Meet Our Team
Passionate skydivers, dedicated mentors, and unwavering supporters—our team is committed to empowering lives through the freedom of flight.
Ross Mitchell
Founder | President | Board of Directors
Ross Mitchell, founder of Leaps of Hope, is a Pittsburgh native who turned personal struggle into purpose through skydiving. The son of two addicts, Ross graduated from Central Catholic High School in 2014, served as a Marine Corps infantryman with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines from 2015 to 2019, and later earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Medicine while working as a paramedic in Pittsburgh. In 2022, after a life changing EMS call, Ross seemed to hit a breaking point—the next morning, in the hopes of feeling something, Ross did his first skydive at Skydive PA. The experience was so impactful it prompted him to quit his job, move to Utah, and become a USPA Licensed Skydiver. He is now USPA Coach with over 500 jumps, he thinks about the thrill of skydiving everyday. Through Leaps of Hope, he now helps veterans, first responders, and child abuse survivors experience the same transformation by offering skydiving opportunities and licensing support, building a community of resilience one jump at a time.
Matt draheim
Founding Director | Vice president
Matt Draheim is a cornerstone of the Leaps of Hope team, bringing his extensive expertise as a skydiving instructor, videographer, and coach since 2010. A former infantry officer in the US Army, he served with distinction in the 101st Airborne Division and 75th Ranger Regiment, experiences that shaped his understanding of resilience and camaraderie. Matt’s passion for skydiving goes beyond the thrill—he sees it as a powerful tool to inspire and heal, particularly for veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors. His selfless leadership and mentorship create a lasting impact, fostering a sense of community and empowerment through every jump. Matt is driven by a vision to provide world-class experiences that bring joy and growth to those he serves, making him an invaluable asset to the Leaps of Hope mission.
adam michel
chief media officer
Adam Michel, Chief Media Officer of Leaps of Hope, brings a wealth of expertise in content marketing, relationship building, and storytelling to the board, honed through collaborations with industry giants like Red Bull and partnerships with artists and athletes in the action sports realm. An avid skydiver, he sees the sport as a powerful tool to break barriers and foster resilience, a belief shaped by his upbringing as the son of a law enforcement officer and reinforced by the organization’s mission to empower veterans, first responders, and survivors of child abuse through transformative experiences. With a career dedicated to crafting authentic narratives and a personal passion for skateboarding, snowboarding, and photography, Adam is driven by the conviction that growth thrives outside one’s comfort zone—making him a dynamic advocate for Leaps of Hope’s vision of healing and freedom through every leap.
chris warman
founding director | secretary
Chris Warman brings a unique blend of business acumen and heartfelt compassion to the Leaps of Hope team, focusing on marketing, fundraising, and strategic advising. A former professional volleyball player, entrepreneur, and Vice President at a leading cybersecurity company, Chris has spent much of his career building successful ventures from the ground up. Beyond his professional achievements, he is deeply driven by a desire to help others succeed, a value that aligns perfectly with the mission of Leaps of Hope. Inspired by his brother’s involvement in launching the nonprofit and his own experiences witnessing the transformative power of skydiving, Chris joined the team to support veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors in finding joy and healing. His firsthand understanding of the challenges these communities face fuels his commitment to creating meaningful opportunities through the organization. With his charismatic leadership and empathetic approach, Chris is dedicated to amplifying the impact of Leaps of Hope and ensuring its mission reaches those who need it most.
marissa duvall
founding Director
Marissa Duvall serves as a distinguished director on the board of Leaps of Hope, bringing a wealth of experience and passion to the organization. Currently a U.S. Army Company Commander for a transportation unit, she has dedicated over 12 years to military service, enlisting in 2013 and commissioning as a Medical Services Officer in 2017. With a career spanning every echelon from team to combatant command, Marissa has demonstrated exceptional leadership and adaptability. An avid skydiver with more than 500 jumps, she discovered the sport in 2018 through military colleagues, overcoming initial challenges to become a skilled and committed participant. Alongside her spouse, a first responder and fellow skydiver, Marissa recognizes the critical need for Leaps of Hope’s mission. She is deeply committed to bridging the gap between selfless service and self-care, advocating for veterans, first responders, and survivors of child abuse while championing greater representation for women in skydiving. Her unique perspective and dedication strengthen the organization’s efforts to empower its community through transformative experiences.
brandon tomlins
skydive utah representative
Brandon is a dedicated advocate for armed forces and first responders, channeling a lifelong passion into Leaps of Hope by combining the transformative power of skydiving—a sport he’s embraced since his first jump in 2012—with a mission to uplift these heroes. As Operations Manager, Safety and Training Advisor, and Lead Instructor at Skydive Utah, Brandon leverages nearly seven years of instructional experience, over 5,000 jumps as a Tandem and Accelerated Free Fall Instructor, and deep expertise in safety and regulations to ensure impactful, safe experiences. Recognizing skydiving as a “medicine” that inspires courage, healing, and joy, Brandon is committed to guiding others through this life-changing journey, embodying the belief that it’s more than a thrill—it’s a force for positive change.