Florida Panhandle Board of Directors

Ann Marie Curry, Chair, Healing Conversations Coordinator - After losing her 15-year-old son Reed to suicide in 2020, Ann Marie knew she had to do something to help other families so they did not have to face this tragedy. Ann Marie was not aware of Reed’s suicide ideations and wants to make others aware so they can watch for the warning signs. She wanted to find an organization that helped her local communities and youth and that is where she found AFSP. She has been a member since 2021, was a Co-Chair for the first walk in Tallahassee, FL, and is currently the Chair. She attended the AFSP Leadership Conference in Seattle, WA where she became even more passionate about being an advocate for suicide prevention. She has since become a board member and a healing conversations volunteer and enjoys tabling events with AFSP. Her ultimate goal is to bring more mental health awareness and resources to schools. Ann Marie enjoys living out in the country with her husband Dennis, daughter Keagan and German Shepherd Kane. 

Donna Morgan, Secretary, grew up in a military family; she traveled to many places for the first seven years of her life, and then her family settled in Fort Walton Beach.   Donna has worked at Bridgeway Center for 20 years, wearing many different hats. She is now in one of the most fulfilling roles in her career, managing One Hopeful Place, a single men and women homeless shelter, and the HUD Independent Living Program. She is drawn to those who are struggling with mental health, substance misuse, and the unsheltered in our community. Donna has worked with the AFSP for 8 years, volunteering at the Out of Darkness Walk and many other activities. She has served on the AFSP Board for 3 years. She has also served on the Okaloosa Anti-Drug Coalition as the President and the Vice President, the Okaloosa Transportation Disadvantage Board, and the National Coalition for the Homeless Board. Donna has two daughters and six grandchildren.

Elizabeth Qualiana, Treasurer, is a proud veteran’s wife and mother. Over the years, her family has moved on orders, and she was blessed to make some wonderful friends.  Over time, she was able to expand her work experience working with individuals or families struggling in life. After many of years of putting it off, Elizabeth went back to school and obtained her bachelor’s degree in human services.  During her time in collage, she was worked with adolescents who struggled with suicide.  Elizabeth also completed her internship at One Hopeful Place, where she is now the shelter supervisor. She has participated in the Out of Darkness Walk for the last three years. Elizabeth's passion is working with those that struggle with mental health or substance use. 

Cindy Kelly, Community Outreach Coordinator - As a longtime resident of Fort Walton Beach, Cindy Kelly is dedicated to helping the members of her community. She does this in many ways, including working as the Clinical Executive Coordinator and Outreach Coordinator at a community behavioral health center. Five years ago, Cindy discovered the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention by participating in the Emerald Coast Out of the Darkness Walk through her job and, as they say, the rest is history. She has been volunteering for various AFSP functions ever since. Cindy currently serves as the Walk Chair for the Emerald Coast Walk. Cindy is proud to be on the Board and excels in bringing people together to bring awareness to suicide prevention in the area. 

Ajeet Koru - After tragically losing his 14-year-old daughter, Asha Matheth, to clinical depression in February 2021, Ajeet and his family made the decision to relocate from Arizona to the East Coast. Ajeet concluded his career in technology leadership in 2023 and has since dedicated his time to volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) from May 2023 onwards, aiding foster children in navigating the intricate foster care system.

In his moments away from his altruistic endeavors, Ajeet cherishes spending quality time with his wife, son, and beloved pet dog, often venturing outdoors for hiking excursions. Ajeet is grateful to serve on the Panhandle Chapter of AFSP and lead others to hope in living life fully. 

Melissa Gann, Business Development Director at Computer Services, Inc., is a devoted wife, mother, volunteer, and Transformational Women’s Empowerment Coach. With a servant’s heart, she finds joy and purpose in helping others discover a better life.

While new to the Panhandle Chapter Board for AFSP, Melissa brings extensive nonprofit experience, having served as Director of a leading national nonprofit for nearly 8 years. Her expertise includes volunteer recruitment, development, and event planning, as well as collaboration with Volunteer Boards and youth coalitions to serve the community.

Melissa's dedication to AFSP is deeply personal, having lost her father and other family members to suicide. She is committed to raising awareness, providing support, and preventing suicide through education and outreach. Her passion stems from firsthand experience with grief, loss, and mental health struggles, and she believes in the power of reaching out for help and finding the path back to light.

In her role on the board, Melissa will contribute to Healing Conversations, fundraising, outreach, and education initiatives. She sees AFSP's mission as not only saving lives but also helping loved ones find the resources to navigate through their grief and pain. For Melissa and many others, involvement with AFSP provides a means of healing and giving purpose to their loss.

Jennifer Powell is a proud mom of two, married to her high school sweetheart, and a woman whose faith anchors every chapter of her life. She is an award-winning entrepreneur and creative leader, owning Jennifer Powell Photography—a multi–time “Photographer of the Year” studio—and Area 15 Dance Studio, where she pours her heart into helping dancers train boldly, dance bravely, and grow into confident young leaders.

Jennifer’s purpose extends far beyond her businesses. Her life’s work is shaped by service, mentorship, and a deep desire to make sure no one feels alone. She has served in Executive Director and board roles and partners with organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Clubs, Safe Families, Girls on the Run, Capital City Rowing, and the Pace Center for Girls to empower youth and strengthen families.

She is also a passionate mental-health and suicide-prevention advocate—a calling rooted in her own family’s story. Jennifer has walked the road that too many families know. She has seen darkness turn to light, fear turn to hope, and brokenness turn into healing. Her family is living proof that help works, that community matters, and that a single voice can pull someone back from the edge. Because of this, she fights every day to make sure others know the same truth: you are not alone, and your life is worth fighting for.

Jennifer founded the Living Leadership Initiative to help others lead with purpose, serve with compassion, and mentor with intention—because she believes transformation happens when people show up for one another.

With a deep love for the arts, service, and the human spirit, Jennifer is dedicated to building platforms that inspire, uplift, and remind people of their worth. Whether behind the camera, guiding dancers, or standing beside families in their hardest moments, her mission is always the same: to create impact, offer hope, and change lives.

Kayra Donahoo is a dedicated community leader and passionate advocate for mental health, suicide awareness, and prevention. She is committed to ensuring that no one struggles in silence and no one walks alone. When she lost a loved one to suicide, she began doing research on resources and came across American Foundation of Suicide Prevention. She has been volunteering with AFSP for over a year.  

For years, she has dedicated her time faithfully serving in her church and community, equipping them with tools and resources they need to become better individuals. She is an active member of Women United; an organization that focuses on mental health for women and teen girls, empowering and educating them while breaking stigmas when it comes to conversations about mental health. She also volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters as a mentor. 

Kayra is honored to be a part of the board and will bring her big smile, love, energy and mission-focus. She is trained to teach “Talk Saves Lives” and will serves as Volunteer Coordinator for the panhandle chapter. When she is not working and volunteering you can find her enjoying  time with her husband and five adult children.

Lance Williams is a proud dad of three and a Pensacola native. Most recently, he served as Executive Director of a local homeless nonprofit and as Senior Coordinator with the Office of Economic Vitality in Tallahassee. He currently serves on the boards of PenAir Credit Union Finance & Building committee, the Northwest Florida Community Housing Development Corporation, and as Economic Development Chair for a local civic leadership group.

A Florida A&M University graduate and proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Lance is passionate about economic development, community leadership, and creating opportunities that strengthen Northwest Florida. As an avid football fan and former strength coach, he has seen the profound impact suicide can have on athletes, their families, and sports communities.

Through his service with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Lance is committed to raising awareness, encouraging meaningful conversations, and connecting those affected by suicide with resources and support. He is particularly passionate about bringing AFSP's Talk Saves Lives and LE​​TS Save Lives presentations to organizations, athletic teams, and communities throughout the Panhandle region.