About Us
The PTSD Family
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Our Story
The idea and mission of Professional Transformation Sports Development (PTSD) was conceived in 2012 by founder Russell Davies. Russell was recently relieved of military duty in 2011, and within a year, he had discovered kayaking to be a source of relief and rehabilitation in coping with post-military life.
In establishing himself as a recognized athlete in the extreme kayaking community, he learned that outdoor sporting is as reliant on its community as it is on the activities themselves. Since coming to this realization, he’s shaped his passion and focus around sharing the benefits of outdoor recreation with veterans of the U.S. Military also inflicted with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Depression. The Board of Directors for PTSD is comprised of colleagues sharing similar interests and passion in the benefits of therapeutic sporting.
P.T.S.D Can Happen To Anyone.
It Is Not A Sign Of Weakness.
Number of Veterans in the U.S.
%
of Vietnam Veterans suffer P.T.S.D.
%
of OIF / OEF Veterans suffer P.T.S.D.
%
of Desert Storm Veterans suffer P.T.S.D.
What We Do
We invite veterans from all over the country to apply to participate in one of our four sessions. Each session will give veterans an opportunity to experience two-weeks of the sports offered during that session. These sessions are designed to change their lives for the better, while providing a family-first enviornment. We cover your food, accomodations, entertainment, training, and gear. The best part? You get to keep the gear upon completion of our course. There is nothing else out there quite like what we do.
Check out each sport below and sign up for the session that interests you!
Who We Are
RUSSELL DAVIES
Founder / CEO
SHAWN SHELL
Vice President / COO
BRENNAN DEEG
Treasurer / CSO
CAYSTON PICKENS
Secretary / CMO
MATTEA SHELL
Controller
MATT KRUMWIEDE
Community Outreach Coordinator
AKELA
Mascot
Making a Difference, One Veteran at a Time
PTSD hopes to educate veterans on how to overcome P.T.S.D. and/or depression through engagement in outdoor sports of their choosing. We do this by giving them the skills and resources necessary to discover a positive new direction in life in a caring, inclusive, learning environment alongside other veterans who share a similar passion.
Gear
Quality gear is essential to properly participating in extreme sports.
- Safety is important! All Safety gear is also provided.
- Pursue the sport and change your life.
- Veterans will keep their gear upon completion of the course
Personal
You’re not alone.
- Meet other veterans struggling with P.T.S.D.
- Create a new sense of adventure in life!
- Develop a passion for extreme sports.
- Change your outlook!
Networking
Develop a network of individuals with similar interests.
- Meet veterans from all over the country.
- Create bonds with people who share your interests.
- After the retreat, PTSD will continue to be there for you.