Behind The Movement
Meet Ron Downs — Licensed Psychotherapist, Emotional Wellness Leader,
Men's Relationship Coach, and Founder of I KNEW THEN.
Ronald Downs was born in Managua, Nicaragua, and moved to Miami, Florida, as a child. Growing up, he witnessed the pervasive stigma surrounding mental health in communities of color and its lasting impact on individuals and families. This early exposure ignited his passion for advocacy and set him on a path to becoming a change agent in his community.
To further his mission, Ronald earned his Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from NYU, where he met his wife, Lauren Downs—a fashion mogul in the making.
Ronald specializes in suicide prevention and provides culturally affirming psychotherapy to men of color and their partners. Deeply committed to communities of color, Ronald is bilingual and leads with empathy, lived experience, and a steadfast belief that love is the most powerful force for transformation.
Ron's WHY
Ron launched I KNEW THEN in memory of his late cousin, Jane, whose life was taken through relationship violence. Her loss opened his eyes to the devastating impact of unhealthy relationships and became his own I KNEW THEN moment—a turning point that clarified his purpose.
Too many men have been taught how to perform strength but never how to understand themselves, express emotion, or build healthy relationships.
Through I KNEW THEN, Ron is helping boys and men reconnect with themselves so they can create healthier relationships, stronger families, and more connected communities.
when a man transforms the relationship he has with himself, everything around him begins to change.
RON'S VISION
To help men build emotionally healthy versions of themselves—one conversation at a time.
RON'S MISSION
To create a world where emotionally healthy boys and men build healthier relationships, strengthen families, and help build more connected communities.
I KNEW THEN
OFFERINGS
Change starts with a conversation
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