What We Do
Omnium Outdoors Is Committed to supporting those with Mental Health Issues BY improving their Physical Wellness.
Did you know that those of us living with a mental illness are at a higher risk of becoming physically unhealthy? Likewise, with chronic physical health issues comes a higher risk for mental illness. Omnium Outdoors aims to break down the barriers between mental and physical health by providing services to all people, emphasizing the interdependent growth of physical and mental well-being.
You’re not alone.
We know how lonely it can be, dealing with mental health issues. That’s why a huge part of the Omnium Outdoors mission is to build a vibrant, living community of people who understand what your struggle is like. We want to raise awareness of just how widespread mental illness is, and of this one simple fact: you are not alone. Find out more about how we are connecting and informing members of the community here.
Our Executive Director
Lucas Fortini has been a competitive cyclist since 2005 and worked his way up the ranks to become a Category 1 road racer in New England. While attending Bridgewater State University, Luc wanted to find a path where he would always have his passion mixed with his profession so he pursued a degree in Exercise Physiology and Nutrition. Soon after, he became an assistant Strength and Conditioning coach at Bryant University working with Division 1 level teams in football, lacrosse, softball, and track. Later, Luc worked to develop a top level cycling center in Westport, CT where he was able to hone his coaching and operational skills.
Once Luc retired from racing and started his company Omnium Coaching in 2018, he was inexplicably laden with multiple health issues. After many months of tests and misdiagnoses Luc learned that he had a mental illness; he had been properly diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. It was this diagnosis and the years-long struggle leading up to it that inspired Luc to start Omnium Outdoors. It was time to start helping others with mental health issues get outdoors and get active.
“It wasn’t until my diagnosis with Bipolar Disorder that I learned how important physical health is for my mental health. I decided to take all of the skills I’ve acquired over the years and help others suffering from mental illness. ”
-Lucas Fortini
Our Technical Director
Mike Shuster is the acting Technical Director for Omnium Outdoors. After graduating from Brown University with majors in both Philosophy and Music, he began cultivating expertise in Food Service and, later, Management. Mike changed paths and started studying web development during the pandemic, after which he took on his current role at the time of Omnium’s founding. He loves creating expressive media, hiking, and board games, and listens to way too much Critical Role. As a long-time friend of Founder Lucas Fortini, Mike is excited to help grow Omnium, expand upon its culture of wellness and fun, and bring its services to more of the community.
“All of us have our own challenges to overcome. But that doesn’t mean we can’t walk those paths together. I believe we can help each other, and ourselves, to enjoy the journey. And when we get to the summit, I want each of us to ask, ‘What’s next?’”
-Mike Shuster
PARTNERS
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