About Us:
Bridging the Gap in Seizure Safety
The Meaning Behind the Name: Project Aura
In the medical world, an "Aura" is the warning sign—the feeling a person gets right before a seizure begins. At Project Aura, that is exactly where we live. We are here for the moments before a crisis happens. Our mission is to ensure that the public is prepared, the right equipment is in hand, and a safety net is already in place before the first sign of a seizure appears.
Meet the Team
President & CEO
Brett Rhodes
"I founded Project Aura alongside Michael and Jacky to turn my 12 years of personal experience with epilepsy into a lifeline for others. This will ensure that when a voice is lost during a seizure, a prepared community is there to help them. "
Co-Founder & Board Treasurer
Michael Terlep
"As an urban planner, I’ve spent my career improving public safety and community infrastructure. I’m proud to bring that experience and my long-standing friendship with Brett to Project Aura, ensuring our charity is a reliable resource for the public."
Co-founder & Board Secretary
Jacky Ruiz Ugalde
"As a social worker i am dedicated to helping people in impoverished communities navigate their hardest moments. Having known Brett through his journey for years, I am committed to making sure our life-saving resources reach the people who need them most."
Our Story
Get to Know Us
With over a decade of real-world experience, we’ve seen firsthand how Just 1 seizure can change a life in seconds. Our President and co-founder, Brett Rhodes, has lived with epilepsy for 12 years—facing the reality of seizures in public spaces. Co-founder Michael Terlep is a close friend and political activist who has stepped up countless times to provide critical seizure first aid and support for his friends and family. Joining them is Jacky Ruiz Ugalde, a friend, an activist, and a dedicated social service advocate, Building a career on helping people navigate their most vulnerable moments. Together, we realized there was a dangerous gap in public awareness and safety. We knew there was a problem, and we knew we had to fix it.
Our Mission:
Project Aura is a life-saving initiative created to support those living with seizures and those who cannot afford essential safety equipment. We bridge the gap between medical crisis and public preparedness by providing education, resources, and direct aid.