OUR STORY
RISE TOGETHER began over a decade ago, in September 2013, fueled by frustration with the addiction and mental health epidemic and a deep desire to create change. Determined to break the silence and stigma, a small group of passionate individuals stepped forward to share their personal stories of hope and resilience. What started as an act of courage quickly grew into a national movement.
Through storytelling and advocacy, RISE TOGETHER has empowered over 500,000 students to stand up, speak out, and take action. Our mission is simple: inspire young people to rise above challenges, build resilience, and create lasting change in their lives and communities.
At the heart of RISE TOGETHER are innovative programs that spark conversations, foster leadership, and provide life-saving resources:
- RISEseminars: Engaging school-speaking programs that break stigma and educate students.
- RISEhangouts: Safe spaces for youth to connect and drive positive leadership.
- RISEconnection: Training for educators to build supportive environments for youth.
We also address the opioid epidemic through programs like OAK (Overdose Aid Kit), equipping schools with Narcan training and overdose prevention tools to save lives.
From grassroots campaigns to national recognition, RISE TOGETHER continues to grow as a vibrant community of changemakers. We believe every voice matters and that together, we can create a brighter future.
Join us in this movement of hope and action.
What We Do
RISE TOGETHER is an evidence-backed, peer-led prevention organization that centers youth voice, connection, and lived experience to strengthen mental wellness and reduce stigma related to substance use and mental health.
We don’t rely on fear based messaging or surface level awareness.
We build connection early so young people feel supported long before crisis.
Why We Exist
Young people are navigating isolation, pressure, and mental health challenges at unprecedented levels. Too often, prevention shows up after things fall apart or speaks at youth instead of listening to them.
RISE TOGETHER exists to change that.
We create spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and valued, and where asking for help is normal, not shameful.
The How
We use a peer-led, connection-based approach grounded in research and real-life experience. Through storytelling, reflection, and community-building, we help young people:
- build belonging and trust
- reduce stigma
- strengthen coping and help-seeking skills
- support one another with courage and honesty
This work doesn’t end on a stage—it continues through ongoing connection and action.
Our Team
Anthony Alvarado
Board Chair, Founder
Anthony is a dedicated leader with over 12 years of experience breaking stigmas around mental health and addiction. Co-Creator of four transformative youth programs, they’ve inspired thousands through speaking and advocacy. Currently, Anthony collaborates with Penn State College of Medicine on addiction prevention research, driving meaningful change nationwide.
Nadine Machkovech
Executive Director
Nadine is a recently published author, globally recognized TEDx speaker and award-winning advocate who helps people reclaim their stories and self-worth. With over a decade of experience and 2,000+ hours of teaching, she has inspired thousands through peer-led prevention, mental health advocacy, and powerful storytelling—creating spaces where young people feel seen and heard.
Meghyn Scheffler
Program Director
Meghyn brings over a decade of experience supporting youth in corrections, schools, and hospitals. She currently serves as a teacher with Appleton Area School District and sits on the board for Chuter’s Youth Boxing. With degrees in psychology and education and a SAC-IT certification, she empowers young people to create positive change, fostering purpose, belonging, and self-discovery.
JESSICA GESCHKE
Board Member
Jessica is the Senior Project Manager at the Overdose Response Network at the Clinton Foundation and the Board Chair and President of the nonprofit Start Healing Now. For over twenty years, she has led various projects that aim to bring awareness to substance use disorder and end the stigma surrounding it.
Jessica is certified by the State of Wisconsin as a Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor. She is also certified by CCAR as a Recovery Coach. She received a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and an Associate’s Degree in AODA from Moraine Park Technical College.
Lindsay Loewe
Board Member
Lindsay is a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. Her passions include helping serve the communities in which we live…one step at a time. She is the Founder of Collaborative Wellness and a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in Substance Use Disorders. She has a background in Art Therapy and works with people across the lifespan, goes to those in need, and volunteers on various boards and committees. Her two therapy dogs, Griffin & Gus, help create safe spaces and are the lights of our lives!
AISHA PUYLEART
Board Member
Aisha Morales Puyleart is an award-winning journalist & currently the Weekday Morning News Anchor at WBAY-TV2.
Aisha Morales attended Arizona State University — Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism.
Since her time in NE Wisconsin she has also received an Eric Sevareid Award of Merit for her “Learning 2 Adapt” piece speaking to kids in the community about how the 2020 pandemic was affecting them on various levels. She participates in several community committees on topics she is passionate about, including supporting youth, diversity/inclusion, and environmental causes.