This project couldn’t happen without a solid team running operations. Here is a little more about the members of our core team.
Mike Shoreman
Mike Shoreman is an award winning mental health and disability advocate, keynote speaker, athlete, author and columnist, writing on mental health and disability related issues.
When Hope Breaks Through is his story.
His work in mental health awareness, promotion, and education is extensive, partnering with national and international mental health organizations.
Shoreman became the first person with physical disabilities to cross the 5 Great Lakes in 2022. This endeavor became one of the largest independently run mental health awareness campaigns for youth in Canada.
The efforts of his team have been recognized in the Ontario Legislative Assembly, the Canadian House of Commons and by the Prime Minister of Canada.
Mike is the 2022 recipient of the Marg Starzynski Mental Health Leadership award by the Mood Disorder Society of Canada.
Matthew Wagner
Matthew is a Michigan-based director & cinematographer. His previous documentary “Charro & Steed” has won awards (including “Best Director,” “Best Editing,” and “Best Documentary”) at film festivals throughout the Great Lakes region and across the United States.
He is passionate about telling stories in a way that leaves an emotional impact to inspire change. Originally from North Carolina, Matt has lived all over the world including Costa Rica, The Dominican Republic, Nashville, Texas, and Michigan. His experience in different cultures and environments has given him a passion to help tell stories of people from all across the globe.
Matt is a husband, a father of three children, and has made it his goal to maintain a career where he can creatively tell stories of impact through documentary films
Liana Neumann
Liana met Mike years ago as a former paddling student. They quickly connected and became great friends.
Following the Lake Erie crossing, Liana jumped on board (literally) as the crossing’s logistics manager. She secured the boats and support teams, coordinated accommodations, gear and supplies for crossings, as well as creating a proper nutrition plan that would optimize Mike’s endurance and chances of success during the crossings. She stretched the budget far beyond any of our expectations by securing huge donations and discounts. She handled just about any demand and obstacle that presented itself, and for this reason she became affectionately known as “The Handler”.
Throughout this project Liana utilized her incredible planning, communication, research and organizational skills from her former career in the death care industry. This, coupled with her compassion and unique ability to connect on some level with everyone she meets, made her the perfect addition to our team!
Liana is the proud mom of a grown son and is passionate about mental health advocacy, vintage thrifting, yoga and hiking. She is excited to move forward in the documentary film production world.
Jim Peever
At a time when our current boat was broken down and we had no apparent way of getting across Lake Huron, we made a phone call to a stranger… Jim Peever.
He volunteered to charter the team across Lake Huron, and very quickly became an integral member of our core team. Always there to help with anything from safety and piloting the boats, to keeping Mike awake by telling jokes as he paddled through the grueling nights! His care, responsibility, and desire for our entire team to succeed led to him becoming known as “Sheepdog,”...and just maybe because sometimes he felt like he was herding sheep!
Jim Peever is one of a kind. He is an avid skier/instructor and adventure seeker, a boat captain, a devoted husband and proud father. Jim owns and operates the Maitland Valley Marina in Goderich, ON and is part of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary for Marine Search and Rescue.
Joe Matteson
After the first crossing, Joe joined the crew as a videographer, working closely with Matt to capture all of the footage needed for the documentary. As with other crew members, he not only was there to capture footage, but he quickly developed a close connection with Mike and became his number one emotional supporter. During the night, Joe would talk about everything under the sun with Mike in order to keep him motivated and encouraged.
Joe is incredibly honest, loving, and life-giving to be around. His energy is contagious and the entire crew felt loved and cared for by his presence on the boats.
Joe is a devoted husband, proud father, talented artist and a passionate professional videographer and photographer. He and his wife operate a highly sought after photography/videography business, The Mattesons, in their hometown of Owossa, MI
Keith Fisher
In 2021 when Mike attempted to cross Lake Ontario the first time, Keith chartered the voyage. Since then he has grown close with Mike, and became a vital member of the crossings.
He captained the Lake Ontario voyage, assisted on Lake Erie, and became our go-to source for weather prediction.
Keith is honest, says exactly what’s on his mind, and is not afraid of conflict. But as soon as you get to know him even a little bit, it becomes clear that he is a (highly capable) soft-hearted goof ball and everyone who meets him loves to be around him!
Keith is a husband and father, a boat captain and pilot. He enjoys speanding his spare time on the water in any capacity, including paddleboarding and catching great sunsets.