Abel is a first generation Portuguese American who was born and raised in Rhode Island. Abel has earned two degrees: one in Communications from Rhode Island College the other in Animation from The Art Institute of California. Abel is an avid traveler, and has lived in Lisbon, Orlando, San Francisco and Los Angeles, and eventually settled in Boston to enjoy the seasons and be closer to family. Abel has worked in the food service industry and as an office manager and associate producer for a small production company, contracted many different freelance art projects, and became lead whiteboard animator for a startup animation studio. Abel also opened up and ran his own real estate investment company, flipping houses in southern Massachusetts. Abel has started his own online health and wellness business aiding and supporting people to reach their nutrition and fitness goals. That is where he discovered his true passion was in helping others, building true connections and doing something meaningful.