by Rachel Ward, Student Public Relations Writer
Cedarville Alumna Uses Photography to Support Teen Mental Health
The girl in the photo didn’t think she was beautiful — until she saw herself through Charisa (Ripma) Ausfahl’s lens. After years of watching teens struggle with identity and self-worth, the Cedarville University alumna realized she could use her photography studio to do more than capture smiles. She could help restore them.
Purposed Generation Offers Hope-Filled Photo Experiences
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about five million teens in the United States experienced at least one major depressive episode — representing over 20% of American adolescents and causing a rising global concern over youth mental health. Ausfahl responded by founding Purposed Generation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit designed to reach at-risk teens through personalized, hope-filled photo experiences.
Ausfahl graduated from Cedarville in 2001 with a degree in elementary education. Today, she owns a photography studio in Peoria, Illinois, where she specializes in family portraits. She and her husband, Philip, have five children, including two who currently attend Cedarville.
Photography Studio Becomes a Tool for Healing and Identity
Ausfahl first envisioned Purposed Generation one year ago while reflecting on the experiences of her children and their friends.
“I'm a mom of teens, and I was very alarmed at the number of teen suicides,” said Ausfahl. “I asked God what I could do, because I know God can do things with even one person. Over time, he started showing me he’d already given me the tools.”
Inside her softly lit studio, Ausfahl creates a warm, welcoming environment for teens to express themselves. A curated playlist of empowering music plays in the background as she invites them to dream big.
Working as a photographer, Ausfahl realized she had a unique opportunity to help teens see their worth and identity by showcasing their beauty and incorporating their interests into each session.
“They've been created by God who loves them,” said Ausfahl. “Their purpose, interests and hobbies were determined before the beginning of time. He has such a beautiful plan for them.”
Redefining Beauty, One Photo at a Time
Before each session, she asks about the teen’s hobbies and passions and incorporates those into the shoot. When they arrive, she asks them to list a few things they do not like about themselves.
“They can just spit out that list in ten seconds flat,” said Ausfahl. “It’s heartbreaking.”
If the teen is willing, they talk through that list — but only to dismantle it. Ausfahl makes it clear those insecurities won’t define the session.
In her studio, a teen who enjoys ballet becomes a professional ballerina. A chess fan becomes a champion. After the session, she leads them to a table filled with cards featuring Bible verses that speak to the insecurities they shared earlier, encouraging them to replace destructive thoughts with encouragment.
About two weeks later, she invites the teens back with a parent or guardian. During the photo reveal, Ausfahl is often met with gratitude, surprise and sometimes tears.
“There are often tears. Parents see their teen smile, and so often, they haven't seen that in a long time. And the kids get so excited. Usually, they're really surprised because in their minds they are very ugly, and invariably I hear, ‘That's actually good,’ and I get excited with them.”
A Mission to Expand and Impact More Lives
To connect with at-risk teens, Ausfahl is partnering with organizations dedicated to the same mission, such as Camp Dallas, as well as other local youth organizations, mental health professionals and churches.
“I want to break into their world with some light,” said Ausfahl. “If they can come into my studio, I can show them God's love.”
For Ausfahl, this work is just beginning. She hopes to grow Purposed Generation’s reach, but her goal remains deeply personal: to remind every teen who walks through her doors that they matter.
About Cedarville University
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.
