ABOUT REBECCA
Rebecca Schaper is an author, filmmaker, philanthropist, and mental health advocate. With Kyle Tekiela, she co-produced and directed the award-winning documentary A Sister’s Call. The film chronicles her mission to bring her brother Call Richmond Jr. back from the depths of homelessness and schizophrenia, all while seeking ways to heal herself and her family from the past. Her memoir The Light in His Soul: Lessons from My Brother’s Schizophrenia recounts the events in the film, supplemented by her intimate personal reflections on recovering from trauma and developing spiritual insight.
“Life doesn't always turn out the way we expect. I've faced trauma, loss and unexpected challenges- but within every wound, I've discovered wisdom. Each experience, no matter how painful, has offered me a deeper understanding of who I am and why I'm here.
As a Shamanic Practitioner, I hold sacred space for others to remember their own inner light, truth, and resilience. My path is rooted in the knowing that nature is not separate from us- it is our greatest healer, teacher, and guide. Whether it's through ceremony, energy work, or quiet moments under the trees, I help others reconnect with their spirit, their purpose, and the rhythm of the Earth. These are not just my values- they are the way I walk in the world. My mission is to offer a healing presence, to honor every soul's journey, and to remind others that even in the darkness, beauty can be found.” — Rebecca Schaper
Rebecca Schaper is not just an author, filmmaker, philanthropist, and mental health advocate, but also someone whose life has been deeply influenced by these challenges. Her personal experiences have motivated her to dedicate her life to healing, soulful connection, and spiritual growth. Her work, acting as a bridge between the seen and unseen, leverages story, imagery, and compassion as powerful tools for transformation.
Healing Through Story & Image
Rebecca's creative journey is deeply personal and spiritually inspired.
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She is the author of two heartfelt books:
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Roses to Rainbow: My Dog Gus in the Afterlife is a profoundly moving account of an unbreakable soul contract with her beloved companion, Gus.
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The Light in His Soul: Lessons from My Brother's Schizophrenia shares the events featured in her acclaimed film, while providing personal reflections on trauma, resilience, and spiritual awakening.
As an intuitive photographer, Rebecca captures moments that hold emotional and energetic importance, revealing the inner layers of her subjects and environment.
With Kyle Tekiela, she co-produced and directed the award-winning documentary A Sister's Call, which documents her 14-year journey to reconnect with her brother Call, who had fallen into homelessness and schizophrenia. The film provides a powerful exploration of unconditional love, mental illness, and the possibility of healing.
Advocacy & Speaking
Rebecca has shared her message of hope and healing through speaking engagements across North America, including:
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The American Psychiatric Association (APA)
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Canadian Mental Health Association
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NYC Mental Health Film Festival
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Vinfen (Boston)
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Greenville Mental Health Center
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First Presbyterian Church in Greenville, SC
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Formerly a NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) speaker
She has been featured on the Impact the World podcast with Lee Harris and co-sponsored the short film Ram Dass, Going Home by Derek Peck.
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Philanthropy & Global Healing
Rebecca's giving is deeply guided by her intuitive bond with global communities and sacred lineages. She supports and enhances efforts aimed at healing, education, and cultural preservation. These include:
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The Healing Center in Bali
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A school at Drepung Gomang Monastery in Bhutan
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Indigenous children in Colombia and Peru
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Family assistance in Kigali, Rwanda
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The Great Plains Foundation for African wildlife conservation
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Baaba Maal's humanitarian organization, NANN-K
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The Last Inca Shamans Healing Association of the Q'ero Nation (Peru), where she helps support global outreach and care for indigenous children
Rebecca currently makes her home with her husband, Jim, in Georgia.
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NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Illness
NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nations's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI relies on gifts and contributions to help educate thousands of communities across the United States and to ensure hundreds of thousands of families, individuals and educators get the support and information they need.​
Inca Medicine School - Paqo Shamans Healing Association
Message of the Paqo Masters from Qero- To make a better world, following the values of the Ayni: Reciprocity and love, Inca wisdom, respect for nature and keeping the balance of the energies of the world.
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The donation will be:
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Creation of a book with memories of the elder Paqo master Alejandro Apasa whose teachings are a big contribution to preserve the Andean Inca wisdom
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To organize educational courses in Alto Qosqo neighborhood in Cusco city. To help the community of Kiko (where masters come from) to protect and keep their ancestral practices, empowering people to realize their full potential through the practice of ancestral arts. To fight poverty and migration. To children, teenagers and all natives who want to join.