Our Team

Founder of Rosebud Initiative and Retreat

As the visionary force behind the Rosebud Initiative and Retreat and owner of the property, she has become the benefactor of the projects after moving her family to Fishers. Christina has brought her boundless creativity and passion for community to life, shaping a sanctuary of connection, growth, and healing.

As a single mother of two boys, Christina embodies a deep commitment to lifelong learning and creative expression. She is a self-published poet, writer, artist, dancer, singer, gardener, and more, weaving her many talents into a life rich with exploration. Her Instagram, @Beatrose333, offers glimpses into her wonderfully chaotic and vibrant world, a place where spontaneity reigns and creativity knows no bounds.

The Rosebud Initiative began as a seed in Christina’s soul, blossoming into a vibrant dream through her words and actions. Her vision is to cultivate a community where people connect deeply with each other and the earth, striving to do the most good in the best ways. With her exuberant personality and creative mind, Christina inspires those around her to embrace life’s adventures with joy, even when the path is winding or uncertain.

Christina’s greatest gift is her ability to make any journey fun and meaningful, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and connection. As she leads us forward with unwavering passion, she invites everyone to contribute their ideas and insights, building a shared vision for a world where dreams flourish and communities thrive.

She is the Rosebud—a symbol of beauty, resilience, and boundless possibility.

Choreographer | Educator | Creative Catalyst

Justin Sears-Watson is a passionate choreographer dedicated to amplifying the stories of those whose voices have gone unheard through contemporary dance and collaborative artistry. His socially conscious works inspire dialogue and encourage transformative action within communities, fostering an environment where identities intersect and thrive.

With a rich background in dance, Justin honed his craft in Chicago, studying under renowned instructors such as Alexei Kremnev and Anna Reznik, and training at the Cincinnati Ballet School and the Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago and Lou Conte Dance Studio Scholarship Programs. His impressive performance career includes engagements with esteemed companies like Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago II, Thodos Dance Chicago, and Dance Kaleidoscope, where he collaborated with some of the world's finest choreographers.

As an artist-educator, Justin has shared his expertise at institutions such as the Edison School of Performing Arts, Indiana University Ballet Department, and the New York Repertory School for Performing Arts. He is the co-founder and artistic director of the Phoenix Rising Dance Company and serves as adjunct faculty at the Indiana University Department of Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance. Justin is now a Jacob’s Pillow Curriculum in Motion Institute Fellow and also an Arts with Learning Artist Building Community Fellow, where he is commissioned to build an arts curriculum at a Visual and Performing Arts School over the next three years with a seed fund of $30,000. Other accomplishments include being a returning guest teacher and choreographer with the Butler University Ballet Summer Intensive and presenting works at festivals such as American Performing Arts Presenters in New York and Waterstreet Dance Festival in Milwaukee, WI. Additionally, Justin has taught and choreographed for competitive dance studios in Chicago, Indiana, and the Midwest for over 15 years.

Having grown up in Evansville, Indiana, Justin’s journey began with a foundation in musical theater and classical vocals. He is currently pursuing his BSBA from the University of Wisconsin. His experiences navigating systemic racism and advocating for diversity in the arts have shaped his mission: to create an inclusive space that honors the richness of diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Justin believes that art is a powerful tool for healing and transformation. He is committed to using his platform to educate, inspire, and push for change within the performing arts community. Through his work, he aims to build confidence and character while fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment in all participants.

Co-Founder | Chief Technology Officer

Matthew Plonski's journey to the Rosebud Initiative has been one of transformation, resilience, and a deep calling to serve others. He is a survivor of sexual abuse, Bipolar Disorder, food addiction that brought him to 300 pounds, and alcohol and drug addiction that took everything from him and would lead to homelessness and the brink of death. Today, he is happy, joyous, and free—a testament to the incredible power of recovery, healing, and growth.

Matthew’s recovery journey began with Alcoholics Anonymous and the 12 steps, which provided him with a foundation to rebuild his life. He incorporated cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, and later, Narcotics Anonymous and the Buddhist 12-step program, Dharma Recovery, helping bring its transformative practices to Indiana. Service work and passing on recovery through his role as an AA sponsor become a focal point of his life. As he grew, he integrated daily physical exercise, spiritual reading, and personal growth work into his life. He sought guidance from his spiritual guru, Dina Varano, who illuminated his path. Along the way, he embraced holistic wellness practices, including meditation, yoga, breathwork, sound baths, Reiki, and somatic healing. These tools not only helped him heal but ignited a passion for sharing these practices with others.

Living with Bipolar Depression, ADHD and Substance Use Disorder has taught him profound lessons about the importance of mental health advocacy. Through his journey, he has come to understand the complexity of recovery and the need to address transfer addiction, a lesser-known but critical issue that can arise during the healing process. By illuminating these realities, he hopes to bring awareness and solutions to those seeking sustainable recovery.  

In addition to his personal journey, Matthew has a rich professional background that informs his work. He has worked with the March of Dimes Foundation, the Marion County Public Health Department’s Infectious Disease and Vaccination Departments, and La Verna Lodge—a men’s inpatient recovery hospital where he once went through treatment himself. That experience not only helped save his life but inspired him to return as a professional to give back to others. He also holds a degree in Informatics, Computing, and Engineering from Indiana University, which has equipped him with the skills to innovate and create meaningful programs and systems to help others.

Matthew found his light through recovery, and it has become his life's mission to help others find theirs. There is no greater joy than witnessing someone else experience transformation and rediscover their light. This passion led him to the Rosebud Initiative, a place where healing, growth, and connection converge.  

Thanks to the generosity and vision of Christina LaRosa, there is now a space where anyone can come to recover, heal, and reconnect with their authentic selves. The Rosebud Initiative is a manifestation of the lessons, practices, and hope that carried Matthew out of darkness. His dream is for it to serve as a sanctuary for those seeking their own transformation and as a testament to the boundless possibilities of recovery and personal growth.