I am a father to 5 wonderful daughters, a grandfather to a precocious seven year old granddaughter, and a friend to many. I am also a professional musician who plays the guitar, sings, writes songs, plays the drums, and has released 3 musical cds that have been sold in every state of the USA and in many parts of the world. As a drummer I spent two years in the late 70s touring all of Great Britain with the hard rock band “American Train”. We got to eprform in many of the same venues back then as did The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Deep Purple, AC/DC and so many more. As a singer/songwriter/guitarist, I have performed throughout America – from Boston, MA to LA, CA and many parts in between. My musical endeavors have given me so many valuable and intersting experiences. I’m also an advocate, public speaker, and writer of published articles that address the concerns of mental health, trauma, and abuse. I like to hike, swim, camp, explore, spend time with family and frinds, read, listen to music, watch Public Broadcast Stations and movies, listen to National Public Radio, and I love coffee and pizza!!!!

That is who I am as a person… but I also deal with complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression (major at times), severe back problems, and mild Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). My health concerns are the result of a childhood and teenaged years filled with the pain and suffering caused by severe and protracted sexual, physical, and emotional abuse from my parents and many of thier friends.

Please know. I AM NOT A DIAGNOSIS – a diagnosis is not a destiny – It is not my destiny, though many have tried to make me feel otherwise, I am not an illness. But these health concerns have affected so much of my life due to the stigma and discrimination of those labeld “Mentally Ill”. I am the founder of Surviving Spirit and I hope to be part of the change in addressing and eradicating the stigma and discrimination that so many survivors of trauma, abuse, and mental health concerns face every day.