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KEEP ON LIVING
The People Behind the Story.
Every story begins with someone willing to listen, someone willing to share, and a team willing to bring that story to the screen.
This documentary was shaped by the voices, experiences, time, talent, and commitment of people who believe these stories deserve to be heard.
LEADERSHIP
One Story.
One Purpose.
Every story begins with a willingness to listen. For KEEP ON LIVING, that commitment shaped the film from the first conversation to the final frame.
KEEP ON LIVING was built on the belief that listening can create connection, storytelling can create understanding, and one honest conversation can help someone feel less alone.
Niurka Castañeda
DIRECTOR, PRODUCER, JOURNALIST
2026 RECOGNITION
MVJ Top 10 Veterans in Journalism Honoree
Recognized by Military Veterans in Journalism for her award-winning story, Hungry for Life: Journey from Despair to Purpose.
Read Her Story
Niurka Castañeda is a U.S. Army veteran, filmmaker, journalist, and mental health advocate. With more than 20 years of experience in logistics and a background in media and storytelling, she brings a mission-driven approach to every project.
She is the founder of AMOR Umbrella, a creative media company focused on social impact through storytelling. As a filmmaker, journalist, speaker, and storyteller, Niurka combines her professional experience and lived perspective to amplify voices that are often unheard.
In 2026, Niurka was honored as one of Military Veterans in Journalism’s Top 10 Veterans in Journalism. Her recognized work, Hungry for Life: Journey from Despair to Purpose , reflects her commitment to telling stories that create understanding and connection.
KEEP ON LIVING is her directorial debut.
CREATIVE TEAM
Many Hands.
One Story.
A meaningful film takes more than one voice. Behind the scenes, filmmakers, storytellers, editors, and creative professionals helped shape the vision from concept to screen.
01
John Paul Amaya
Narrator • Editor • Music Score Composer
About John Paul
John Paul Amaya is a multifaceted filmmaker and creative professional whose work spans filmmaking, video editing, screenwriting, voice acting, composition, and authorship.
Since 2005, he has worked across film, television, and digital media, bringing a broad understanding of multimedia production and film technology to every project.
His professional experience includes Black Lounge Films, Univision, Native Films, and Point Productions. He is also the founder of O.W.C.P. Films.
John Paul is the author of the Brothers With A Bullet series and Adventure Start: Volume 1.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Film, Television, and Digital Production from Miami Dade College and is certified in Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Professional Video Design.
02
Austin Ratlieff
Professional Firefighter • Media & Creative Enthusiast
About Austin
Austin Ratlieff is a professional firefighter with a strong interest in media and creative work. His interests include film, television, sound, and custom design.
His passion for visual storytelling and creative media brings another perspective to the production team.
03
Niurka Castañeda
Producer & Director
U.S. Army veteran, filmmaker, journalist, and founder of AMOR Umbrella.
View LeadershipGreat storytelling is collaborative. Each creative discipline brought a different skill, perspective, and point of view to the work.
REAL STORIES • REAL PEOPLE • REAL COURAGE
Featured Voices &
Documentary Participants
These veterans, family members, advocates, storytellers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders bring lived experience and personal perspective to the conversation.
EVERY VOICE MATTERS
Each person brings a different experience and perspective, helping us better understand the people and stories at the heart of this conversation.
01
Dr. Kamin (Bell) Samuel, PhD
Veteran • Consultant • Executive Coach • Filmmaker
Read Bio
Dr. Kamin (Bell) Samuel is a veteran, consultant, executive coach, filmmaker, and producer of Courage to Thrive.
Through her work, she helps individuals and leaders transform challenges into opportunities for growth.
02
Rachelle Smith
Veteran • Military Sexual Trauma Advocate • Host
Read Bio
Rachelle Smith is a veteran and host of The Silenced Voices of MST.
Through her advocacy, she amplifies survivor experiences of military sexual trauma, works to break stigma, and creates space for honest dialogue.
03
MAJ (R) Annette (Garcia) Whittenberger
Veteran • TEDx Speaker • Storyteller • Mental Health Advocate
Read Bio
MAJ (R) Annette (Garcia) Whittenberger is the CEO of A Wild Ride Called Life, LLC, founder of Veterans’ Story Project, TEDx speaker, mental health advocate, and storyteller.
She uses storytelling, music, journalism, songwriting, and public speaking to help people turn difficult experiences into messages of connection and purpose.
04
Dr. Julie Ducharme, PhD
CEO • Entrepreneur • TEDx Speaker • Visionary Leader
Read Bio
Dr. Julie Ducharme is the CEO of She Talks – Lead and Empower Her, a TEDx speaker, visionary change maker, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and entrepreneur.
She is the visionary behind the She Talks movement, inspiring women to find their voice, share their stories, and lead authentically.
05
Gilberto Luna Zequeira
U.S. Army Veteran • Resilience & Healing Voice
Read Bio
Gilberto Luna Zequeira is a U.S. Army veteran whose journey through healing embodies determination, resilience, and the importance of community.
06
Jeannie Windham
Surviving Family Member • Military Family Advocate
Read Bio
Jeannie Windham is a surviving family member who shares her journey to bring comfort, awareness, and hope to military families.
07
Chrystelle Anderson
Veteran • End-of-Life Doula • Founder
Read Bio
Chrystelle Anderson is a veteran, End-of-Life Doula, and Founder of Cynthia’s Crossings End of Life Services.
She helps individuals and families find peace, dignity, and connection during difficult transitions.
08
Lee Roberts
Navy Veteran • Founder • Veteran Advocate
Read Bio
Lee Roberts is a Navy veteran and founder of Reveille Bridge Veterans Foundation.
His work focuses on mental health support, transition assistance, veteran homelessness prevention, and helping veterans rediscover a sense of purpose.
09
Daniel Faust
Veteran • Host • Transition Advocate
Read Bio
Daniel Faust is a veteran and host of Go from War Hero to Superhero.
He helps service members transform the skills, experiences, and strengths developed through military service into opportunities for civilian success.
10
Kimberly Tyson — Queen Kimmie
Army Veteran • Motivational Speaker • Advocate
Read Bio
Kimberly Tyson, known as Queen Kimmie, is an Army veteran and motivational speaker.
She inspires others to embrace their voice, identity, and strength while turning challenges into stories of resilience and purpose.
11
Jeffrey Hall
Veteran • Project Management • IT Healthcare • Business Development
Read Bio
Jeffrey Hall is a veteran and multifaceted professional with expertise in project management, IT healthcare processes, and business development.
12
Brian Gibson
Army Veteran • Retired Combat Medic • Founder
Read Bio
Brian Gibson is an Army veteran and retired Combat Medic who founded Project Diehard in 2018 to support veterans and families through faith-based counseling, skill training, and transitional housing.
Drawing from his experiences with loss and suicidal thoughts, Brian is dedicated to restoring hope and empowering veterans to move forward.
13
Jesús Daniel Hernández
The Walking Tenor • Veteran • Professional Opera Singer
Read Bio
Jesús Daniel Hernández, known as The Walking Tenor, is a veteran and professional opera singer.
After immigrating to the United States and serving in the Army, a chance encounter following a performance by Plácido Domingo in 2007 led to a backstage audition. Domingo accepted him into the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program in Washington, D.C., launching his professional opera career.
He has performed around the world. His voice represents a dream pursued with courage, dedication, and resilience.
14
Ivan Delgado
Multidisciplinary Creative • Graphic Designer • Animator
Read Bio
Ivan Delgado is a multidisciplinary creative, graphic designer, animator, and Library Media Project Instructor at YouMedia Miami, Miami-Dade Public Library System.
15
Paola Fernandez
Videographer • Graphic Designer • Creative Educator
Read Bio
Paola Fernandez is a multidisciplinary creative, videographer, graphic designer, and Library Media Project Instructor at YouMedia Miami, Miami-Dade Public Library System.
Every voice adds another perspective.
These stories remind us that no single experience defines the conversation.
EXPERTISE • EXPERIENCE • ADVOCACY
Professionals, Mental Health &
Suicide Prevention Experts
These professionals bring knowledge, advocacy, and lived experience to the conversation around mental health, suicide prevention, healing, and support.
01
Dr. Moriah Thomas, Ph.D., LMHC, BCC
Marine Corps Veteran • Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Read Bio
Dr. Moriah Thomas is a Marine Corps veteran and Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology.
She combines military experience with professional expertise in trauma and mental health, creating supportive spaces where people can begin their path toward healing.
02
Kathryn Casello, LCSW
Suicide Prevention Advocate • Behavioral Health Provider
Read Bio
Kathryn Casello is an Advisory Board member for KEYS 365, dedicated to saving lives through suicide prevention education, open conversations, and community connections.
She has worked as a behavioral health provider for the Marine Corps and brings a strong family connection to military service as a Marine Corps spouse and Air Force kid.
03
Jessica-Rose Johnson
USMC Veteran • Suicide Prevention Advocate • Podcast Host
Read Bio
Jessica-Rose Johnson is a USMC veteran, suicide prevention advocate, adaptive sports coach, and host of the Unbreakable Hope podcast.
Through advocacy and storytelling, she encourages others to reclaim their strength, move through adversity, and live with purpose.
04
Shawn Moore, LMSW
Mental Health Advocate • Family Support Leader
Read Bio
Shawn Moore is a mental health advocate and surviving family member whose personal loss fuels a deep commitment to military families.
Shawn serves as Director of Family Support at Project Sanctuary and Director of Support Programs at the Elizabeth Dole Foundation.
05
Tammi Moses
U.S. Navy Veteran • Hoarding Specialist • Advocate
Read Bio
Tammi Moses is a U.S. Navy veteran, hoarding specialist, and survivor of hoarding who grew up in a hoarded home. As an Adult Kid of Parents That Hoard (AKOPTH), her lived experience shapes her compassionate approach to helping others.
She founded The Hoarding Solution in 2013 and helps individuals reclaim their homes and rebuild family connections. She also hosts The Hoarding Solution Podcast and provides encouragement and support to those navigating hoarding challenges.
Expertise can open the door to hope.
Knowledge, lived experience, and compassionate support can help create meaningful conversations and pathways forward.
CREATIVITY • CONNECTION • HEALING
Music, Art & Healing Contributors
Healing does not happen in only one way. Sometimes it happens through music, art, movement, mindfulness, storytelling, connection, or simply finding a safe space to reconnect with yourself.
These contributors bring different forms of creativity, wellness, and human connection to the conversation surrounding KEEP ON LIVING. Their work reminds us that there can be many pathways toward resilience, self-discovery, and hope.
MORE THAN ONE WAY TO HEAL
For some people, healing begins with a song. For others, it begins with movement, art, a horse, a conversation, mindfulness, or the courage to tell their story.
01 Melody Guy Americana Singer-Songwriter • Music & Storytelling
Melody Guy is a Nashville-based Americana singer-songwriter whose powerful voice and fearless storytelling blend elements of rock, country, soul, and pop.
Her album Dry the Rivers explores themes of love, loss, survival, and redemption. Beyond her own music, Melody is an advocate for the healing power of creative expression and has collaborated with Veterans, Barefoot Republic Camp, Thistle Farms residents, and Music Therapy Retreats.
Melody co-wrote Healing Begins with Love with Niurka Castaneda, MSLSCM, during a music therapy retreat hosted by Amy Grant and Vince Gill’s HIDDEN TRACE FARMS, L.P. and organized by Music Therapy Retreats.
02 Mack Bailey Music Therapist • Founder, Music Therapy Retreats
Mack Bailey is an experienced music therapist and the Executive Director and Founder of Music Therapy Retreats.
Through his work, Mack helps military Veterans process grief, reconnect with themselves, and rediscover joy through music and creative expression.
Music Therapy Retreats has brought these experiences to communities and retreat settings across the country, including retreats hosted at Amy Grant and Vince Gill’s HIDDEN TRACE FARMS, L.P.
03 Madison (Maddie) Offenberger, MT-BC Board-Certified Music Therapist
Madison (Maddie) Offenberger, MT-BC, is a Board-Certified Music Therapist who supports mental health and wellness through music.
Her professional experience includes providing music therapy in oncology, psychiatry, and substance-use recovery settings.
Maddie currently serves as a Continuing Community Leader for Music Therapy Retreats, bringing her creative healing expertise to KEEP ON LIVING and helping illuminate the role music can play in resilience, recovery, and human connection.
04 Carola Vom Hagen Creative Leader • Storytelling • Emotional Spaces
Carola Vom Hagen is an advocate and creative leader committed to bridging cultural divides through storytelling, collaboration, and creative expression.
She is the founder of ColorCurriculumCure™, an initiative that brings together her background in Interior Architecture and Psychotherapy.
Her work explores how thoughtfully designed spaces can influence emotional wellbeing and create environments where people feel supported, connected, and seen.
05 Nefertiti San Miguel Artist • Neurobana Creator • Ikebana Practitioner
Nefertiti San Miguel is a creative force who uses art as a way to transform pain into purpose and impact.
She is the creator of Neurobana and an experienced practitioner of ikebana, the Japanese art of floral arrangement.
Her approach blends art, neuroscience, and traditional Japanese floral design to create experiences that encourage reflection, creativity, mindfulness, and emotional connection.
06 Pamela (Black) Dabney U.S. Air Force Veteran • Wellness Practitioner
Pamela (Black) Dabney is a U.S. Air Force veteran, wellness practitioner, and founder of The Positive PURGE People.
Her work focuses on empowering Veterans, military families, and communities through wellness, advocacy, storytelling, and personal growth.
Pamela brings a perspective grounded in service, lived experience, and the belief that wellness can become a powerful part of rebuilding, reconnecting, and moving forward.
07 Robin Bramson PATH International CTRI • ESMHL • Program Director
Robin Bramson is a PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL). She serves as Program Director and Head Riding Instructor at Whispering Manes Therapeutic Riding Center.
Robin began volunteering at a therapeutic riding program in 2002 and completed her PATH certification in 2009. She joined Whispering Manes full-time in 2012, where she continues to develop her knowledge of horses and therapeutic riding.
Her work incorporates equine-assisted services, including therapeutic horsemanship and riding, to create opportunities for confidence, connection, personal growth, and wellbeing. Whispering Manes also offers a dedicated Veteran’s Program.
Robin’s contribution to KEEP ON LIVING reflects the film’s belief that healing can take many forms—and that connection, trust, movement, and relationships can become meaningful parts of a person’s journey.
08 Jessica-Patrice Coulter Veteran • Holistic Wellness Trainer • Facilitator
Jessica-Patrice Coulter is a veteran, holistic wellness trainer, and facilitator who approaches wellness through the connection between the body, mind, and everyday life.
Her work focuses on body-based healing, mindfulness, and movement as tools for wellness, self-awareness, and personal transformation.
Jessica-Patrice encourages individuals to reconnect with themselves and explore practices that support greater balance, resilience, and personal wellbeing.
Her contribution to KEEP ON LIVING expands the conversation around healing beyond traditional approaches, highlighting movement, mindfulness, and connection with the body as meaningful parts of a wellness journey.
HEALING CAN TAKE MANY FORMS
There is more than one way to heal.
Music. Art. Movement. Mindfulness. Connection. Storytelling. Community.
Each of these contributors reminds us that hope can begin in unexpected places—and that sometimes, the first step is simply finding something that helps us keep going.
FAMILY • MEMORY • LEGACY
Family & Legacy
The impact of suicide reaches beyond the individual. It leaves a lasting mark on families, friends, and communities.
FAMILY VOICE
Hilario Castaneda
Family Member • Father • Part of the Story
Family is often where the effects of loss are felt most deeply—and where the journey toward healing can begin.
Hilario experienced the loss of two of his sisters to suicide. They were civilians, not members of the military. Their lives and their loss are a powerful reminder that suicide is not an issue isolated to the veteran community. It can affect any family, anywhere.
Their loss left a lasting mark on him, and it also left a mark on me as his daughter and the producer of this film. His story helped reinforce why this conversation must extend beyond one community and reach anyone who may be struggling or supporting someone who is.
THE LEGACY WE CARRY
One Story Can
Become a Lifeline.
Suicide does not belong to one community, one uniform, or one circumstance. Its impact can move through families and leave questions, grief, and memories that last for years.
Sharing these stories creates space for compassion, understanding, and conversations that might help someone feel seen before a crisis becomes a loss.
Every life matters.
Every family carries a story. Every story
deserves to be heard.
WITH GRATITUDE
This Story Was Never Told Alone.
KEEP ON LIVING exists because people were willing to open their hearts, share their experiences, ask difficult questions, and believe that honest conversations can create change.
A HEARTFELT THANK YOU
To every veteran who trusted us with a piece of their story, thank you.
To the families who continue to carry, remember, support, and love their veterans, thank you.
To the mental health professionals, suicide prevention advocates, community leaders, creatives, artists, musicians, filmmakers, educators, and organizations who helped shape this project, thank you.
And to everyone who watched, listened, shared a story, started a conversation, or simply reminded someone that their life matters—thank you.
01
The Courage to Share
Every person who chose to speak openly helped create a space where others can recognize that they are not alone.
02
The Power to Connect
Every conversation has the potential to connect someone with understanding, community, resources, and hope.
03
The Choice to Keep Living
Every life matters. Every story matters. And every opportunity to choose connection over isolation matters.
TO EVERYONE WHO HELPED
Thank You for Helping Us Keep the Conversation Going.
May this film honor the stories that were shared, remember the lives that touched us, and encourage someone who may be struggling to reach out, speak up, and keep going.
With gratitude,
Niurka Castaneda
Writer • Director • Producer
04
THANK
YOU
YOU
WITH GRATITUDE
This story
was never ours alone.
Every story begins with trust. KEEP ON LIVING exists because people were willing to listen, share, open their doors, and help bring these stories to the screen.
The Veterans
To the veterans who trusted us with their stories and experiences.
The Families
To the families who opened their doors and shared their lives with us.
The Community
To the volunteers, advisors, students, collaborators, and supporters who helped make this work possible.
Thank you for helping us keep the conversation going.
THE STORY CONTINUES
The credits
are not the end.
A film can start a conversation. What happens next is up to all of us. Discover KEEP ON LIVING and find ways to bring the conversation about connection, hope, and suicide prevention into your community.
LISTEN
Make space for the conversation.
CONNECT
Remind people they are not alone.
KEEP GOING
Choose hope, one step at a time.
