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.

Sue and Kendra were thrilled to talk with Lisa Ponte and her daughter Alex who created LP Vibes during the height of the pandemic as a way to promote positive thinking, compassion and self love through affirmation cards. Lisa’s daughter Alex stepped in in 2022 to help create a children’s version of the cards for kids ages 5-12. Lisa and Alex shared their life experiences, their mission and plans for the future of LP Vibes.

Sue and Kendra talked with Meghan Melo, a wife, a mother, a mental health counselor and two time cancer survivor who is currently undergoing treatment for Stage 2 Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Meghan is also a longtime member of Voices of Hope, a non profit organization that raises funds for cancer research through theatrical performances. She shared her journey and hopes to inspire others!