I believe deeply in the fundamental connection between mental health and nature. Just as the great outdoors can present unexpected obstacles, steep climbs, and challenging terrain, mental health can bring experiences that feel overwhelming or insurmountable. Both require patience, perseverance, and a willingness to engage fully with the process.

Much like encountering a downed tree on a trail, mental health challenges often require us to roll up our sleeves, get our hands dirty, and take active steps to overcome the obstacle in front of us. By facing these challenges head-on and navigating them with care and determination, we can reach the summit finding clarity, resilience, and a sense of accomplishment. My work with Dirty Hands Project reflects this philosophy, as I strive to promote mental wellness, encourage open dialogue, and provide tools and support for those navigating their own journeys.

Amy Kenneally is a lifelong resident of North Andover, Massachusetts, deeply connected to her community and passionate about education. She currently works at Andover Public Schools in the Shawsheen Preschool, where she brings patience, dedication, and a nurturing spirit to her students every day. Her work reflects her commitment to fostering growth, curiosity, and a love of learning in young children.

Amy is also an avid nature enthusiast, and hiking is her favorite way to connect with the outdoors. She enjoys exploring trails, observing wildlife, and experiencing the peacefulness and beauty that nature provides. Two of her three children live in Arizona, which gives her the opportunity to travel and immerse herself in the stunning landscapes and unique wildlife of the Southwest. Amy’s love for family, education, and the natural world inspires her to bring energy, compassion, and purpose to every aspect of her life, including her involvement with the Dirty Hands Project.

Kristen Bixby is a dedicated media Account Executive with a passion for connecting people, building relationships, and delivering results in her professional career. Outside of work, she enjoys a balanced and fulfilling life filled with both adventure and relaxation. Kristen loves immersing herself in a good book, exploring the beauty of nature on walks in the woods with her dogs, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.

Family is at the heart of Kristen’s life. She cherishes the time she spends with her husband, Steve, and their four children, creating lasting memories and nurturing a supportive, loving home environment. Through her involvement with the Dirty Hands Project, Kristen brings her energy, compassion, and commitment to the mission of raising awareness for mental health, while also encouraging meaningful community engagement. Her dedication to both family and advocacy reflects her belief in the importance of connection, support, and making a positive impact wherever possible.

Andrea became involved with the Dirty Hands Project through her life-long friendship with co-founder Liz Moughan. Her connection to the organization is deeply personal, and she is committed to supporting its mission of raising awareness around mental health. Andrea explains, “I help in this work to honor Ty’s memory and to help foster discussion and action on a disease that has profound personal impacts on us all.”

Through her dedication, Andrea works to create meaningful conversations around mental health, reduce stigma, and inspire community involvement. She believes that by sharing stories, providing resources, and encouraging open dialogue, we can collectively make a difference. Andrea’s involvement with DHP reflects her passion for advocacy, her commitment to honoring the lives affected by mental health struggles, and her desire to contribute to lasting, positive change in communities.

Matt Bazirgan is a dedicated family man, proudly married to his wife Jessica and a devoted father to four children: Brody, Charlie, Elizabeth, and Dansby. Beyond his family, Matt is a strong advocate for advancing mental health awareness and supporting initiatives that provide meaningful resources and support to those in need. He believes in the importance of proactive strategies and community involvement to promote emotional well-being for individuals and families alike.

Professionally, Matt serves as the Director of College Scouting for the Buffalo Bills, where his leadership, dedication, and strategic insight have made a lasting impact on the organization. Through his work with Dirty Hands Project, Matt combines his professional experience, personal passion, and commitment to mental health advocacy to create positive change, raise awareness, and support the mission of fostering stronger, healthier communities.

Evan brings a tenured career in software sales and leadership, where he has spent years mentoring teams and driving high-performing results. Through his professional journey, he has seen firsthand how the pressures of business can silently impact mental well-being. Evan is deeply committed to normalizing open, honest conversations about mental health especially within the business community, where vulnerability is often overlooked. His passion is driven by the profound loss of his best friend to a mental health illness, an experience that reshaped his purpose and strengthened his resolve to advocate for awareness, compassion, and support.

As the parent of a neurodivergent child, Meg is a passionate advocate for increasing awareness around the early identification of learning differences such as dyslexia. She has seen firsthand how misunderstood these challenges can be and how deeply they can impact a child’s confidence, emotional health, and overall well-being if they go unrecognized.

Meg believes that meaningful early intervention is not just an educational tool, but a critical foundation for long-term mental wellness. By ensuring children receive the support they need as early as possible, we empower them to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Through her work with Dirty Hands Project, she is committed to fostering understanding, reducing stigma, and promoting early action so that every child has the chance to grow, succeed, and feel supported.

Mental health was almost never discussed when I was young. In fact, I naively believed people could simply ‘snap out of it.’ As I’ve grown older and experienced life with more awareness and compassion, I’ve learned just how complex and overwhelming the internal battles can be for so many. What happens inside a person, the fear, the sadness, the confusion, the weight of invisible struggles can profoundly shape and sometimes overpower their daily lives.

This understanding has strengthened my commitment to supporting mental health advocacy through Dirty Hands Project. I want to help create a world where conversations about mental well-being are open, honest, and stigma-free, so no one feels alone or misunderstood. Through education, compassion, and community, we can make a lasting difference.