AFSP Utah Chapter Board of Directors 2024

My name is Brandon Callor, and I prefer the pronouns he/him. I live in Cottonwood Heights, and my journey on the Board started in 2019. My connection to the cause is deeply personal, as I have lived experience and am a loss survivor. I volunteer because I believe in a prevention strategy that can eliminate suicide, and I find a strong sense of connection through being part of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).

Within AFSP, I hold leadership roles as the co-chair of the public policy committe and the chapter board president. One of my fondest AFSP memories is from my first year on the board when I attended the Advocacy Forum in Washington D.C. I made so many excellent connections from across the country, and it was comforting to be in the presence of so many people who shared my feelings and commitment to the cause.

Outside of my professional and volunteer work, I have a creative side. Although I'm a forensic scientist by trade, I'm an artist at heart. I play the saxophone and piano, and I also enjoy acting, often immersing myself in roles—even if it means growing an epic beard and mane.

I'm Josie Jesse, and my pronouns are she/her. My connection to the cause is deeply rooted in my lived experience and surviving a loss. I volunteer because I want to be a strong voice in the fight against suicide and work to eliminate the stigma around mental health. My dream is to see a world where suicide no longer exists and mental health is treated as importantly as physical health.
My roles within the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) include Co-Chair of the board and Utah Coordinator for the Healing Conversations Program, where we offer comfort to those who have experienced a loss. I'm also a member of the Education and Loss & Healing Committees, as well as the Social Media Coordinator. Additionally, I serve on the National Chapter Leadership Counsel.

One of my favorite AFSP memories is the night I met our chapter founder, Taryn. We were both speaking on a panel at the Sundance Film Festival, which was a powerful and memorable experience. I am a proud Air Force veteran and an outspoken transgender woman. I'm originally from Montana, and it still feels like home to me.

I'm Bri Talbot, she/her, the Co-Chair for the Utah Chapter Board of Directors. I grew up in Cedar City but moved to Panguitch a couple of years ago where I live with my amazing husband and bonus-son. I started volunteering with AFSP in 2016 and became a Board Member in 2020. I chaired the Cedar City Walk from its inception in 2017 until becoming Board Co-Chair in 2024. I previously worked in the mental health field and as a Victim Advocate for law enforcement before transitioning to work for the Utah Office for Victims of Crime.

My connection to the cause began in my work in mental health and was invigorated after my sister's attempt in 2018. After that I supported many families after a suicide loss and decided I wanted to do more. My goal now is to bring resources and education to the rural areas of our state to reduce the stigma associated with mental health and help others know there is hope.

My name is Becca Day, she/her/hers. I live in Draper, Utah, and my journey with the Board began in 2022. My connection to the cause is deeply personal—I've survived a loss, have lived experience, and I'm a mother to a child who struggles with depression. Growing up, words like suicide, therapy, depression, and mental illness were spoken in whispers, seen as shameful or embarrassing. This drove me to work toward destigmatizing these terms, spreading education about mental health, making care more attainable, and providing support for those who struggle.

Volunteering gives me a chance to help others feel seen, loved, and accepted. I enjoy discussing prevention strategies with the community, offering guidance on how to navigate difficult conversations, and ensuring people know the resources available in a crisis. My goal is to help save lives.

As for my roles within the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), I'm a Volunteer Coordinator and a member of the Programs, Volunteer, and Public Policy Committees. My favorite AFSP event is State Capitol Day and advocating for real change. I was raised in California by Minnesotan parents, which means I love (real) Mexican food and Disneyland, but I'm also a fan of hotdish and playing cards!

My name is Amanda McIntosh, she/her.  I was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada but have lived in the rural city of Price, Utah for over 15 years and I love it.  I lost my husband and my daughter lost her dad to suicide in July of 2014.  We proudly wear the red and gold beads!  My 11-year-old daughter, Abbigale is always and forever at the center of everything I do. Because of her, I have dedicated my professional career to helping prevent suicide in my local community and beyond.   

Long before joining the Board and serving as the current Secretary, I admired the passion and dedication of AFSP members and the volunteers.  The work we do has an everlasting impact on our community members, our fellow survivors of suicide loss, and the state.  I volunteer in to rekindle hope for those who have attempted or lost a loved one to suicide.  I volunteer so that suicide prevention resources are spread far and wide to educate others to prevent further loss.  Selfishly, I want my daughter to grow up in a world where the stigma for mental health is eradicated, a world where everyone has access to quality mental health care, and ultimately, a world where suicide doesn’t exist.  I HOPE you will join us, too!

My name is Cassidy Priest, and my pronouns she/her. I live in Salt Lake City, and I started my journey on the Board in 2021. My connection to the cause is deeply personal, as I have lived experience and am a loss survivor. I volunteer because I want to offer the same hope to others that I received during a desperate time. I enjoy meeting new people and communities, introducing them to our mission and the resources we offer.
Within the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), I serve as the Salt Lake City Walk Chair and serve on the Education and Public Policy Committee. One of my favorite AFSP memories is meeting with the Hope Squads and helping them build the confidence to support themselves and their peers.

I'm Bess O'Brien; (she/her) Treasurer and Public Policy Committee co-chair for the Utah Chapter Board of Directors. I started volunteering with AFSP in 2020, and joined the board in 2023.

 After losing my sibling to suicide, I have felt the need to be a voice and contribute towards eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide. I believe that everyone should have access to quality mental health care and resources, regardless of age, location, or background. Together, through open conversations, we can continue to raise awareness and build a community that brings hope to those that have been affected by suicide.

I am Michael Harris, he/him, and I serve on the Utah Chapter of AFSP.  I lived in and grew up in Pennsylvania until I was 20 years old which is when I decided to join the United States Air Force. I served active duty Air Force for approximately 14 years and 10 months. During my time I have transferred duty stations and deployed several times and my last duty station was Hill AFB and while serving there I decided Utah was going to be my home. I serve AFSP as a board member, since February 2024, as well as the co-chair to the Programs committee.

 My connection with the suicide prevention and education began in 2019 when my daughter died from suicide. It has been and will continue to be a long and tough journey but the need for continued education and prevention efforts for ALL has never been more important! I want to provide education and support to as many communities as possible and let them know we can prevent suicide and save lives no matter who you are!

 I’m Mindy Deeter. she/her, and I serve as the walk chair of the Northern Utah Out of the Darkness walk and sit on the Utah Chapter Board.  I have lived in Northern Utah for most of my life with the exception of a two year adventure when I lived in Florida from the age of 9-11.  

 I became a volunteer with AFSP in 2019 and became a member of the board in 2020.  I have been working in the mental health and behavioral world for 4 years and have finally decided to take a leap of faith to further my education and go for what I have wanted to do for many years now, be a mental health therapist.  Which brings me to my why. Why do I fight and advocate for mental health and suicide prevention; I fight because had someone sat me down at the young age of 8 and explained to me that I wasn’t broken or damaged, but in fact  just had poor mental health how different my life would have been.  It took the loss of a dear friend of mine to suicide to truly wake me up and realize how much pain is left behind after suicide.  From that moment I realized things needed to change and more importantly I needed to change.  I couldn’t sit idle on the sidelines pretending everything was ok when I knew for a fact it wasn’t and I wasn’t alone. 

My goal is to bring hope and light to those suffering in the darkness.  I want to educate their loved ones on how they can best support their loved one as they face this journey of coping with mental health challenges.  I want to bring awareness and build stronger and smarter communities to watch for the warning signs of suicide and how to have healthy and helpful conversation with those struggling.  Together we can remove the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide, and together we can and will drive the number of losses to suicide down.  Join me in this movement to do better and be better! 

I'm Jessica Foard, my pronouns are she/her. I am honored to be part of the Board of Directors for the Utah Chapter of AFSP. Originally from Southern California, I moved to Utah in 2006 and found my home here. Alongside my amazing husband Blake, my three adorable cats fill our lives with joy.
My involvement with AFSP began over a decade ago, spurred by personal loss after my father's suicide in 2002. Through AFSP, I discovered a path to healing and a platform to combat suicide. As a survivor and advocate, I've worked tirelessly on mental health and suicide prevention policies, both locally and nationally. It's a privilege to serve the people of Utah and uphold AFSP's vital mission of saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. 

I'm Brooklann (Brook) Anderson, she/her, Co- Chair of Programs for the Utah Chapter. I was born in Utah and spent most of my youth in Lehi (UT), Bellingham (WA) and Sun Valley (ID). The minute I turned 18 I was off to Los Angeles where I lived for 19 years. In 2017, it was time for me to say goodbye to California life and settle back into my hometown. I rekindled with my first love and have been married for 6 years, together, we have 4 amazing kids.

I started my journey with AFSP in 2021, and love everything about the foundation. My connection to the cause is the loss of my boyfriend as a teenager, and multiple attempts by individuals very close to my heart. AFSP has played such a large part in my healing journey and everyday life, that I now have a career in suicice prevention. I'm currently employeed at NAMI Utah and help oversee our suicide prevention grant. My goal in this beautiful life of mine, is to let people know they are never alone. There's always help and amazing people who want to hear your story, and help guide you through your process.