Erik DaRosa

Erik DaRosa, known by friends as “Yoda,” is the Founder and CEO of From Survivor to Thriver, a mental health advocate, speaker, author, podcaster, and creator of the U-MOST (Unlocking Minds On Snow Together) Ski and Snowboard Program. Through his work and his own lived experience, Erik is upending the front-end of the mental health space and building a bridge between those who seek resources and those who provide both help and hope. He aims to normalize discussions around mental health topics while reminding others they are not alone, there is strength in community, and “it's perfectly ok to not always be ok.”

In 2011, Erik traded in a successful career as a NYC finance executive when he moved to Colorado with his wife and two cats. Erik spent 12 winters as a full-time ski instructor for the Aspen Skiing Company and is excited to launch U-MOST (visit u-most.com for more information) in December 2024. Born and raised in New England, Erik earned his MBA from the NYU Stern School of Business and his BA in Economics from Brandeis University.

Mack Bailey

Mack Bailey is an award-winning singer-songwriter and a board-certified music therapist. After a career as a professional touring musician with the Limeliters, A Musical Tribute to John Denver and The Hard Travelers, Mack earned his master’s degree in music therapy with a focus on neurologic music therapy. Mack completed his internship at Children’s Colorado Hospital in Aurora working in the psychiatric unit.

Mack’s combined passion for communication and expression, along with his desire to learn more of how the brain works with music, drives his dedication to researching new techniques in addressing Music and the PTSD Brain with military veterans and at-risk populations. He achieves this through his nonprofit organization, Music Therapy Retreats. Mack lives in Aspen, Colorado with his wife and son.

Kathleen Elizabeth Callahan

Kathleen Elizabeth Callahan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a thriving private practice in Aspen, Colorado, where she provides comprehensive treatment for anxiety, depression, ADHD, couples, and families. Additionally, Kathleen offers expertise in athletic performance coaching, catering to individuals seeking to enhance their sporting abilities.

With a rich history of nonprofit development and leadership, Kathleen is a founding member of Aspen Strong, a testament to her commitment to mental health advocacy. She is deeply invested in educating the community about mental health and wellness resources available in the Roaring Fork Valley. Her dedication is exemplified through her administration of Hospitality Matters; Serving Human Kindness, a free bi-monthly support group designed to address the unique challenges faced by individuals working in the hospitality industry in the region. Through this initiative, Kathleen collaborates with local community resources to provide practical solutions and support.

Kathleen’s passion for making a positive impact is unwavering, and she expresses her gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to such meaningful endeavors. Her dedication to fostering mental health awareness and her proactive approach to community engagement make her an invaluable asset to Aspen and beyond.

Mike Jacobs

Mike Jacobs was born and raised in Queens, New York, and started skiing after graduating college. He came to Aspen, Colorado that first year, skiing over 40 years ago and knew immediately that one day he would live there. Twenty-five years later the dream was realized. It took the 9/11 tragedy and the death of his father a few months later to take the hint that spirit wanted a big change. He came to Aspen just to ski because he knew skiing would get him out of bed each day. A couple of years later, Mike was asked to try out for the ski school and loved it. He achieved the highest level of Aspen Ski School instruction early in his ski teaching career and maintained that level by recertifying every two years, including this year (2024). During this evaluation, two of Mike’s examiners stated he continues to ski better and is an inspiration to many instructors. When he is not teaching skiing, Mike attends spiritual workshops in Europe and North America designed to allow one to be the most authentic being possible in this lifetime. “Skiing helps me feel humble and in sync with the universe,” says Mike. “The combination of skiing and heart work is perfect therapy and spiritual connection. It helps my clients fall into gratitude for life in our mountains.”

Chloe Merry

Hi, I'm Chloe Merry. Originally from Hobart, Australia, I set out early on a career in healthcare, but soon recognised a healthy balance could be realised pursuing my passion for skiing. I found my calling teaching skiing in Thredbo, Australia, went on to spend numerous northern hemisphere winters instructing throughout the USA and Canada, and on tour coaching with the Australian Aerial Ski Team. With 17+ years in the skiing industry, it is a career that has seen me challenge my own personal and mental boundaries, physical capabilities, and expertise. This experience has given me valuable insight into the beneficial opportunity for growth and community connection through snowsports and the true healing nature of the alpine mountain environment. I am passionate about guiding people to connect and experience the transformative power of skiing.

Ann O’Brien

Ann O’Brien is a no-nonsense mystic, intuitive and spiritual guide, here to help you reclaim all that you are and create an amazing life!

As a teenager, Ann began spiritual studies and meditation in order to make sense of her sensitivity. Initially inspired to master her own energy and life, in the late 1999’s she began 10 years of advanced trainings in clairvoyance, energy healing and mediumship. After a few years as a singersongwriter, Ann’s calling became clear. She dedicated herself full-time to spiritual work in 2004 and has now worked with tens of thousands of clients worldwide.

Ann is the author of two #1 Amazon best-selling books, A Woman’s Guide to Conscious Love: Navigating the Play of Energy Dynamics in Your Relationships and Everyone Is Psychic: How to Awaken Your Intuition to Improve Your Relationships, Enrich Your Life and Read Others. Based in the Roaring Fork Valley of western Colorado, Ann offers sessions at True Nature Healing Arts in Carbondale. She also gives talks, workshops, and private sessions throughout the U.S. as well as virtually. When not working, she is passionate about skiing, hiking, biking, music, gardening, and healthy living.

Learn more at www.AnnOBrienLiving.com.

Ailin Saiz

Hello, I’m Ailin Saiz. Skiing has been one of the longest relationships I’ve ever had, becoming an integral part of my life. This enduring passion has shaped my character and guided me through challenging moments, helping me navigate and grow with each step. Music has also played a significant role in my life, offering healing and enjoyment alongside my love for yoga and mindfulness.

Since skiing and the mountains have been so transformative for me, I’m passionate about helping and inspiring others. I work at Aspen Snowmass Ski School, where I teach guests, train and examine instructors with PSIA-AASI (USA), and I’m currently working towards my examiner degree with AADIDESS (Argentina). My background in communication helps me connect all these different aspects of my life and work.

My journey brought me to Aspen when I was just 14, drawn by the unique bond between this city and my hometown, Bariloche in Patagonia, Argentina. This special connection has been a driving force in my life, linking two beautiful skiing destinations and fueling my ongoing dedication to the sport.

Dana Theresa

With her gifts of empathy and energy sensitivity, Dana Theresa’s own healing journey inspired her to become a guide and mentor for others.

From a bedside nurse working in hospitals around the United States, to public health advocate and field nurse supervisor working in Uganda with Doctors Without Borders, to becoming the CEO and founder of her own holistic healing practice in Vail, Colorado, Dana’s work unites both Western and Eastern models of health and wellness. Her publications include articles in the Journal of The American Medical Association, CO Yoga + Life magazine, and Light of Consciousness magazine.

Dana is a Board-certified holistic nurse with a Master’s degree in Public Health. She is a Reiki Master, Registered Yoga Teacher, Akashic Records Practitioner, Shamanic Healer, and Spiritual and Energy Healing Mentor. All of the healing modalities Dana uses have a very special place in her heart. Each one has catalyzed immense healing and energetic shifts for her on her life’s path. The work she focuses on now is a special blend of all these modalities, which she calls the process of Soul Integration, which guides others back to their true essence, passion, and purpose. This work is not merely a technique. This is how Dana lives her life.

With the mountains of Colorado as her home, Dana loves to ski powder, bike tour, rock climb, connect deeply to nature, and travel all over this beautiful planet. Learn more at DanaTheresa.com.

Mia Wilson

Mia Wilson has been practicing psychotherapy in the Roaring Fork Valley since 1997 and has been in the mental health field for over 25 years. She earned a BA in Psychology from Lake Forest College and graduated from University of Colorado with an MA in Counseling Psychology. She is also a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Colorado.

Her professional work experience includes a variety of settings such as: residential treatment centers, psychiatric hospitals, residential substance abuse programs, and outpatient mental health centers. She also worked as an Early Childhood Consultant in Pitkin County, Colorado for 16 years. In 2006, Mia opened her private counseling practice in Basalt, CO so she could easily serve clients from up and down the Roaring Fork Valley. “I can honestly say that I love what I do for a living! I’m grateful to be able to accompany incredible people on journeys about self-discovery and creating more contentment in their lives,” says Mia.

When she’s not in the office you’ll find her enjoying adventures with her husband and daughter. Her personal interests include: live music, being outside, yoga, skiing, road trips, camping, audible books, spending time with family and friends, and traveling to far corners of the world. Learn more at MiaWilsonCounseling.com.