Aaron Patterson’s journey is one of resilience, perseverance, and transformation. Having faced years of failure, pain, and insurmountable obstacles, he now leads with vulnerability, sharing his scars and triumphs with a heart full of hope. As a youth mentor/prevention specialist for over eight years now and with a rich background in the music industry. Aaron possesses a rare gift for storytelling, one that cuts through the noise and connects with students on the deepest level.
His presentations are more than just words; they are powerful calls to action, igniting something within each student and leaving them with a renewed sense of purpose. They walk away believing they are capable of so much more—ready to break free from the cycles of negativity and self-doubt that have held them back for so long.
We live in a time where many young people are silently suffering in silence, struggling with feelings of hopelessness and fear that they will never rise above their circumstances. Too many wake up each day carrying the weight of their pain, convinced that brighter days will never come.
Aaron understands this pain all too well, that’s why his mission is so personal. He strives to help every student see that their struggles do not define them, but they can be used as the fuel for their transformation. In doing so, they can reshape their future—not just for themselves, but for their families and their communities.
Aaron Patterson has spent his entire life finding his voice, but it wasn’t until he almost lost everything that he truly understood the power of what he had to say. Born and raised in Massachusetts, Aaron’s life has been shaped by pain, struggle, and a series of heartbreaking events. Now residing in Georgia, he is a living testament to the power of faith, the beauty of redemption, and the undeniable truth that we can always rise, no matter how far we’ve fallen.
As a middle schooler, Aaron was bright and loved to learn—but he quickly realized that being smart was something to hide. So, he dimmed his light to be accepted, becoming someone he wasn’t to fit in with the crowd. By high school, he became a popular star on the football team, living the life everyone envied—but deep down, he was empty, insecure, suicidal, desperate for love and approval, willing to sacrifice anything just to feel seen.
In the darkness, Aaron found temporary solace in drugs and alcohol, but it quickly spiraled out of control. Aaron found himself in dangerous situations, selling drugs, and lashing out at the people who loved him the most. His mother, who once saw a bright future in her son, was left to watch as her sweet child became a stranger.
It was in that moment of utter despair that he made the decision to change, to get sober, and to take back his life. In 2016, Aaron moved to Atlanta, and with that new chapter came a fresh mission.
To get free from the pain that had held him captive for so long. He created “Break The Cycle”, a movement that empowers others to break free from the invisible chains of trauma, fear, and hopelessness. His life’s purpose is simple: to prevent students from suffering in silence, from walking down the same dark roads he once did because they don’t know how to deal with their pain.
Every school he enters, Aaron’s goal is clear—to reach just one student, to shift their perspective, to let them see that no matter how broken they feel, they are not beyond redemption.
His story is more than just a story—it’s a lifeline. A reminder that no matter how far you’ve fallen, you can always stand up, dust yourself up, and try again. Living proof that even in your darkest moments there is hope. And that hope is what Aaron is determined to give every student he reaches. He’s showing that even the most broken souls can rise, rebuild, and shine brighter than they ever thought possible.
To empower the next generation to navigate their emotions, overcome obstacles, and pursue their dreams with resilience. Showing students how to identify the negative cycles holding them back, and teaching them how to transform their pain into purpose.
