The You Are The Power Team

Spike Cohen
Founder and President
Spike Cohen is a nationally recognized advocate for liberty whose work has mobilized thousands of people to take action for freedom and Human Respect. After decades of successful business ownership, having started his first business as a teenager, he turned his focus to activism, combining knowledge, passion, and humor to inspire audiences across the country. In 2020, Spike ran for national political office, traveling to nearly every state and engaging directly with millions of Americans, elevating the message of liberty to one of its largest platforms in modern history.
As the Founder and public face of You Are The Power, Spike leads campaigns that hold government accountable and achieve real reforms in communities nationwide. His efforts have helped everyday people successfully challenge abuses of power, change local policies, and advance grassroots victories that protect and improve lives.
A sought-after speaker, Spike has headlined major events including Students for Liberty’s LibertyCon, Young Americans for Liberty’s YALCon, the Free State Project’s PorcFest and FreedomFest. His media reach spans from U.S. outlets such as Fox Business, Patrick Bet David, Part of the Problem with Dave Smith and the Tom Woods Show, to international platforms in Australia, Canada, and other countries. He is also a frequent guest on many podcasts and radio programs, bringing the principles of liberty to diverse audiences worldwide.
Spike is committed to growing the liberty movement by training grassroots leaders, equipping them with effective, principled communication skills, and working directly with policymakers to advance practical, common-sense reforms. His tireless advocacy continues to build momentum for a freer, more respectful society.

Myra Matejka
Executive Director
Myra has been a part of You Are The Power from the start and brings a foundation of experience for our grassroots activism.
Most of Myra’s life has been devoted to making a difference, not only for her own community, but for others as well. Working as a volunteer at her local hospital starting at 10 years of age helping in daycare, taking deliveries to patients, eventually serving at the front desk answering questions and assisting visitors. She would earn an award for 3600 hours of volunteer service before High School.
After graduation, Myra started from the ground up taking phone orders for a national office supply company and quickly advanced into team leadership, insurance licensing, training, and account management; while learning sales skills, quality control, people management, project management, IT, telephony, and legal aspects of contracts in business.
In 2004 Myra left her corporate job to stay home with her children and found herself diving headfirst into community outreach and activism. She could be seen walking with her children into political think tanks, voicing her opinions at community meetings and taking on statewide roles to bring like-minded people together. She donated her services as a professional photographer to the local public school sports teams, and upcoming Senior students with limited income, for 4 years.
As a homeschooling mom who wanted to be an example for her children, she insisted that volunteer efforts were a part of her kids’ curriculum; they would often spend time as companions to the residents of their local retirement home.
Politically, Myra has been very active in third-party politics, holding positions of local, district, state leadership, and convention chair. She has worked on three presidential nomination campaigns, four gubernatorial campaigns, and one presidential campaign all while running for State House office twice.

Ryan Ralston
Operations Director
Ryan is committed to reforming the criminal justice and family policing systems. He has over twenty years of investigative experience as a Senior Investigator, focusing on complex cases that have taken him across the country. Ryan is a graduate of Mercer University’s Public Safety Leadership Institute and is frequently sought after for his expertise in criminal procedures and search and seizure issues. Over the past decade, he has worked for, volunteered with, and supported various civic organizations and nonprofits such as Georgia Innocence Project, Fully Informed Jury Association, and the Atlanta-based law firm Bernard and Johnson, LLC.
Ryan has held multiple roles at You Are The Power, starting as a volunteer before becoming the Georgia State Organizer and then the Southeast Regional Organizer. His proven leadership led to his appointment as the National Volunteer Director, where he improved volunteer recruitment and engagement. Currently, as Operations Director, he manages the Volunteer Program, which includes the Volunteer Director, Cause Coordinator, and Family Reunification Program—an initiative he helped establish. Ryan also creates organizational policies and procedures to boost case management efficiency and client support, and advocates for You Are The Power by speaking on local radio, 11 Alive news in Atlanta, Hazlitt Summit legal conferences, hosting town halls, and addressing lawmakers—successfully supporting the passage of Ridge’s Law in Georgia.
For Ryan, the power of change comes from grassroots activism, a belief that has guided his actions and decisions. He strongly believes these methods yield more meaningful results for our communities than government-mandated policies, and he is dedicated to the Principle of Human Respect while focusing on positive solutions that empower individuals.

Brian Lambrecht
Special Projects Director
Brian Lambrecht brings national media strategy and storytelling power to You Are the Power. As a national media scheduler, he has secured more than seventy national television segments — including frequent appearances on Fox Business with Kennedy — and placed stories on major talk radio shows in diverse markets like Atlanta, Baltimore, Salt Lake City, Mobile, and Cincinnati. In politics, Brian secured hundreds of pieces of earned media coverage for candidates, including candidate endorsements from the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times, and landed candidates state and national TV debate slots. Before joining You Are the Power, Brian directed media outreach for a national vice-presidential campaign, securing broadcast and print media coverage in outlets like CNN, Fox Business, and etc.
Brian is now the engine behind You Are The Power’s earned media and public presence. He builds journalist relationships, crafts pitches that resonate nationally and locally, and secures the kind of interviews and speaking opportunities that keep the mission in front of the audiences who matter most. In his free time, he teaches media and journalism to students around the world.

Ciara Mathey
Social Media Director
As You Are The Power’s Social Media Director, Ciara has brought her expertise in social media to expand our presence on Facebook, Instagram and other platforms to over 150 million impressions and tens of thousands of followers. She also oversees the You Are The Power Training Series, coordinating and presenting video training sessions on a wide variety of topics to our members as well as producing our monthly newsletter, keeping our members informed and involved.
Inspired by the Ron Paul Revolution of 2012, Ciara developed a love for liberty-centered politics, becoming an assistant volunteer director, working for an alternative media network, and attending protests, rallies, and political events as an independent reporter and photographer.
In Illinois, she was heavily involved in third-party politics, serving as a Chair for DeKalb County, social media coordinator for multiple political candidates, and winning several awards for her activism throughout her involvement.
Ciara’s passion and dedication to continually keep up to date with advancements in engagement and communication in the social media field has been vital in growing our grass-roots activist network.

Victoria Lawhorn
Volunteer Director
For over a decade, Victoria has championed liberty, empowering individuals and resisting government overreach. She has marched against mandates and managed political campaigns. Victoria’s extensive experience serving in local government as 1st Deputy Assessor in LeFlore County OK, a Fiscal Analyst in Administrative Services for Yuba County CA, an Accounting Specialist for the Yuba County Treasurer and Tax Collector’s Office, and as a consultant for the La Paz County Assessor’s Office in AZ. She has volunteered with liberty organizations such as the Ladies of Liberty Alliance and served as a member of the Beale AFB Enlisted Spouses Club board.
In 2024, Victoria joined You Are the Power as our Southwestern Regional Coordinator, then transitioned to Cause Coordinator after a regional reorganization where she streamlined the process of vetting and accepting clients. She was integral in the development of the Family Reunification Program, and now serves as our National Volunteer Director, overseeing the Cause Coordinator, Regional Organizers, Family Reunification Program, and our activist network. Her professional background in administration and local government complements her activism, equipping her with the tools to tackle complex issues with compassion and strategy.
Victoria’s dedication is unwavering. Her experience spans public and private institutions, grassroots movements, serving on boards and committees, and consistently pursuing practical, love-centered solutions.

Elizabeth Melton
Cause Coordinator
Elizabeth brings a passion for liberty to You Are The Power drawing from her experience as an activist for freedom-focused causes and grass-roots non-profit work.
Among her varied roles in the liberty movement, she is a founding member of the anti-surveillance organization, Banish Big Brother, and the founder of The Gray Matter Project, an initiative that creates video content and documentaries on important issues that deserve greater attention. Her multi-faceted career includes work as a writer, teacher, documentation specialist in the tech industry, and homeschooling mom.
Elizabeth, originally our Southeast Regional Director, is now our Cause Coordinator where her skills as an activist and educator can best serve to assist our clients in finding justice.

Jennifer Floyd
Media and Graphics Designer
Jennifer’s passion has always been centered around service and personal freedom, leading to heavy involvement in liberty politics in the early 2000’s. As a passionately creative person, she brings a wide range of skills and talents to You Are The Power, serving as our Media and Graphics Designer since our inception.
From promotional graphics, print media, website design, to video editing and filming, she works closely with Ciara Mathey managing our YouTube and TikTok accounts with a rapidly growing followership and millions of views.
Jennifer believes strongly in the work we do and the clients we support, dedicating herself to the cause of Human Respect, participating in events, providing photography, videography, promotion and support to our clients.
Our Regional Organizers

Western Region
Rebekah Massie; Serving the states of: WA, OR, CA, MT, ID, WY, NV, UT, CO, AZ, NM, AK, & HI.

Midwestern Region
Sarah Buethe; Serving the states of: MN, IA, MO, WI, IL, IN, MI, OH, NE, OK, TX, ND, SD, & KS.

Southeastern Region
Elizabeth Melton; Serving the states of: AR, LA, KY, TN, MS, AL, GA, VA, NC, SC, and FL.

Northeastern Region
Connor Drigotas; Serving the states of: ME, VT, NH, MA, CT, RI, NY, NJ, PA, WV, DE, MD, & DC.
Our Top Members
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Blaze Members |
Fire Members |
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| Bryce Acer Andrew Amelang Erik Anderson James Atkins John Bambenek Matthew Barker Trevor Best Jesse Betts Shawn Brule Gregory Butler Alan Crittenden Robert Dapogny Erin Dee Lawrence Dickinson Susan Dill Travis Dodge Tracy DuPrez Johnathan Dupuis Aaron Fowle Margie Gorman Eric Granata Brad Green Todd Hagopian Ida Drucilla Heaton Brandon Henricks Shawn Hickman Preston Hollis David Johnson Justin Johnson Matt Kezhaya Matthew Kramer |
Ronald Lasorsa Glen Lewis Kyle Lockwood Bradley Malouf D Marchionne Shaun Martin Faith Martin Nathan Maust Ryan McClanahan Megan Mills Hoffman Joey Mitchell Rosie Moore Colin Morgan Mark Noneman Thomas Okrie Anthony Parets Heather Paulsen Steve Phillips Charles Robol Dillon Shine Danielle Siler Pamela Smith Allison Spink Marti Rosenbeck David Thomas Nancey Trevanian Tsai Shelby Varney Justin Virgin Carissa White Amy Zdon Carolyn Zullo |
Andrew Amelang Erik Anderson James Atkins John Bambenek Matthew Barker Trevor Best Jesse Betts Shawn Brule Gregory Butler Alan Crittenden Robert Dapogny Erin Dee Lawrence Dickinson Susan Dill Travis Dodge Tracy DuPrez Johnathan Dupuis Aaron Fowle Margie Gorman Eric Granata Brad Green Todd Hagopian Ida Drucilla Heaton Brandon Henricks Shawn Hickman Preston Hollis David Johnson Justin Johnson Matt Kezhaya Matthew Kramer Kimberly Acer Mathew Adams Amy Adams Mary Alexander Sharla Allen Brad Amundsen Jon Andreessen Sharlee Angelastro Thomas Arnold Chuck Baenen Tony Baker Chris Bakwin Carl Ball Tamela Bangs Jennifer Barnard Jeremy Bass Matthew Baxley Regan Benson Amy Bergman Jeff Bergren Justine Bidigare Samantha Bilodeau Julie Bird Scott Bishop Bob Blahunka Robert Blair-Smith Eric Blandford Andy Boldin Liberty Boydston Suzy Brandt Sarah Branyan James Braziel Rin Brinley Chase Brinson Hunter Broadhead Gretchen Brocard Harvey Browne Frank Browning Travis Buck Stephanie Bugg Jim Bunch Bryant Busby Sidney Caldwell Brandon Cambal Ryan Campbell Joseph Cantrell Kyle Carbiener Kelly Carden Ryan Chalstrom Sara Chambers Charles Clark Matthew Clements Rob Clutter Dustin Coffell Rick Coffey Leigh Ann Cogliano Harvey Cohen Moses Colbert Ryan Collier Linda Colon Sally Combs Timothy Conard Joseph Corcoran Courtney Cormier Gary Cottingham Denyse Cox Hannah Cox Milio Curcio Esther D’Arezzo Jennifer Daniel April Davis Brandon Deal Jeremiah Deare Alexander Decker Steven Dettling Chuck Dezarn Wes Dibona Shawn Diliberto Renee Dohn Daniel Donnelly Kenneth Ebel Joel Ellenwood Lee Ellerbrock Savannah Epperson Jessica Esteves Jessica Ethridge Andrew Farris Michael Ferguson Michael Fewster Jeremy Ficklin Lawrence Fine Ann Firestone Michael Flaherty Gary Fletcher II Dominic Flores Donna Forbes Sheila Foster Amy Fougere Erin Fowler Bryon Freeze Alison French Tony Friberg Thomas Gammill Matthew Gibbs Amanda Gibbs Jeanette Graber Robert Green Brian Griffiths Albert Grove Slaven Gujic Todd Hagopian Dan Hall Amanda Hanson Allison Harris JR Haseloff Trenton Hawthorne Shawn Hickman John Hill Thomas Hill Stanley Ho William Hobson Rob Hodgkinson Justin Holliday Tim Hopkins Adam Houtkooper Jason Hurtt Nikki Indish Alvin J Starling Vince Jeevar LaRhonda Johnson Matthew Johnson Susan Johnson-Millis Joanna Jurgens Kevin Kalamajka Sean Kelly Lindsey Kelly Patrick Kerby Sarah Kershner Jeb Kicker Andrew Kivela Christian Klepperich Alison Knudson Brittany Kosin Darin Kriener Joann Landon Scott Landry Randee Laskewitz Jennifer Leatherbury Jeinay LeBlanc Michael Lee Matthew LeStrange Katie Levins Albert Levy |
Shale Lewis
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Our Board of Directors
Board:
- Spike Cohen – President, SC
- Myra Matejka – Executive Director, IA
- Bob Johnston – Treasurer, MD
- Ryan Ralston – Operations Director, GA
- Catherine Bernard – Defense Attorney, GA
- Alex Johnson – Defense Attorney, GA
- Jeff Charles – Journalist and Advocate, TX
- Doni Anthony – Journalist and Advocate, TX
- Thomas Quiter – Founder of Mobility Independence Foundation, NY
Advisory Board:
- Dr. Doug Benson – Orthopedic Surgeon, MD, California (Retired, Recognized Medical Expert)
- Dr. Gerard Pals – PhD, Geneticist, Netherlands (Practicing)
- Rebecca Lindstrom – Senior Investigative Journalist, 11Alive, GA (Currently Working)
- Amanda Veasy – Founder/Executive Director, One Love World, TX (Currently Working)
- Rachel Bruno – A mother with lived experience, TN (she and her husband were falsely accused of abuse and were later acquitted)