary

Greetings! I am a women-owned small business entrepreneur with over 20 years of executive leadership in the Travel and Fitness industries. As founder of BalletConnect Fitness, I bring a unique blend of business acumen and wellness expertise to every venture.

I am proud to contribute to the early-stage development of To Prepare, an innovative educational initiative focused on survival, safety, and public well-being. My goal is to leverage my experience and multidisciplinary background to support the growth and impact of this transformative program.

I hold an MBA in International Management and Finance from the University of Dallas, with a professional background in Supply Chain Management, Strategic Marketing & Business Planning, Consulting & Finance.

My artistic and wellness credentials include:

  • National Bronze Medalist in Ballet (National Conservatoire); a former ballerina with over 10 years as an instructor to all levels and ages
  • Certified Medical Massage Therapist in the state of Texas and Colorado
  • Practitioner of Kniasseff Floor Barre and Evminov method
  • Alternative healing modalities such as Serum de Quinton therapies, Breathing Techniques Researcher and more.

Tavara, Vice President

Coming Soon!