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 Master of Public Health candidate with a concentration in health policy. After witnessing her best friend struggle with suicidal thoughts, Kaitlyn became actively involved in AFSP at home in Southern New Jersey, and while at school in Washington, D.C. She currently works at the AFSP Public Policy and Advocacy Office and is a licensed Question, Persuade, and Refer instructor.

In her free time, she can be found listening to Peter McPoland, reading narrative nonfiction (usually about substance use or suicide prevention), or out with friends. Feel free to reach out, she’s always willing to set up a meeting!

Email: [email protected]

Cici Pierson, Co-Vice President 

(she/her)

Cici is a senior, 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.

Cici is from South Jersey, just a few miles outside of Philly. She loves to garden, practice yoga, listen to music (especially Fleetwood Mac), visit art museums, and rewatch Sex and the City! Cici is always happy to chat, so please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns!

Email: [email protected]

Tazana Gordon, Co-Vice President 

(she/her)

Tazana is a junior pursuing a BS in Cognitive Neuroscience and a BA in Criminal Justice with a minor in Emergency Health Services. She has been involved in mental health advocacy, as she and those close to her have faced challenges with mental health for many years.

Tazana is from Frederick, Maryland, and enjoys baking, listening to music, and watching sitcoms. Feel free to reach out with any questions. She would love to chat!

Email: [email protected]

Krishna Lakhani, Co-Financial Chair

(she/her)

Krishna is a junior majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Spanish on the Pre-Optometry track. She was born and raised in Richmond, VA. Her interests involve writing, yoga, and playing badminton with friends. Her passion for helping others gain self-confidence and self-love has led her to learn the value of advocacy. She became involved in mental health advocacy throughout high school, and more recently has also been advocating for suicide prevention since she became a member of AFSP-GW in Fall 2024.

Email: [email protected]

Ella Hyland, Co-Financial Chair

(she/her)

Ella is a senior pursuing a BA in International Affairs, with a concentration in International Politics, and minors in Business and Public Policy. She has been passionately 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]

Abby Weer, Secretary

(she/her)

Abby is a current junior studying Psychological & Brain Sciences as well as on the Pre-Physicians Assistant track. She has become increasingly involved in mental health advocacy throughout college, and has been a member of AFSP GW since Fall 2024. Mental health and suicide prevention is not only a general issue for her but also a personal one. After seeing her friends struggle with mental health, family members die by suicide, and her personal struggles, AFSP’s work has hit close to home. She’s decided to turn this into a passion of supporting and uplifting others who go through similar experiences.

Abby is originally from Chester County, Pennsylvania. Her interests involve reading, going for runs, and spending quality time with friends.

Email: [email protected]

Amanda Reed, Events Chair

(she/her)

Amanda is a senior studying Criminal Justice and Psychology. 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, art, and reading. She 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 and self-care habits!

Email: [email protected]

Cierra Soldrich, Communications Chair

(she/her)

Cierra is a senior, 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]