CHAIRMAN

As a professional photographer/ artist I have found a lot of joy in my creative processes. They have helped open my eyes to many possibilities. Turning something negative into a positive. I also have a passion for helping others.

Photography and other creative outlets have helped me see in a different light. Conversations with my subjects have confirmed that our creative processes have helped them as well. It has given me a propose and a mission to help people further. I want to give everyone the same gift that I received when I started showing as a professional artist.

I have had my fair share of challenges through my life being diagnosed with (GAD) Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and an alcohol addiction. I have been clean since January 2nd, 2012. I still fight these demons every day, but it has become easier. I plan to utilize my experiences and creativity to help others fighting their mental health issues.

We are people helping people. I want to give you what I have.

VICE CHAIRMAN

As a life long supporter of the arts and an advocate of the cathartic nature of art in any medium as a means of therapy and enrichment in ones life, the invite to be part of the RISR organization is a welcome and unique opportunity.

My hope is to utilize my skills as a successful business leader and business owner, passionate artist, and caring and compassionate husband and father. As a business leader, my career was focused on positive leadership structures, team building and leadership and personal development. As an artist, I utilized several mediums to realize the voice I needed at a given moment, to tell the story or express the conflict brewing in my life. As a husband and father, understanding the need for support and being supportive during adverse circumstances becomes ever important.

Assuming the role of Vice chairman, I will be working to keep the structure of the organization performing at a level equal to the importance of the mission to aide individuals struggling with how to coupe with the difficulties life sometimes offers. Understanding how art has provided me a needed respite during difficult periods in my own life, I hope sharing the experience and opening up to others in need of this appreciation will allow individuals lost in their own issues to realize these issues while difficult and unique to them do not have to be experienced alone or without support.

RECORDER

I am a passionate individual and always put my energy toward helping others. Aiding in an individual’s journey of personal growth is one of my major missions in life.

I openly talk about my personal struggles to help destigmatize the difficulties faced in life. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I have struggled with finding my voice and actually feeling heard.

The pressure of being a first generation American and first generation college has also weighed on me. It not only made life feel impossible at times, but it really hindered the progress I had planned to see for myself. Ultimately changing my life’s course.

I have suffered from abuse and have been diagnosed with major depression and anxiety disorder. Finding creative outlets and investing time into them has given me the opportunity to channel my thoughts and feelings into something positive.

Another thing making my personal journey better overall has been surrounding myself with individuals who are supportive and who provide guidance if I need it. At RSIR, I have found an inspiring and uplifting community accepting of all the complexities making me myself.

Whether it’s to give advice or just lending an ear, I love listening to what other individuals have on their mind. As RSIR’s Recorder, I believe everyone has a story and I’m here when you’re ready to share yours.

FINANCIALS

"Hold on tight and enjoy the ride!" Seems to be my new motto, and boy is it fitting!

2021 brought unprecedented challenges for everyone world wide...and, attitude is everything - yes?!

2021 brought my personal lowest of lows, hairpin turns, plot twists, and the most astounding highest of highs (the crazy things that the most captivating novels are made of. I mean...hold.on.what?! Rinse and repeat! Again and again.) Talk about some serious emotional whiplash. But you better believe I’m still going, still holding on. Ultimately...the past two years have brought me to the best place I've ever been. But I’m far from done, because there is a lot more digging deep and digging in ahead.

I've been introduced to a few incredible communities these last two years, and connected with so many phenomenal people as a result. These communities, and the people within them, have blown my mind, unleashed my freedom & unearthed passions that I never knew I had.

I was introduced to Urban Exploration, or the exploration of abandoned buildings. I would now call myself an amateur photographer and I am beyond thrilled to have the privilege to capture the current state....of what once was, and what was long ago, forgotten. Exploration then opened the floodgates for me which led to portrait photography, self expression, vulnerability, and collaborations and so much more. All of which, I understand now, supported my mental health reconstruction and deepened my desire to connect with, and to help others. As I worked through so many of my own struggles and challenges, focusing on my mental health and wellbeing, I discovered so much of myself in these beautiful lost places, through this new found outlet and creativity.

I have two phenomenal kids (and a herd of bonus kids) who fill my days with joy and laughter, chaos and crazy. I love weightlifting, sushi, and country music. I have a background in finance and am beyond thrilled and honored, to be supporting the RSIR team and mission.