The girl in the photo didn’tthink she was beautiful — until she saw herself through Charisa (Ripma)Ausfahl’slens. After years of watching teens struggle with identity and self-worth, theCedarville Universityalumnarealized 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 andcausinga rising global concern over youth mental health.Ausfahlresponded byfoundingPurposed Generation, a 501(c)(3)nonprofit designed to reach at-risk teens through personalized, hope-filled photo experiences.

Ausfahlgraduated from Cedarville in 2001 with a degree inelementaryeducation. Today, she owns aphotography studioin 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

Ausfahlfirst envisioned PurposedGeneration 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,” saidAusfahl. “I asked God what I could do,because I know God can do things with even one person. Over time,he started showing mehe’dalready given me the tools.”

Inside her softly lit studio,Ausfahlcreates 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,Ausfahlrealized she had a unique opportunity to help teens see theirworth and identity byshowcasingtheir beauty and incorporating their interests into each session.

“They've been created by God who loves them,” saidAusfahl. “Their purpose, interests and hobbies weredeterminedbefore the beginning of time. He has such abeautiful plan for them.”

Redefining Beauty, One Photo at a Time

Before each session, she asks about the teen’s hobbies and passionsandincorporates thoseinto theshoot.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,” saidAusfahl. “It’s heartbreaking.”

If the teen is willing, theytalk through thatlist— but only to dismantle it.Ausfahlmakes itclearthose insecuritieswon’tdefinethe session. 

In her studio,a teen who enjoys ballet becomes aprofessionalballerina.Achessfan becomes achampion. After the session, she leads them to a table filled with cards featuring Bible versesthat speak tothe insecurities they shared earlier, encouraging them to replace destructive thoughtswithencouragment.

About two weeks later, she invites the teens back with a parent or guardian. During the photoreveal,Ausfahlisoften met with gratitude, surprise and sometimes tears.

“There are often tears. Parents see their teensmile,and so often,theyhaven'tseen that in a long time. And the kids get so excited.Usually,they'rereally 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,Ausfahlis partnering with organizations dedicated to the same mission, such asCamp Dallas, as well as other local youth organizations, mental health professionals and churches. 

“I want to break into their world with some light,” saidAusfahl. “If they can come into my studio, I can show them God's love.”

ForAusfahl, this work is justbeginning. She hopes to grow Purposed Generation’s reach, but her goalremainsdeeply personal: to remind every teen who walks through her doors that theymatter.

About Cedarville University

Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts,sciencesand 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.