JOIN US IN CELEBRATING WELLNESS, CULTURE + COMMUNITY ON JULY 11!

Willie Cruz, an esteemed figure in the realm of athletic performance, currently serves as the Athletic Performance Director for the Houston Rockets. With over a decade of experience spanning collegiate and professional levels, Willie's expertise is unmatched. His profound passion of the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit has established him as a leader in the field of human betterment and athletic performance training. Willie is committed to empowering individuals to reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives. 

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Dr. Peter Allen, affectionately known as “The Legendary DJ Pied Piper,” is one of Houston’s most respected and recognizable radio figures. His journey  from collecting cassettes and spinning records as a young music enthusiast to becoming an award-winning media executive, humanitarian, and community leader  is rooted in passion, perseverance, and purpose.

Guided early by radio legends Jazzie Redd, Jammin’ Jimmy Olson, and the Legendary Original Quiet Storm Host in Houston, Rudy V, Dr. Allen developed a deep respect for the craft of broadcasting and the power of music to connect people across generations. Rudy V helped name Love After Dark “The Quiet Storm,” lending his legacy and guidance to what would become Houston’s first nationally syndicated Quiet Storm radio program.

After relocating to Houston, Dr. Allen founded KPJZ 953 JAMZ — Houston’s Home for JAMZ — a digital radio station built to elevate culture, amplify authentic voices, and preserve timeless music.

His signature program, Love After Dark “The Quiet Storm,” proudly stands as Houston’s first nationally syndicated Quiet Storm radio show, reaching more than 16 markets across the United States. Staying true to the heritage of the original Quiet Storm format, the show blends classic slow-jam R&B, soulful ballads, and unforgettable love songs that take listeners down memory lane.

Deonte Scott is an award-winning spoken word artist, author, and advocate whose work has inspired audiences across the country through powerful storytelling rooted in resilience, healing, and hope.

Raised in Chicago’s Robert Taylor Homes, Deonte transformed his life experiences into a platform that encourages honest conversations about mental health, trauma, purpose, and personal growth. For more than two decades, he has used poetry to create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to confront life’s challenges with courage.

A former featured artist on TVOne’s Lexus Verses & Flow and the recipient of RAW Houston’s Performing Artist of the Year award, Deonte has performed for audiences ranging from intimate community gatherings to Fortune 500 companies, including Meta and Google. He is also the author of The Beauty In The Burden, a collection that reminds readers that even life’s greatest struggles can become the foundation for healing and transformation.

Beyond the stage, Deonte is the founder of Run for Autism, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families impacted by autism through advocacy, education, and community engagement. His commitment to service extends beyond performance, reflecting his belief that true impact happens when art meets action.

Through his poetry, public speaking, and community initiatives, Deonte continues to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health especially within the Black community and among men encouraging others to embrace vulnerability, seek support, and recognize that strength is found not in silence, but in healing. His work serves as a reminder that our stories have the power to break cycles, restore hope, and inspire others to choose healing over silence.

Joshua Castro is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Texas. He has been practicing in a private practice setting for over ten years in the Houston area. With a background of over 25 years in public education, he began his private work focusing on teens and adolescents. He quickly grew to love working with adults and has found his passion in couples work. His focus is on helping couples work through the most common difficulties, such as communication, conflict resolution, forgiveness, and boundaries. Additionally, he authored a book Dysfunctional Relationships in 2021 outlining his approach. Joshua has a desire to help both men and women understand themselves and improve the dynamics in their relationships, including romantic, family, and even professional. He is available for individual

" I work with lots of clients that are struggling in their most important relationships, whether it's marriage or family. We sometimes feel stuck, or just plain exhausted in all our attempts to improve things alone. This is where a trusted helper can make a difference. I enjoy the process of helping couples and families understand the factors that are at play in their relationships and how to improve them."

I grew up in a small town in Minnesota, played sports my entire life. I dabbled a little bit with alcohol in high school but once I went to college, I was off to the races. I found myself drinking and doing drugs daily. I ended up dropping out and moving back to my small hometown. 

That's when my addiction got worse. I was in a relationship at the time and she broke up with me and when she did so, I tried to take my life. Thankfully I wasn't successful. 

I was forced to go to outpatient treatment but I didn't think I had a problem. I continued to use drugs and alcohol. 

The weekend of my 24th birthday is when I hit rock bottom. Lost my job, girlfriend, evicted from my apartment and family had turned there back on me. I found myself with a bottle of alcohol sitting alone in the dark. I was helpless. I finally realized maybe I did have a problem. I was going to take my life cause I felt no purpose anymore. I lost everything. 

Thankfully my best friend called and showed up to stop me. I told him I needed help and that's what he did, got me help. I checked into rehab a week later. 

On August 3rd, 2009 is my sobriety date. I promised my family I was done putting them through hell but most importantly MYSELF. 

Since that day, my life has changed for the better. I put all my energy into work and making something of myself for getting another chance at life. 

I currently reside in Houston Texas. I'm a consultant in the Oil and Gas industry. For once in my life I feel like I found my home and where I belong. Houston has changed and opened my eyes. The relationships I've made and the people I met are my closest friends today. Houston is HOME!

Lastly, I strive everyday to show others how great of a life you can live without drugs and alcohol. I love helping others who struggle, they need the support. My life isn't perfect but it's better then I ever could of imagined