Cherish Padro

portrait of a young woman on bridge with river in background

New York City native and Redding resident Cherish Padro has learned to manage her bipolar diagnosis despite the stigma she faced from family and well intentioned members of her church.”It’s been a challenging but rewarding journey. I’ve learned how to take care of myself and make the choices that are best for me.”

Mike Skondin

Mike Skondin sculpting glass

Brave Face, Mike Skondin, a U.S. Marine Veteran, talks about his experiences transitioning back to civilian life with PTSD after serving in Colombia and doing drug interdiction.

“I was constantly doing things to match the adrenaline level I experienced in combat,” says Mike. This drive attracted him and jobs with significant risk of physical injury, and led to substance abuse and two suicide attempts.

Greg Burgin Jr.

Portrait of Junior

Greg Burgin Jr. “I was born in Redding, and my family’s ancestral village is Turtle Bay. My mother is Mexican and Wintu. My father is mixed European blood. It was tough as a kid because I didn’t fit in with the white people, with the Mexicans or with the Indians. I spent my whole life […]

David Martinez

David Martinez playing guitar.

A Whitmore resident and Winnemem Wintu tribal member, David shares how he found peace after struggling with PTSD, racism and addiction.

Neil Shaw

neil with art

Neil Shaw shares his story of how he contracted accumulative Post Traumatic Stress Order from his life as a Sheriff’s Deputy, how it affected his life, and how he recovered and healed himself with the help of therapy, prayer and love from friends.

Kristen McChristian

Portrait of Kristen McChristian playing with service dog.

Burney resident Kristen shares how her psychiatric service dog Kiki helps her manage her PTSD and anxiety.