Ambassadors

Gavin Ward is a distinguished motorsports engineer and team leader with a career spanning top-tier racing organizations. He first made his mark in Formula 1 with Red Bull Racing, where over 12 years he rose from intern to race engineer and contributed to 8 World Championship titles and more than 50 Grand Prix victories. He later brought his winning expertise to IndyCar, helping Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden clinch the 2019 series championship.

In 2022, Ward joined Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team and was soon elevated to Team Principal leading to the team’s most successful season yet, achieving multiple race wins and coming within moments of an Indianapolis 500 victory. Gavin parted ways with Arrow McLaren following the 2024 season.

Beyond the checkered flags, Ward is equally known for his forward-thinking leadership and commitment to his team’s well-being. He pioneered a people-first culture within his organization, placing a greater emphasis on mental health and inclusivity than was customary in motorsport. By bravely sharing his own experiences with performance pressure and anxiety, he helped break down stigmas and implement support systems to ensure his colleagues thrive both on and off track. Gavin Ward’s blend of engineering excellence, compassionate leadership, and drive for innovation make him not only a champion on the race circuit but also an inspiring advocate for positive change. His support for Racing For Mental Health reflects these values and his dedication to promoting mental wellness in the high-pressure world of racing.

Chris was born in Long Beach, CA, and moved to Indy at a young age. His parents owned the first decal company in IndyCar. He grew up traveling with IndyCar with their company at six years old. He graduated from Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis in 2025 and skipped college to go racing full time. Chris raced himself throughout his early twenties while traveling as a spotter in IndyCar. After he stopped driving, he focused on coaching in the karting ranks working with many of today’s IndyCar stars. From 2016 to the end of 2019, he led all motorsport and marketing projects for Bell Helmets in North America before going to McLaren IndyCar. He left McLaren IndyCar at the end of 2022 to join Chip Ganassi Racing as a spotter, then race strategist for Kyffin Simpson in his rookie campaign. After 2024 when CGR was reduced from 5 to 3 cars, he took the role of overseeing the driver development program and front office side of the Indy NXT team.

“Over my life and racing career, I have suffered 22 concussions and 2 brain bleeds. In 2018, I became very sick from lack of treatment over the years. Anxiety, anger issues, lack of sleep, hand trimmers were among my symptoms, and I fought the effects of multiple concussion. Dealing with episodes of deep depression and uncertainty in my life, I was fortunate to find help from Dr. Mickey Collins at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Many thanks to Marshall Pruett, Ryan McGee, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Dr. Collins saved my life. It was me being so vulnerable and broken and speaking up to a close friend Marshall Pruett that allowed that sequence of events. Today, I have the privilege of helping young drivers via the greatest open wheel team ever, and still each day, I must remind myself that it’s worth it. Helping others is what I do, no matter if it’s on the racetrack or at home as individuals struggle through hardship and mental health issues.”

“Racing For Mental Health is a great group whose work is helping break down barriers and remove the stigma of talking about issues that have mostly over my life been brushed under the rug. These reasons and my story are why I am proud to be a board member and ambassador with Racing For Mental Health.”  – Chris Wheeler, Chip Ganassi Racing

Melanie is the dynamic Chief Executive Officer of the Children’s Advocacy Center of North and Northwest Cook County (CAC), a role she proudly assumed in 2022 after serving as the agency’s Director of Forensic and Advocacy Services since 2018. With over a decade of experience, Melanie has become a recognized leader in child advocacy, with an unwavering commitment to supporting vulnerable children and families.

A trained Forensic Interviewer since 2008, Melanie has conducted over 3,000 forensic interviews with child victims and witnesses across Florida, Indiana, and Illinois, playing a crucial role in criminal investigations. Her expertise has also led her to train fellow professionals in forensic interviewing as a member of the esteemed Child First Illinois Faculty from 2018-2024. Additionally, Melanie is a Certified Instructor for the Interdiction of the Protection of Children (IPC).

Melanie holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Criminal Justice from Iowa State University (2004) and a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University (2010). As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), she has provided trauma therapy to children, adults, and first responders, using her clinical expertise to promote healing across diverse settings, including private practice.

Outside of her professional achievements, Melanie is a passionate for her family and enjoys quality time with her loved ones, including her three dogs. A dedicated fan of Formula 1 and NFL football, she continues to attempt to balance her career with personal pursuits that bring joy and excitement to her life.

Jordan has been a driving force for Racing For Mental Health, both on and off the track. As the Mission Ambassador, Jordan has been involved heavily with Racing For Mental Health and was the catalyst for its beginning. He connects emotionally with all of our donors, sponsors, and supporters. Jordan represents the organization better than anybody, engaging with all groups of people while promoting the organization’s vision, values, and goals. Jordan is a frequent public speaker at various mental health awareness events and is always eager to drive the goals of Racing For Mental Health further each day.

Aidan Yoder has been a part of the motorsports industry for over 10 years. Throughout his experience in karting, formula cars, and sportscars, Aidan has noticed an area of weakness in racing- Mental Health support is simply not discussed enough motorsports paddocks around the world. Mental health resources are prevalent and often frequented in other professional sports, so why should racing be any different?

As a full-time college student, Aidan understands firsthand the mental strain placed on he and his peers. He believes the competitive nature of motorsports is very akin to the pressure students are placed under in the classroom. Knowing all the highs and lows that come with college life, Aidan wants to provide a safe space for he and his peers to be honest about what they’re going through.

Aidan saw a unique opportunity to pair his passion for mental health awareness with his passion for racing and aims to promote safe mental health discussion in all forms