About The Artest Foundation
Our Vision
Our Accomplishments
Our Approach
Since 2012, our vision has been to cultivate the potential of youth through Athletics, Education, and Mental Health support. We are committed to equipping young individuals with the essential life skills they need to succeed, empowering them to thrive and lead fulfilling lives both now and in the future.
Our Approach
Our Accomplishments
Our Approach
We believe in nurturing the whole individual by integrating mental health, athletics, and education. Our holistic approach addresses not just the symptoms of mental health challenges but also the root causes, helping young people build resilience and strength.
Our Accomplishments
Our Accomplishments
Our Accomplishments
Over the years, we have accomplished many important milestones in our mission to support mental health, including expanding our services and increasing accessibility to mental health resources.
The Visionaries Driving the Artest FounDATION
Ron Artest, Sr. - Founder & President
Founder & President of The Artest Foundation, established in 2012, Ron Artest, Sr. is dedicated to empowering youth through basketball and community engagement. Previously an honorary officer of Shoot Hoops Not Guns (SHNG) in Staten Island, he brings years of experience in community advocacy. As a proud father of nine, Ron partners with his son, Metta World Peace (now known as Metta Sandiford-Artest), to host basketball programs and camps nationwide. He is committed to helping young people build skills, confidence, and a path to success both on and off the court.
Melissa Artest - Director of Mental Health Initiatives
Director of Mental Health Initiatives at The Artest Foundation, Melissa Artest has been with the organization since 2019. As the daughter of Ron Artest, Sr., she brings a personal passion for mental health advocacy, leading collaborations with NAMI and spearheading all mental health initiatives. Recently, Melissa began working as a Peer Advocate in the mental health field. She is committed to expanding the foundation’s mental health programs and strengthening partnerships with other organizations to support individuals facing mental health challenges.
Maria Rosa - Administrative Director
Administrative Director at The Artest Foundation, Maria has been a key team member since 2013, starting with the foundation’s first collaboration with Gauchos Gym for a basketball tournament. Detail-oriented and highly organized, Maria oversees event planning, coordinates meetings, manages social media, handles inventory and registration, and supports financial planning. Her dedication ensures the smooth execution of foundation initiatives and impactful experiences for the community.
Metta World Peace - Co-Founder
Metta Sandiford-Artest (born Ronald William Artest Jr.) is a retired American professional basketball player. Over his 19-season NBA career, Metta played for the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Sacramento Kings and his hometown New York Knicks. Renowned for his defensive prowess, he won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2004 and an NBA championship with the Lakers, alongside the "late" great Kobe Bryant in 2010. In addition, Metta is at the forefront of promoting awareness about the importance of mental health and wellness.
Anthony M. Drago - Co-Chair, DTM / CSAC
A Veteran of the United States Coast Guard with over 25 years of Personal Development training, Anthony M. Drago is now a Peak Performance Consultant, Speaker, Author of Go Prove Something!, a Distinguished Toastmaster, and a Certified Speed & Agility Coach, who trains Youth Organizations, Corporations, Sports teams, and Entrepreneurs in the areas of Communication, Leadership, Motivation, Personal Development, and Proper Body Mechanics (Speed, Agility & Quickness). Anthony uses his Military, Financial markets, and Sports backgrounds as the vehicles to teach vital life lessons. Anthony has developed a unique, entertaining, physical, and interactive seminar, speech, or workshop that builds an unbreakable bond between the Mind & Body while creating physical anchors that makes information retention second nature.
Dr. Brad Conn - Ph-D - Co-Chair
Brad is a dedicated College Professor and Psychologist committed to diversity and inclusion in academia. He teaches a wide range of students, from undergraduates to doctoral candidates. He also maintains a therapy practice, providing evidence-based care to diverse clients. Passionate about sports psychology, he helps athletes of all levels optimize their mental performance. With a strong research background, he actively contributes to the field of psychology and translates findings into real-world applications. Brad welcomes collaborations and knowledge sharing to advance psychology in both academic and applied settings.
Michael "Reo" Reodica - Director of Marketing and Communication
John Witcher - Co-Founder, Director of Community Relations
John Witcher is a dedicated leader and Co-founder of the Artest Foundation,
established in the fall of 2012. With a passion for empowering communities and fostering positive change, John plays a pivotal role in the foundation’s mission to provide resources, mentorship, and opportunities to underserved youth. His work with the Artest Foundation reflects a commitment to creating a lasting impact, blending community outreach with personal mentorship to inspire the next generation.