Breath, story, wind, educate, spirit, live… Are these just random words or could there be some connection? I see connection.
The journey of those words being connected for me began shortly after I arrived in Seattle, in the mid 1980s, to join Taproot Theatre Company. I became educated to the fact that performance and theatre could accomplish far more than simply entertaining someone. It could profoundly educate and impact others.
The 1990s took an unusual turn away from theatre as I was trained and worked as a firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). But this new vocation simply helped reinforce my love of people, and desire to be a part of resuscitating lives on several different levels. While still remaining an EMT, in the early 2000s, I was given the opportunity to teach a basic CPR/First Aid class.
Truly, that completed the vocational circle as I began blending my theatrical skills, emergency services experience, and a deep conviction to educate others. That conviction and skillset compels me to equip and inspire others to remember what has been shared, so that a life – theirs or someone else’s – can be improved, made well, and kept safe emotionally, physically or spiritually.
Whether as an educator, or storyteller, my goal is to uplift all those who are listening. This is the conviction that has brought me to Shawn Ritchey L.I.V.E. (Link, Inspire, Value, Educate).
And what is the significance of these words to me?
Link: I naturally look for, and find, links, or connections, in life. When I share those with others, it often deepens their understanding of the message being presented.
Inspire: I am intrigued by the fact that words like breath, wind, spirit derive from the same root word in both the Greek and Hebrew languages. So to be mindful of inspiring others is to consciously breathe life into their lives through each presentation I offer.
Value: I believe there is value to all life and simply want to challenge myself to always remember that.
Educate: This word really wraps it all together as I will find “teachable moments” whenever I can. Just ask my sons about that.😊
And speaking of family, I am very fortunate to have a very talented and remarkable wife and two amazing and gifted sons.
So consider this…
Shawn Ritchey L.I.V.E. (Link, Inspire, Value, Educate)
Shawn Ritchey L.I.V.E. (2018-Present)
Shawn Ritchey Safety Training (SRST) (2002 to 2018)
WA State Driver’s Education Instructor: WMST (2017 to 2020)
Instructor/Trainer/Consultant with Evergreen Safety Council (F/T – 2001 to 2002; P/T – 2002 to 2012)
Emergency Medical Technician with Trans-West Ambulance (Feb 2021 to Dec 2021)
Project Safety Consultant with Intuitive Safety Solutions (2020)
Emergency Medical Technician with Lifemed Inc (2000 to 2019)
Health & Safety Specialist with Western Refinery Services (WRS) (2013 to 2014)
Emergency Medical Technician with Shepherd/AMR Ambulance (1992 to 2002)
Firefighter/EMT at KCFD #10 (1991 to 1992)
Churches/Organizations (2007 to Present)
The Lights of Christmas (2005 to 2019)
Taproot Theatre Company (1987 to 1991)