Meet The Team

Board Member
Matthew Aporta
I have a strong belief that there is now more than ever a need for more access for men (all ages) to mental health resources. I myself have struggled w/ finding my comfort in searching for and or taking part in therapy.

Board Member
baker arena
I have dealt with anxiety my entire life but I have found that fly fishing is a place where I can always find peace. I originally helped get Fishing the Good Fight off the ground in 2019 and I love volunteering at all of our mental health retreats.

Board Member
Nathaan Demers
I'm a psychologist. My passion started from growing up in a multiracial household, making a few very influential trips to India seeing different ways of life. Followed by living and playing soccer abroad in Europe, again learning new cultures and ways of life.

Founder | Board Member
jennings hester
I founded the Fishing The Good Fight with the idea that there needs to be more awareness, and less stigma around mental health for men and that fly fishing can help bridge that gap.

Board Member
Andrew Luter
As someone who suffers from anxiety myself, I have always found being in nature and particularly fly-fishing a much needed tonic to the day to day pressures of life.

Board Member
alan pitts
Being outdoors and fly fishing has saved my life and turned me into who I am today. I’m Combat Wounded Vet, who grew up in NJ and the Army brought me to Colorado.

Board Member
David Puchi
Seeing men take their own lives has struck me deeply and I would love to be of service to men who are suffering from mental illness to help curtail the devastating impact of male suicides in our society.

Board Member
Neeraj Sathe
I suffer from anxiety and depression. I have been in therapy many times and I am on multiple medications. I believe mental health programs are important for men because we don't talk about it, how getting on the right medications and therapy can change one's life.