Founding Partner Phillip Aronson is a motivational speaker on the topic of depression/suicide prevention and awareness. He shares his personal story of courage and hope with schools, universities, civic groups and corporations around the country. Formerly a principal in his own advertising marketing and communications firm, and Vice President of the Emme® brand, Phil is also a singer/songwriter who performs with his identical twin Seth, under the name Aronson Twins.

“I know there is a reason to have had suffered so greatly for so long. I am one face of depression and am wholly committed to publicly destigmatizing it,” says Phil. As the co-author of Morning Has Broken: A Couple's Journey Through Depression (NAL, 2006), Phil has already established himself as an advocate for those who have been similarly affected. In conjunction with his book release, Phillip has furthered his inspiring message on The Oprah Winfrey Show, the Today Show, CBS Early Show, CNN American Morning with Soledad O’Brien, Montel, The Insider, Access Hollywood, Newsweek, and People magazine. As a result of his public discussion about his very personal experience, sufferers around the country contact him on a daily basis through his website, www.philliparonson.com, seeking an understanding ear and more importantly a ray of hope.

Phillip, with his wife supermodel Emme, co-authored their compelling and heartwarming book to chronicle their ordeal as a couple struggling with Phillip’s two and a half year battle with depression. Written in alternating voices from the perspectives of both the sufferer and caregiver, Morning Has Broken serves as a source of encouragement and hope for the millions of people who are touched in some way by depression. As a Wellness Coach for the AOL Coaches Program (www.coaches.com), Phillip offers an exclusive, on- demand, interactive sampling of the kind of insights and advice shared in Morning Has Broken.

For his outstanding work in the mental health arena, Phil was awarded the 2006 Golden Bell Leadership Award by the New Jersey Mental Health Association and was honored by the Mental Health Association of Westchester in recognition of his dedication and contribution to the field of mental health. In March 2007, Phillip testified at a United States Congressional Hearing in support of the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act which would grant greater access to mental health and addiction treatment and prohibit health insurers from placing discriminatory restrictions on treatment.

A 1985 graduate of Syracuse University with a BA in Fine Arts, Phil lives on the East Coast with his wife, Emme, and their five year old daughter. For more information, please visit www.philliparonson.com

Founding Partner Mark Meier has 13 years experience as a licensed clinical social worker, administrator of a large healthcare organization, and is currently the CEO of Creative Workplace Solutions, a Minneapolis based consulting firm dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of depression and conflict in the workplace. In addition Mark has received national awards for his work in improving care for individuals with chronic diseases and for reducing conflict between patients and healthcare providers.

Mark is a nationally recognized speaker about the perils of depression and was first diagnosed as a junior in college. Due to his own battles with depression, Mark was forced to step down from his position as administrator of a large dialysis center 7 years ago. Since that time, Mark has received the help he needed to live successfully with his depression. Mark has appeared on numerous television news programs on behalf of Forest Laboratories to talk about the challenges of living with depression and he is currently featured in a national education program discussing depression.

Mark received his bachelor’s degree in 1991 from the University of Minnesota and his Master’s degree in 1994 from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. Mark lives in Minneapolis with his wife Amy and their 3 children.

Founding Partner A.J. Meyer has more than 13 years of experience as an entrepreneur, CEO and employer. He has worked with start-up companies and Fortune 500’s alike. His current company, Artropolis, Inc., provides online marketing services and innovative web-based software solutions including online training systems, e-commerce and auction systems, and event registration systems.

Like nearly everyone who has been fortunate enough to not suffer from depression, A.J. has directly experienced the effects of depression on his life via family, close friends, employees and clients. A 1991 graduate of the University of Minnesota with a BS in Journalism, A.J. lives in the Twin Cities with his wife Babs and 2 children.