Causes, Teams, and Clients our Change Agents Love

This Thanksgiving, our team is taking a moment to reflect on what they cherish most about working in the behavior change industry. Whether it’s collaborating with incredible change agents, partnering with unique clients on meaningful causes, or contributing to solutions for the world’s most pressing public health challenges, these reflections remind us of Rescue's impactful work.

“I grapple with saying that suicide prevention is my 'favorite work,' but it's the most important to me. It's challenging to dwell in that headspace for months during work hours, knowing that the wind still blows after my timesheet is full. Sometimes, there is a hole in the earth. And sometimes, when I look through it, I see our audience looking back. And that makes it all worth it.”

- Andrew Ermlick, Cultural Scientist

“I have to say that I am 100% biased, but the YEP team is simply the best. This group of humans that I have the joy of interacting with on a daily are the most hardworking, compassionate, funny, and team player-y people. I am always laughing and grinding, and I love the combination of doing amazing impactful work and having fun while doing it.”

“Mental health causes are close to heart for me. The work we do is so important in improving the lives of people in so many states. The work that is particularly special to me is San Diego HHSA. As someone who grew up in San Diego with my late grandfather who was also a local psychiatrist, this work is so outstanding to see. I’ll include a newspaper article my late grandfather, Dr. Ecks wrote in August of 1991 fighting for mental health funding in San Diego.” 

- Samantha Kearney, Resource Coordinator II 

“My Grandma started smoking when she was just seven. She used to roll her grandpa’s cigarettes, and as a ‘thank you,’ he’d give her one. She survived a heart attack at 85, and doctors attributed it to smoking. From that moment on, she quit cold turkey and lived another six years without ever picking up another cigarette. Not many people know this, but I’m a former smoker too. The smell of cigarette smoke still brings back so many good memories, and it sometimes makes me want to light up. I’ve seen and felt the consequences of tobacco use firsthand, and my family is part of communities disproportionately affected by it. Now, I’m seeing younger generations in my family become addicted to vapes. My work is personal, and I’m passionate about helping people quit and preventing others from becoming addicted.”

- Anthony Garcia, Associate Account Director

“Mostly the YEP team and the ABQ office with Anthony Garcia included! I love getting to connect with folks in the office and hear about their kids or day to day life and laugh in person. I also just love our YEP teams and the work we do with the youth. Getting to see youth grow up from 9th-12th grade and go on to connect with them on LinkedIn and cheer them on in their professional lives is the MOST fulfilling!

- Andrea Rutan, Associate Youth Engagement Manager

“It's the people for me too! Everyone believes in the work we're doing, which brings a unique type of dedication.”

- Marie-Claire Hill, Associate Director, Experience Design

“I enjoy working on SwapUp and helping teens in Oklahoma live healthier lives. From focusing on what sugary snacks do to their moods to talking about why water is the best drink option and creating engaging tables for in-school events, it's so much fun. Beyond the creative thrills, the entire Rescue team (and the clients themselves) are all committed to producing the best work possible. Just a delight!”

- Jon Aiken, Senior Copywriter

“I love the people here at Rescue and it’s why I’ve been here so long. Lately, my favorite projects have been SwapUp because we have a lot of comedic freedom, and it’s well received by the audience. I get to be goofy, and it rules. Special Olympics is also super fun to be a part of because not only is it a fun subject with an important message, but working with SO athletes has been so great. They are the best!”

- Nick Callan, Associate Creative Director