Meet the AFSP CO Chapter Board Members

Elise – Board Member, Advocacy Chair

I became involved with AFSP after my daughter went through a lot of mental health challenges and attempted suicide several times.  My community of Littleton, CO had also suffered many youth suicides.  I felt a need to try and help these youth and figure out why this was becoming so prevalent in this group that seemed to have a lot to live for.  I first got involved in the Denver Out of the Darkness Walk and now I am on the Chapter Board and serve as Advocacy Chair.

Vanessa – Board Member, Education Chair

I began volunteering with AFSP in 2019, shortly after I had attended my first Out of the Darkness walk and joined the Colorado Chapter Board of Directors in 2023. As a suicide-attempt and suicide loss survivor, I understand that stigma can be one of the greatest barriers to finding invaluable resources. I silently struggled through a dark depression for years because I was ashamed of feelings, and didn’t want to be a burden to my loved ones. Being able to connect with others who have been impacted by suicide has helped me heal, and has empowered me to help end the stigma.

JJ - Board Member, Volunteer Engagement Committee Lead

JJ Trout is a nonprofit and civic leader with more than a decade of experience building strong organizations, engaging communities, and advancing systems-level change. A former Golden City Councilor and Mayor Pro Tem, she brings a deep commitment to mental health advocacy, suicide prevention, and creating communities where people feel supported and connected. JJ serves on the AFSP Colorado Board and leads the chapter’s Volunteer Committee, helping people find meaningful ways to contribute to AFSP’s mission.

Jo Anna – Board Member, Northern Colorado Walk Chair

This cause has become very close to my heart after losing my 40-year-old son, SSG Brian Michael Reed by suicide on March 14, 2016. He was a member of the Army Special Forces 82^nd Airborne and served on 3 deployments to the Middle East where he suffered a traumatic brain injury. After his death, I felt like my world was pretty dark so I reached out to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and completed my first Out of the Darkness Walk (OOTD) in Fort Morgan in 2016. After that Walk, I was honored to become the co-chair for the inaugural 2017 Fort Collins (FTC) OOTD Walk and have served as Walk Chair for the Fort Collins OOTD Community Walk since.  

Austin - Board Member, Denver Metro Walk Chair

Austin is a board member for the Colorado chapter of the AFSP, where he channels his journey into a mission of hope. In a short span of time, Austin faced divorce, cancer, and unemployment, a series of blows that left him without direction or meaning. What carried him through was a support system that refused to let him give up, one that helped him rediscover purpose when he had lost it entirely. He is so thankful for his mother, father, and two sisters who were there when he needed it most. He now dedicates his time to making sure others facing similar darkness know they are not alone, while helping them find experiences worth living for. Austin brings both lived experience and steady leadership to our work in Denver. On September 26th, he’ll bring that same passion to our chapter’s largest fundraiser, standing as proof that it is possible to find your way back to life.

Amanda Howe - Board Member

On November 28, 2019, I lost the love of my life to suicide.  He was the funniest man I had ever met, with an extraordinary brain and a vibrant soul.  His daughter had died by suicide several years previously, and he was never able to move past that loss.  When he died, I swore that I would honor his memory by using his story to help others.

Craig - Board Member, Treasurer

The day before my father’s funeral, AFSP was hosting a walk in town.  I gathered my family and we all went.  I heard stories from other survivors and it gave me strength and courage to move forward.  When I got back to Denver, I looked up the AFSP.  I resonated with the mission and got involved to have a positive impact on other survivors, the organization and our broader community.  So, you could say that the AFSP found me.  I am proud to serve as a board member and treasurer of the Colorado Chapter.

Brenda - Board Member, Southern Colorado Walk Chair

In 2022, I came across the Colorado Springs Out of the Darkness Walk just after my unit had just suffered a suicide. As a 22-year Army Veteran, suicide is something I am all too familiar with, and I wanted to be part of a bigger mission in education, prevention and support. Chairing the walks has been amazing, but I still wanted to do more. I hope to bring more awareness to the AFSP mission in a community that is affected by suicide in both adults and youth. I have been a passionate volunteer my entire career and am proud to be on the Colorado Board.

Melissa - Board Chair

Mason - Board Member, Western Slope Walk Chair