Ross is the Director of Youth Outreach for the National Mental Health Awareness Campaign. When he was only 11, Ross' older brother was forced to take a leave of absence from college because of an episode with bipolar disorder. Ross himself was diagnosed with this disorder when he was 16. He also suffered from anger control issues and psychotic features. While a senior in high school, Ross was hospitalized because of suicidal thoughts. Due to a relapse while a freshman at American University, he took a leave of absence to deal with it.

Ross began speaking out about mental illness while still in high school. He knew there was so much people did not understand about this. He also knew that many happy faces are actually hiding the depression they feel inside.

A report by the Surgeon General estimates that over 66% of people with a substance use disorder have a co-occurring mental health problem. That is why Ross' message is so critical for today's teens and those who love them.

Today, Ross is the youngest speaker represented by CAMPUSSPEAK, the nation's leading provider of educational speakers to college campuses and organizations. He has been featured in Parade and Seventeen magazines, and his program has been adapted into a television special for PBS. He has also appeared on many television news programs to speak out about mental illness.

Ross did graduate from American University and holds a degree in psychology. He currently lives in Los Angeles and has no plans to give up his hope of eradicating the stigma associated with depression and other mental illnesses.

It is an honor for the Tim Ardis Foundation of Hope to be able to bring Ross' powerful message to Peoria. We know we can make a difference in the lives of the young people in our community!

For more information on Ross, click here.