Advocate

NOW IS THE TIME TO ADVOCATE FOR CHANGE

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Psychedelics work. There’s already a growing body of evidence that psychedelics can be used to reduce fear of death, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Preliminary independent research of our process, specifically, suggests that over 80% of veterans with PTSD experience improvement after participating in just one psychedelic program.

Because these programs are, in many cases, not legal in the US, suffering veterans must often travel to retreats in other countries in order to use these modalities, which limits access. Currently HHP has a backlog of 1000+ veterans waiting for retreats to open up. We need increased availability of and access to psychedelic programs here in the United States. This requires visionary advocates at the national level.

HHPA is looking for visionary leaders to help us make a major change in the treatment of veteran PTSD. If you’re interested, get in touch.

Michael Berry

Advisor

TBA

Dr. Nigel Netzband

Advisor

Half German and Sri Lankan - Nigel is currently a Prof. Doc candidate at the University of the West of England, where he trains as a counselling psychologist. Born on the Isle of Man and raised in Chester, Nigel went on to study with a background in psychopharmacology and early phase clinical testing.
Since qualifying from an MSc, he has set out to design experiments with the intention of shedding light on the therapeutic potential of plant compounds. From 2016, Nige has designed and conducted a number of projects investigating the impact of the Amazonian plant brew, ayahuasca.
In his spare time he volunteers for harm reduction charities, PsyCare and the Zendo Project.

Dr. Simon Ruffell

Chief Medical Officer

Simon studied medicine before specialising in psychiatry. He completed his core psychiatric training at The Maudsley Hospital in London and worked at King’s College London as a Senior Research Associate investigating the use of psilocybin for treatment resistant depression.
Since 2016 he has conducted research into the traditional psychedelic brew ayahuasca and co-founded the not-for-profit research organisation Icaro Science. Simon completed his PhD entitled Amazonian Ayahuasca and Mental Health Outcomes at Goldsmiths, University of London.
He now works for the Psychae Institute as Senior Research Fellow and Chief Medical Officer, running randomised controlled trials investigating the potential therapeutic application of ayahuasca as well as acting as Chief Medical Officer for Heroic Hearts UK, a charity supporting veterans with psychedelic plant medicine. In his spare time Simon volunteers for the charity Psycare, which offers support to individuals undergoing challenging drug experiences at music festivals.

Dr. WaiFung Tsang

Clinical Research Psychologist & Advisor

Hailing from Hong Kong, WaiFung is a Clinical Psychologist with years of clinical experience primarily in the field of PTSD, addiction, and neurodevelopment, exhibiting a keen interest for research particularly focusing on indigenous Amazonian traditions.

Since 2017, he co-founded Onaya Science, a team of researchers specialising in the ceremonial use of Ayahuasca in the rainforest for mental health, conducting studies as funded by the British Government and Medical Research Council. WaiFung is also currently training in Shipibo curanderismo under Don Rono Lopez.

Katie

Community Engagement Officer

Meet Katie Stokoe, Heroic Hearts Project Australia’s Community Engagement Manager!

Katie acquired a diverse background in psychological and behavioural sciences, as well as film and television and is currently immersed in the study of Remedial Massage Therapy.

Throughout her academic journey, Katie has cultivated a deep passion for aiding those marginalized by societal systems, and has aligned herself with Heroic Hearts Project Australia, contributing to what she envisions as the future of medicine—Psychedelics.

A fervent advocate for elevated quality of life and holistic well-being, she emphasizes the pivotal role of fostering essential human connections within a community.

Katie is dedicated to building the Heroic Hearts Project Australia community, actively recruiting volunteers, members, and potential donors who resonate with our core mission of healing our heroes. Her optimism fuels our journey as we strive to restore hope for veterans and first responders.

Bobby

Lead Integration Coach and Advisor

Bobby is a student of both plant medicines and indigenous ceremonies of the americas, sundancer, veteran, and father.

He joined the Australian Army at the age of 17 and found himself in Uruzgan province Afghanistan three years later in 2007 on active duty.

In 2010 after suffering from PTSD and discharging from the army he found himself on a plane to South America for an extended kite surfing holiday culminated in the partaking of indigenous healing ceremonies in Colombia.

In 2014 he co-founded the first plant medicine retreat centre in Colombia - the Eagle Condor Alliance. Working directly with indigenous healers and offering life changing healing to over 700 clients through intensive 10 day retreats.

Through this work Bobby played a key role in the liberation of over 40 hectares of pristine jungle in the Colombian Putumayo jungle and another 28 hectares in the Antioquian andes where in 2020 he led a small team in the construction of a new retreat centre in extremely challenging conditions.

Spending over eight years living in Colombia Bobby was also responsible for the continued support of indigenous elders and the welfare of his local community and intensive study with plant medicines and elders from both north and South America. Including vision quests and sun dances.

Specialising in plant medicine integration Bobby acts as a bridge between two worlds supporting and mentoring people in their healing processes. He is also passionate about supporting veterans in the use of healing plant medicines.

Bobby is also a podcast host with The Way Of Life podcast on substack - interviewing and spreading the knowledge and wisdom of indigenous elders.

He co-founded the brand Flowers Of The Fire specialising in plant medicine tinctures.

A mentor/coach working with menHe continues to sit in ceremony and study with and listen to his elders.

He is married with three children and divides his time between Australia and the Colombia.

Holly

COO Co-Founder

Holly Paterson is an enthusiastic artist, passionate psychedelic therapy advocate, and Chief Operating Officer and Co-founder of Heroic Hearts Project Australia. With a background in national security, Holly previously served as a member of the intelligence community.

Her personal challenges, including bouts of depression, suicidal ideation, and since 2017, complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD), have shaped her journey.

Following a transformative period in 2018 that included a suicide attempt, Holly embarked on a transformative voyage to South America, where she pursued alternative treatment through participation in a traditional shamanic plant medicine retreat held in Peru. Her immersive experiences during this period proved to be pivotal, leading to profound shifts in her outlook on life.

In addition to her own transformative journey, Holly plays an active role in her community by facilitating a support group dedicated to Veterans and First Responders. Additionally, she serves as a Lived Experience Ambassador for the Neuromedicines Discovery Centre at Monash University, where she contributes her unique perspective and insights. Holly has been an advocate for the integration of psychedelic assisted therapies into mainstream healthcare. Her advocacy efforts have contributed to the reevaluation and rescheduling of Psilocybin and MDMA, recognising their potential therapeutic benefits. Through her artistic pursuits, commitment to the veteran and first responder community, advocacy for psychedelic therapy, and community involvement, Holly leverages her diverse experiences to drive positive change and support individuals on their own journeys toward healing and growth.

Michael

CEO Co-Founder

Meet Michael Raymond, Heroic Hearts Project Australia’s Co-founder and CEO

Michael Raymond, a Australian Airforce Veteran with 16 years of dedicated service, now stands as a prominent advocate of Psychedelic Therapies. His journey in the Airforce included roles as a fast jet Avionics Technician on F/A18F Super Hornets & F-111s, followed by a transition to become a Technical Instructor on MRH-90 Helicopters. His pursuit of knowledge led him to acquire a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), culminating in his commission as an officer.

Michael’s career path took him to Headquarters Joint Operations Command, where he collaborated with Special Operations and operational Task Forces around the world. Later, he contributed to the P8-A Poseidon Acquisition Project in Canberra. However, amidst his distinguished career, the early signs of mental health challenges emerged, ultimately leading to a diagnosis of PTSD and other mental health issues.

In a pivotal turning point, Michael embarked on a transformative healing journey to Peru and Ecuador. There, he harnessed the healing potential of Psychedelic Plant Medicines, an experience that not only saved his life but also profoundly changed the trajectory of his mental health.
Michael’s advocacy journey commenced with the publication of his own healing story, which later evolved into impactful international engagements. Notably, his advocacy played a crucial role in reshaping policies, including the rescheduling of MDMA and Psilocybin. Currently, Michael leads Heroic Hearts Project Australia as its Co-founder & CEO, orchestrating pioneering Psychedelic and Alternate Therapy Programs tailored for Veterans and First Responders, incorporating Ayahuasca and Psilocybin.

Drawing from his personal transformation and experience, Michael serves as a dedicated Lived Experience Ambassador. His unwavering determination is focused on addressing the alarming suicide rates in Australia, with a special emphasis on the vulnerable Veteran and First Responder community. Michael’s remarkable journey and advocacy exemplify his commitment to positive change and healing within the community.