We challenge ourselves to spark conversation, break stigma, and inspire change.
Mental health affects everyone. Through Rise & Thrive, we challenge ourselves to spark conversation, break stigma, and inspire change.
Our Mission
Rise & Thrive is a movement dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and resilience through the power of movement and community. By challenging ourselves physically, we create space for personal growth, connection, and meaningful conversations about mental well-being. Our goal is to inspire individuals to rise above challenges, embrace their strength, and thrive—both mentally and physically.
“In any given year, 1 in 5 people in Canada will personally experience a mental health problem or illness.”
— Canadian Mental Health Association
Meet the Team
It all began with an idea. We wanted to create something bigger than ourselves—a movement that inspires resilience, sparks conversation, and builds community through movement. Rise & Thrive is our way of turning passion into purpose, using physical challenge as a catalyst for mental strength. What started as an idea has become a mission: to empower others to rise above challenges and thrive together.
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Mental Health Advocate & Podcast Host
Bob Pond is deeply committed to raising awareness about mental health, recognizing its crucial connection to physical well-being. Through his work with individuals facing injuries, he has seen firsthand how physical trauma can take a significant toll on mental health. Additionally, having lost close friends to suicide, he understands the devastating impact of untreated mental struggles. Bob is dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, fostering open conversations, and providing support to those in need. As a co-host of Rise & Thrive, he uses his platform to educate, inspire, and advocate for mental well-being.
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Mental Health Advocate & Podcast HostFor Natalie, mental health isn’t just a cause—it’s a calling. As a triathlete and a dedicated mental health professional, she understands the deep connection between physical endurance and mental resilience. Through her work with Tideline Wellness, she helps high performers optimize their well-being, recognizing that success isn’t just about pushing harder, but also about balance, recovery, and mental strength. Rise & Thrive is her way of bringing people together, creating a space where mental health is prioritized, conversations are open, and every individual—whether facing personal struggles or striving for peak performance—is reminded of their capacity to rise above challenges and thrive.