Growing up in small town New Jersey, I was always curious about the world beyond my hometown. From an early age, I appreciated the importance of community. In high school, I was fortunate to have a safe space where young people could be themselves—free from judgment, fostering open conversations, and helping me build an extended family of caring peers and mentors.

 

These experiences inspired me to defer my education, pack my bags, and volunteer full-time in Louisiana, helping to rebuild homes after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. I was continually inspired by the resilience of the people I met, reminding me of the saying, “it takes a village.” After that, I moved to Florida, where I engaged in community-building through food sharing, starting a bicycle co-op, and embracing the idea of “solidarity, not charity.”

 

Eventually, I made my way to the Pacific Northwest and met my wonderful wife, Ashley. After several years of visiting her family in Chelan, we decided to make it our home in 2020. This valley, with its breathtaking landscapes—from the towering peaks at the north end of the lake to the flowing waters of the Columbia River—has been a perfect playground for us as we raise our son, Hunter.

 

When we moved to Chelan, I wanted to give back to a place that had already given me so much. Recognizing the positive impact that supportive spaces and programs had on my own life made Thrive a natural fit for me.