Our Story
Founded by Michael Ortoll in 2021, his daughter, Christine, battled substance use disorder and mental health issues for ten years. During this time, Michael and his family left no stone unturned as they fought alongside Christine,
turning to over 20 recovery centers
and countless experts for help along the way.
She achieved sobriety for nearly three years, until her final relapse and resulting death via synthetic opioid overdose. It was Christine’s wish in her own words:
“I do not want to be defined by my disease but remembered for helping those with it”.
Our Mission
We are committed to creating media about mental health and substance use disorders that are educational and inspiring so our audience can feel empowered to take control of their lives, find the support they need, and move forward with hope.
Our Vision
To transform the lives of those affected by mental illness and substance abuse so they can seek recovery and thrive.
Meet the Team
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Michael Ortoll
Mike has spent 40 years in the insurance industry on the carrier and brokerage side, advising large firms on managing risks.
He is a partner at BRP Group and CEO at iPEO Solutions.
Mike is the founder of Christine Ortoll Charity (COC), in honor of his daughter, who passed away from a fentanyl overdose in 2020.
COC is a 501C3 which produces media to inspire and provide hope for those affected by mental health or substance abuse.
He lives in Tampa with his wife Laureen and has a son, Michael and two stepdaughters, Jordan, and Hannah.
Mike is a Miami native with strong ties to the Cuban/Latino community as well as an active speaker in the insurance and recovery industry.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tim Searfoss
Tim Searfoss is an international award-winning director/producer/writer with a passion for storytelling and inspiring audiences.
He has over 20 years of experience in the film & documentary industry and is the co-founder of Fire Pillar Entertainment.
His first film “Break Every Chain” earned over 20 awards and his first documentary, “One Second at a Time”, produced for COC, has already earned over 55 awards.
Born in Caracas, Venezuela; Tim and his family emigrated when he was 7 years old to the United States.
With over 20 years of experience in the industry his films and productions have earned international recognition and his stories have helped change lives.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Laureen Jacobe
Laureen was born in Ohio and graduated from the University of Akron with a nursing degree in 1996.
She worked as a nurse for 27 years in the intensive care unit and emergency room.
Laureen obtained her Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University and works as an adjunct clinical professor at the University of Tampa.
She is the proud mother of two daughters, one of whom is a nurse in a Neuro Intensive Care Unit and the other is a senior at Florida Gulf Coast University majoring in social work.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jorge Valiente
Jorge Valiente is the President and Managing Director of Bella Hermida Valiente, a general practice of accounting and consulting since 1994.
He has 44 years of experience in the profession and prior to his practice he was a senior advisory manager at Deloitte.
Jorge currently serves in various non-profit organization boards in the Tampa Bay area.