Kendra talked with Jessica Van Der Stad and Michele Lee, who shared their commitment to mental health advocacy through their work with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Jessica serves as the Executive Director for the Massachusetts Chapter of AFSP. After losing her dad to suicide in 2008, Jessica became involved after seeing a flyer in Starbucks for a local 'Walk to Fight Suicide'. She started as a volunteer with AFSP in California and has been a member of the staff team for 14 years, including the past 4 in Massachusetts.

Michele serves as the Programs Manager for the Massachusetts Chapter; In 2005, Michele’s father, who was a Public Safety officer at Ithaca College, took his own life after struggling with depression. A few years after his death she and her family connected with the AFSP. She started as a volunteer with AFSP in New York and has been a member of the staff team in Massachusetts for 7 years.