Get Involved!

To learn more about AFSP-GWU and get involved, complete our Volunteer Application.

You can also follow them on Instagram @AFSP_GWU or contact the AFSP-GW President at [email protected]. 

AFSP GW Leadership

Kaitlyn Burkhardt, President

(she/her)

Kaitlyn Burkhardt is a third-year student, graduating from undergrad in Spring 2025. She is in the Milken Institute School of Public Health BS/MPH program with a concentration in health policy. After her best friend made several attempts on her life, Kaitlyn found a passion for suicide prevention and awareness.

Kaitlyn is from Southern New Jersey, about 20 minutes east of Philadelphia. While not working with AFSP, she can be found teaching Naloxone administration, listening to Pink Floyd or Peter McPoland, or at Constitution Gardens.

If you have questions about the AFSP GW student group, please contact Kaitlyn!

Email: [email protected]

Cici Pierson, Vice President 

(she/her)

Cici is a junior, double majoring in Environmental Studies and International Affairs with a concentration in Global Public Health. She became passionately involved in mental health awareness and suicide prevention after witnessing the struggles of loved ones close to her.

Cici is from South Jersey, a few miles outside of Philadelphia. Outside of school and work, she enjoys spending time in nature, visiting art museums, and listening to music (especially Gracie Abrams and Lizzy McAlpine).

Email: [email protected]

Ella Hyland, Treasurer

(she/her)

Ella is a junior pursuing a BA in International Affairs, with a concentration in International Politics. She has been involved in suicide prevention and mental health advocacy after experiencing a close friend struggle and make an attempt on her life.

Ella is from New York, and enjoys reading, all things coffee, and listening to music, especially Taylor Swift and Noah Kahan.

Email: [email protected]

Emma Harris, Secretary

(she/her)

Emma is a senior at George Washington University majoring in Political Science and Art History. She has been involved with AFSP since the Fall of 2022, advocating for mental health awareness and suicide prevention due to her personal connections to the topic.

Emma is from Fort Myers, Florida, and enjoys reading books, going to coffee shops, and exploring D.C. in her free time.

Email: [email protected]

Amanda Reed, Events Chair

(she/her)

Amanda is a junior student studying Psychology and Criminal Justice with a minor in Public Health. She hopes to use her undergrad in the field of crisis counseling as well as attend graduate school. After losing loved ones to suicide and experiencing her own ideations, she became a strong advocate for mental health and prevention.

Amanda calls Rhode Island home, is a huge lover of music, and enjoys exploring cafés, bookstores, and museums in her free time.

Feel free to contact Amanda with AFSP-related questions or to talk about your favorite artists!

Email: [email protected]

Cierra Soldrich, Communications Chair

(she/her)

Cierra is a junior, studying psychology with a minor in Exercise Science. She has been involved in mental health advocacy as her close friends, family, and herself have struggled with this issue for years.

Cierra is from Allentown, PA, about an hour outside of Philly. When she's not volunteering with AFSP, you will find her at cheer practice or on the sidelines of the basketball games. Cierra enjoys reading rom-coms, listening to music, and binge-watching TV shows.

As the face behind our social media, please reach out to Cierra with any communications questions or general inquiries!

Email: [email protected]