Meet the Founders
Sean Perry, MBA
Founder | President | Executive Director
Sean Perry is a recognized innovator and passionate advocate dedicated to transforming the landscape of youth mental health support globally. As Founder, President, and Executive Director of We R H.O.P.E., Inc., Sean has directly supported over 3,000 children since 2018, achieving a remarkable 50% reduction in anxiety symptoms among participants. He pioneered the youth mental health coaching model, uniquely embedding trained coaches within schools to deliver proactive, daily mental health support, a groundbreaking approach significantly improving access and reducing stigma.
Sean is notably credited as the first to introduce Youth Emotional CPR (eCPR) into school settings, solidifying his role as a thought leader in mental health education. Additionally, he designed and launched the nation’s only youth mental health wellness retreat exclusively focused on emotional CPR, creating an innovative safe space where young people learn essential coping strategies and resilience skills.
An esteemed global educator, Sean has taught Emotional CPR in 23 countries across Africa and Southeast Asia, including delivering specialized training in Kurin Village, South Africa. He is co-author of Youth Emotional CPR and has authored several impactful books supporting families in navigating mental health challenges:
- Understanding Anxiety: Tools and Strategies Handbook
- Understanding ADHD and Empowering Families with Tools for Success
- Parenting the Spectrum: A Guide for Navigating Your Child’s Journey
- Understanding the IEP and 504 Process: Advocating for Your Child’s Education
Sean serves on several influential boards, including the Advisory Board for the Mental Health Literacy Collaborative (MHLC), the National Empowerment Center (NEC), and previously Mind Blossom, a nonprofit focused on empowering mental well-being through evidence-based education and community engagement. He is also an Advisory Board Member for the New England Mental Health Technology Transfer Center Network (MHTTC).
A dynamic and respected public speaker, Sean has presented at esteemed institutions such as Dartmouth College, Franklin Pierce University, and numerous conferences across the East Coast. In recognition of his global influence and transformative leadership, Sean was named a recipient of the Forttuna Global Top 100 Power List.
Sean holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of East London, consistently combining strategic insight and compassionate leadership to drive systemic change in youth mental health care.
Contact Sean: Sean@werhope.org | 802-440-1428 [Ex. 700]
James Reinstein
Founder | Vice President
James Reinstein has been working in the Mental Health field for nearly a decade. James is the Vice President and Co-Founder of We R H.O.P.E. He is determined to break the stigma surrounding mental health by bringing education to not only the youth we have today but communities altogether. James is a Nonviolent Intervention Specialist and an Exposure Response Prevention Specialist. He received his Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Lyndon State College. James is trained to be a facilitator of eCPR and is also trained to train staff in the Signs of Suicide Prevention Program.
Contact James: James@werhope.org | 802-440-1428 [Ex. 705]