Leo Tolstoy, born in 1828 in Russia’s Tula Province, is one of history’s most influential novelists. His masterpieces, War and Peace and Anna Karenina, explore themes of love, war, and society, leaving a lasting impact on world literature. Raised in privilege, Tolstoy became increasingly disillusioned with social inequality, prompting a lifelong quest for moral truth influenced by spiritual crises and teachings from Jesus and Eastern philosophies. In his later years, Tolstoy’s writings expanded to social justice, where he fiercely criticized oppression and the widening gap between rich and poor. His work The Kingdom of God is Within You laid out his philosophy of nonviolent resistance, or “civil disobedience,” arguing that true change must come from personal responsibility and inner transformation. Tolstoy’s ideas sparked a global revolution in thought, inspiring figures like Mahatma Gandhi, who corresponded with Tolstoy and used his philosophy in India’s struggle for independence, and Martin Luther King Jr., who drew on these principles during the Civil Rights Movement. Tolstoy’s belief that personal transformation can drive societal change remains foundational to movements dedicated to justice and equality.

Mahatma Gandhi’s efforts of Satyagraha, or nonviolent resistance, were central to his campaigns for civil disobedience against injustice, particularly in South Africa and India. In South Africa, he organized the Indian community to resist discriminatory laws through peaceful protests, strikes, and noncooperation, which were aimed at challenging oppressive legal and social systems without resorting to violence. In India, Gandhi applied Satyagraha in the broader struggle for independence from British rule, most famously through the Salt March of 1930, where he protested the British salt tax by leading a 240-mile march to the Arabian Sea to make salt. This act of defiance symbolized the rejection of colonial exploitation and inspired widespread participation across the country. Gandhi’s approach combined noncooperation with a strict code of moral discipline, emphasizing the power of truth and love to awaken the conscience of the oppressor. His philosophy sought not only to dismantle unjust systems but also to empower and mobilize the oppressed through peaceful resistance, aiming to achieve lasting change that upheld human dignity and justice for all.

Martin Luther King Jr. adopted Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of Satyagraha, or nonviolent resistance, in his efforts to combat racial injustice and segregation during the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. King used peaceful protests, marches, and civil disobedience to challenge discriminatory laws and practices, most notably in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the Birmingham Campaign, and the March on Washington. His commitment to nonviolence, deeply inspired by Gandhi, was not just a tactic but a moral principle that sought to appeal to the moral conscience of the nation and expose the inherent injustices of segregation and racial discrimination. King believed that by confronting systemic racism through peaceful resistance and direct action, rather than violence, the movement could win both legal victories and the hearts and minds of people across the country. His approach emphasized the redemptive power of love and justice, advocating for reconciliation rather than revenge, and inspiring a profound shift in the fight for civil rights that continues to influence social justice movements today.

Kris King, President of Innovative Learning Group and the heart behind Wings Seminars, dedicated her life to fostering advocacy, social justice, and personal transformation. With a foundation rooted in her Buddhist faith, Kris encouraged her students to stand boldly in their truth, facing injustice with resilience and compassion. Her influence was pivotal for Heather Curtis, MD, the founder of I THRIVE, as Kris’s teachings helped shape the mission of advocating for healing, equity, and the power of staying true to one’s values. Kris’s work drew on stories from cultures across the globe, weaving lessons of nonviolent communication, peace, and historical awareness into her teachings. These narratives, combined with her advocacy for standing against oppression, created a profound, compassionate approach to social justice. Her commitment to amplifying voices and fostering community connection continues to influence I THRIVE’s mission today, echoing in every act of advocacy and compassion. Kris’s legacy of activism and cultural wisdom lives on in those who continue her work. Her encouragement for Heather to persist through the challenges of social justice advocacy—staying resilient and compassionate—laid the groundwork for I THRIVE’s efforts to address systemic injustice and promote healing for survivors of trauma, mental illness, and societal oppression. Her mentorship serves as a guiding light, empowering those she touched to embrace truth, strength, and unity. Thank you, Kris, for your enduring influence and the spirit of advocacy you instilled in us all.

Vijay Shankar, PsyD, trained by Steven Hayes, PhD, the creator of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), has built a distinguished career serving patients through the use of ACT. As a clinician and teacher, he has dedicated himself to helping individuals overcome mental health challenges by guiding them to embrace acceptance, mindfulness, and values-driven action. Vijay played a pivotal role as a mentor and trainer for Heather Curtis, MD, the founder of I THRIVE, providing crucial support and insight into her ACT practice and helping shape her mission of advocating for social justice and mental health reform.

Growing up in poverty in India, Vijay’s humility and resilience deeply inform his compassionate approach to patient care. Despite his humble beginnings, he later found success in business, which, combined with his passion for travel and meditation, broadened his perspective on healing and well-being. These experiences allowed him to integrate mindfulness, cultural sensitivity, and holistic approaches into his practice. His personal journey—marked by hardship, spiritual growth, and professional success—has fueled his commitment to serving mental health patients and advocating for systemic changes in the mental health field.

Vijay’s unwavering support for Heather throughout her training and early career has been instrumental. His guidance, particularly his encouragement to continue assisted Heather remain steadfast in her stand for justice and nonviolent resistance against the mistreatment of survivors of sexual assault, trauma, and mental illness in Utah. His mentorship continues to inspire and shape efforts to reform mental health care and challenge oppressive systems with compassion and courage.

Steven Hayes, PhD, has reshaped psychology with his development of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Unlike traditional approaches that focus on symptom reduction, ACT encourages us to accept our thoughts and emotions without judgment and commit to actions aligned with our values. This shift is a profound departure from conventional views on behavior, embracing acceptance rather than control. ACT is a hallmark of the “third wave” in psychology, moving beyond symptom management to focus on a values-driven life. Symptoms often fade naturally as we commit to meaningful action, reconnecting with what truly matters. In this way, ACT itself acts as civil disobedience in psychology: rejecting the norm of symptom control to empower people to live fully, even alongside pain and uncertainty. In 2016, I THRIVE's creator Heather Curtis MD met with Steven Hayes PhD, thanks to her mentor, Vijay Shankar PsyD, who was trained in ACT by Hayes. In response to Heather's proposal of this project, Steven told Heather, “It all starts with an idea.” From that seed instilled by Vijay and Steven, I THRIVE has continued to grow, championing ACT’s transformative power in our service, art, and protest. ACT is a compassionate, powerful tool that encourages authenticity, resilience, and a life aligned with our values. Discover more about Hayes’ work on our site.

Omar Reda, MD, is one of ITHRIVE creator’s mentors and a renowned psychiatrist and trauma expert who applies principles of nonviolence and healing in his work. Dr. Reda risked his life during Libya’s civil war, where he served child survivors of war, offering psychosocial support in the midst of conflict. When Libyan freedom fighters approached the psychosocial tents where Omar was working with the children, they demanded that he join the fight. In a courageous act of defiance, Omar declared that serving these children were his front lines, emphasizing that he would not have blood on his hands. His unwavering commitment to peace over violence highlights the depth of his conviction. Dr. Reda’s efforts to promote peace and healing through compassion, understanding, and dialogue are exemplary. Beyond his work in Libya, he continues to serve refugees, survivors of violence, and communities in crisis, applying trauma-informed care to foster healing and resilience. His approach advocates for peace and justice by empowering individuals and communities to heal from trauma and resist cycles of violence, offering a model for addressing conflict through nonviolent means without resorting to aggression or retaliation.

Emma Sulkowicz, DTCM, is a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, renowned activist and artist whose work in civil disobedience and nonviolent resistance has profoundly influenced conversations around survivorship and the handling of sexual assault allegations on college campuses nationwide. Her activism came to prominence through her performance piece, Mattress Performance: Carry That Weight, which she undertook as a student at Columbia University. In this piece, Emma carried a mattress around campus to protest the university’s mishandling of her sexual assault case, bringing global attention to the systemic failures in addressing survivors’ needs. Her courageous act of resistance reshaped cultural perceptions of survivorship and led to critical conversations about how institutions like Columbia and others respond to sexual assault allegations.

We extend our deep gratitude to Emma for her work and for the legal precedents her activism has helped establish, which have secured a safer platform for survivors to pursue similar protest. Her trailblazing performance piece directly influenced I THRIVE’s creator, Heather Curtis, MD, in the development of The Looking Glass Project, empowering her to seek similar legal protections and to use art as a form of nonviolent protest. Emma’s bravery and dedication continue to inspire our work at I THRIVE, and we thank her for the lasting impact she has made on the movement for justice and healing for survivors.

Ashley Greenwell PhD, played an essential role in the development of I THRIVE through her unwavering support and expertise during a transformative time. With a background in traumatology and cognitive processing therapy from the SLC VA Medical Center, and advanced training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) under Marsha Linehan PhD, Ashley brought a depth of knowledge to her role as both supervisor and personal therapist for I THRIVE’s creator, Heather Curtis, MD, during her psychiatry residency training. Ashley’s dedication to Heather’s growth through the hardships of training as well as her support of I THRIVE have been fundamental in shaping this project. Her guidance, particularly around the understanding and impact of institutional trauma, provided essential grounding. Institutional trauma refers to the psychological harm caused by systems, organizations, or institutions through practices that perpetuate power imbalances, neglect, or systemic injustice. Often, this type of trauma impacts individuals seeking support in healthcare, social services, or education, only to encounter dismissal or harm instead. Ashley’s insights and encouragement of Heather’s writing and research on this topic were crucial as Heather navigated challenging times. Her compassionate guidance strengthened the vision of I THRIVE, creating a foundation for resilience, empathy, and advocacy for systemic reform in mental health care. Thank you, Ashley, for your care, dedication, and belief in this work. You’ve helped us grow in ways that empower healing and hope for others, advocating for a future free from the cycles of institutional trauma.

Dr. Noel Gardner MD, profoundly influenced the path of I THRIVE’s creator, Heather Curtis, MD, both as an inspiring guest instructor during her psychiatry residency and later as a guide in her stand for justice. Renowned for his expertise in Jungian psychology, Dr. Gardner’s approach combines deep psychological insight with a compassionate understanding of the human psyche. As a nationally recognized forensic psychiatrist, he has served on high-profile cases, using his knowledge to navigate complex legal and ethical landscapes and advocate for justice on the national stage. After Heather’s residency, Dr. Gardner welcomed her into his Impact Mental Health clinic, a free mental health service he founded and operated until his retirement, for guidance and care in his efforts to provide care to those in need. His guidance during these formative years of her career was instrumental, affirming Heather’s commitment to continue our work providing free resources for the underserved. Through his mentorship, Dr. Gardner showed her the profound impact that compassionate mental health care can have, and his dedication to service left a lasting legacy that still fuels her work today. Dr. Gardner continues as an adjunct professor at the University of Utah, where he inspires new generations of mental health professionals, embodying the values of service and empathy. We extend our deep gratitude to Dr. Gardner for his guidance and his lasting impact on the field of mental health.

David Ranks PhD, was a state recognized expert in psychology and personality testing, whose life and work left a lasting impact on I THRIVE’s creator, Heather Curtis, MD. A veteran of the Vietnam War, Dr. Ranks served in the Army, an experience that profoundly shaped his dedication to trauma-informed care and his compassionate approach to healing. His commitment to supporting others through their trauma became the foundation of his career, bringing sensitivity, strength, and depth to the field of psychology.

After Heather’s residency, Dr. Ranks extended a hand of mentorship, guiding her through comprehensive personality testing and encouraging her to explore her own identity as a caregiver. With his thoughtful approach and unwavering kindness, Dr. Ranks helped her interpret her strengths and values, instilling confidence in her ability to serve with justice, truth, and light in all aspects of her work with I THRIVE. Dr. Ranks’ influence reaches far beyond his expertise; his warmth, wisdom, and dedication to trauma-informed care continue to inspire Heather and shape the mission of I THRIVE. We honor his memory and extend our deepest gratitude for his legacy of healing, empowerment, and resilience. Thank you, Dr. Ranks, for the lives you touched and the compassion you shared with us all. Your spirit lives on in every step of this journey.
 

Reid Robison, MD, and Steve Thayer, PhD, are leaders in the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy, particularly using ketamine as a treatment for mental health disorders. They are presently involved with research into additional psychedelic compounds (MDMA, LSD, psilocybin). While Reid and Steve tread the line to ensure legal compliance in their work and research, they have been great supports to I THRIVE's creator during her nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience campaigns in Utah 2021-2024 and in our efforts to champion for survivor rights and to  protest the ethical failings of mental health care providers in Utah. By advocating for the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, including ketamine, Robison and Thayer aim to dismantle the outdated stigmas and legal barriers that have historically surrounded these treatments. Their research and clinical application serve as a nonviolent disruption of the mainstream perspectives on psychiatry and psychology, particularly when it comes to addressing resistant conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Through their efforts, they promote a compassionate, innovative approach that prioritizes patient healing over societal or institutional norms. Their quiet revolution in the field reflects a deep commitment to change, similar in spirit to the peaceful but determined resistance seen in movements for social justice and reform.

Janis Phelps PhD, is a quiet revolutionary in her own right, leading a movement to bring empathy, ethical rigor, and scientific inquiry to the forefront of psychedelic-assisted therapies. Her work at the Californian Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) Center for Psychedelic Therapies and Research (CPTR) at CIIS can be seen as a form of civil disobedience within the mental health landscape, challenging traditional norms and advocating for the transformative potential of psychedelics in therapeutic settings. Like leaders in nonviolent resistance, Dr. Phelps has steadily and courageously pushed for change, using education and compassion as her tools rather than confrontation, building a foundation for safe and ethical psychedelic practices and a 'Beloved Community' at CIIS. Her empathy extends deeply to those advocating for justice and safety, extending to the plight of the whistleblower, whose courage often comes at a personal cost. We are particularly grateful for Dr. Phelps’ understanding and support for the plight, as her compassion and this sentiment empowered us in our advocacy for campus and community safety, provider ethics, and the responsible implementation of psychedelic sciences in Utah and our nation's healthcare systems. Her compassion strengthens our work, inspiring us to uphold these values as we seek to shape mental health policies that honor integrity, safety, and accessibility. Thank you, Dr. Phelps, for your dedication to compassionate and ethical change, and for standing alongside us in the pursuit of a just and safe healing  and community environment for all.

Rick Doblin, PhD, founder of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), has long applied principles of nonviolent resistance, akin to Satyagraha, in his efforts to reform drug policies and promote the therapeutic use of psychedelics. His form of civil disobedience involves challenging the criminalization of substances like MDMA and psilocybin, advocating for their reclassification based on scientific research that highlights their potential to treat mental health conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety as well as his history as a draft resister during the Vietnam War. Rather than resorting to direct confrontation, Doblin has taken a methodical, peaceful approach, working within the legal and scientific frameworks to promote understanding and acceptance of these substances. By advancing clinical trials, fostering public awareness, and engaging with policymakers, Doblin has steadily built a case for the healing power of psychedelics, emphasizing the need for compassionate, evidence-based drug reform. His persistent advocacy, coupled with MAPS’ rigorous research, represents a strategic, nonviolent challenge to the stigmatization of these substances. Doblin’s work is not just about policy change but about reshaping societal perceptions, all while maintaining a steadfast commitment to peaceful, systemic reform for the well-being of those suffering from mental health conditions. I THRIVE thanks Rick Doblin PhD for his support and guidance in our nonviolent resistance efforts. 

I THRIVE’s creator, Heather Curtis, MD, has profoundly shaped our commitment to campus, community, and psychedelic safety, particularly within Utah, and has amplified our advocacy for peace, truth, inclusion, and the healing of a traumatized world. Heather’s experiences—marked by her courageous opposition to the weaponization of psychiatry and the legal system—fuel our mission to advocate for ethical standards that prioritize survivor rights and holistic healing. Since 2019, she has challenged institutional failures and publicly condemned the University of Utah’s attempt to criminalize her for speaking out about her rape by University of Utah faculty member Stamatios Dentino MD. Despite the risk of legal consequences, Heather has remained steadfast in her resistance, refusing to be silenced and sparking a critical movement that confronts how survivors of sexual assault are treated in Utah and across the nation. Heather’s unyielding efforts have underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in psychiatry, mental health care, and the emerging field of psychedelic sciences. By calling out systemic failures at the University of Utah and Huntsman Mental Health Institute, she has spotlighted the need for safety, justice, and cultural change in environments where survivors should be protected rather than silenced. Through her advocacy, Heather has inspired a movement dedicated to dismantling oppressive systems and reshaping how institutions address sexual assault, trauma, and mental health. Her vision is transforming the way we approach campus, community, and psychedelic safety—ensuring that no survivor is silenced or unjustly persecuted for seeking justice or sharing their story, and fostering a culture where all voices are heard and respected.