North Florida Board of Directors
December 6, 2023 – 6 min read
Candi Morris, Board of Directors Chair, Gainesville Walk Chair. In 2019, Candi became involved with AFSP when she chose to serve as walk chair for the Gainesville Out of the Darkness Community Walk because she felt the need to do something to help those persons in the community who are affected directly or indirectly by suicide. She found AFSP to be a source of information, connections, and comfort after the death by suicide of her dad.
Candi is retired from the Florida Department of Health. Candi, and her fur child Cali live in Gainesville, FL.
If Candi is not volunteering for AFSP enjoys reading, Gator Football, camping, kayaking and boating with family and friends.
Dr. Rick Townsend, President, The Villages Walk Chair, has been a licensed psychologist since 1983. For 40 years he has been active as a clinician and he has taught at the undergraduate and graduate level. Rick is a past president of the North Dakota Psychological Association. He has been actively involved with AFSP since 2007, walking to raise funds, serving on chapter boards, engaging in advocacy at the state and national level, and engaging in public speaking in an effort to educate the public, support survivors of suicide loss, and most importantly to prevent suicide. Rick is himself, a survivor of suicide loss.
Wendy Mercer, Jacksonville Walk Co-Chair. Wendy lost her God daughter to suicide in 2019 and became involved with AFSP by attending Out of the Darkness Walks. She works at Mayo Clinic Florida, as a psychometrist supervisor. She is passionate about normalizing mental health and spreading hope.
Kim Whetham, Volunteer Coordinator. Kim lives in Jacksonville, where she is the Southeast Region Human Resource Director for the Non-appropriated Fund, Fleet and Family Readiness Program for the US Navy. When she is not working or volunteering with the AFSP, you will find her reading or watching movies, spending time with family and friends, or training for the next AFSP Overnight walk. Kim started her journey by walking in various community and Overnight walks and wants to use her experience to support other suicide loss survivors and work to prevent suicide.
Kim became the Volunteer Outreach Coordinator in January 2024 and a board member in February 2024.
Kim lost her son to suicide in July 2022. She became involved with AFSP shortly after his death in search of a purpose and a path for healing and is grateful to have found the resources available and compassion of fellow survivors through AFSP.
Lindsay King, Treasurer, Ocala Walk Chair, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida. She is currently works for a Psychiatric Hospital System, ensuring that patients have access to care and getting the treatment they need. She also is the Clinical Director for a local therapy practice in Ocala. Lindsay serves as the Walk Chair for the Ocala Out of the Darkness walk and has been involved in this walk for the past several years. Lindsay serves as the Program Chair on the North Florida board.
Lindsay has a passion for normalizing mental health, and raising awareness for suicide prevention. When not working, Lindsay is with her husband and two daughters taking their dog to a dog park and enjoying time with family.
Christy Knight, Jacksonville Walk Co-chair, is a Jacksonville native and recently relocated back to Jacksonville after living in Charlotte, NC for 16 years. Christy has worked for Bank of America for over 30 years and is currently serving as a Human Resources executive.
Christy lost her best friend to suicide in 2018 and found strength in volunteering with the AFSP
Charlotte leadership team, supporting the Charlotte Out of the Darkness Walks. She is passionate about mental health and raising awareness for suicide prevention.
Christy and her husband are avid Florida State Seminoles fans, love the outdoors, and adore their two Labrador Retrievers.
Niesha Howard, AFSP L.E.T.S. Program Presenter, is an advocate for families everywhere. A Jacksonville, Florida native, she holds close ties to her community, living and working in the geographical region in which she serves. Personal experiences have always been at the core of her inspiration to help others. Losing her only son to suicide in 2021 pushed her out of her comfort zone into becoming an advocate for mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and parental education.
She is employed in the clinical office setting of Obstetrics and Gynecology, working as Obstetric Coordinator, where she currently manages logistics of care for nearly 600 pregnant people annually.
She is married to Robert Howard, and mother to three daughters. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and is an avid runner.
Morgan Randolph, St. Augustine Walk Chair, lives in St. Augustine, Florida, and has worked in the financial and banking industry for over nine years. She currently works in Compliance at Bank of America.
When she’s not working or volunteering with AFSP, Morgan enjoys spending time with her family and her animals—especially her golden retriever, Carl.
Morgan’s journey with AFSP began after attending an Out of the Darkness Walk, which inspired her to get more involved due to her family’s experiences with mental health challenges. These personal experiences have fueled her passion for advocacy, awareness, and connection. Morgan is dedicated to helping others access the resources and support they need—because even one conversation, one resource, or one moment of compassion can save a life.
Ashley Forest, Program Chair, is a Jacksonville-based mental health advocate and presenter with a passion for suicide prevention, mental health education, and community outreach. Her commitment to the foundation’s mission is deeply personal, shaped by her own lived experience, the loss of her uncle, and witnessing the impact of suicide within the life of a childhood friend. She serves her community through public speaking, volunteerism, and youth-centered support as a substitute teacher, and is committed to helping normalize conversations around mental health while connecting individuals and families to hope and resources. Ashley is Mental Health First Aid certified and trained in LivingWorks safeTALK. She brings a background in leadership, program development, and community engagement, along with a heart for service and creating meaningful impact across North Florida and beyond.
Ashley’s introduction to AFSP began with the Out of the Darkness Walk in November 2025, followed by her first presentation in December 2025. She joined the Programs Committee in January 2026, became the North Florida Programs Co-Chair in March 2026, and joined the North Florida Board of Directors in April 2026. Her goal is to spread as much awareness as possible about the importance of open conversations around suicide and mental health.
Outside of her professional and advocacy work, Ashley enjoys spending time with her son and family, exploring the beach and botanical gardens, and creating skincare products.
Anita emphasizes the importance of volunteering with AFSP, believing that "Hope Starts Here." She is committed to the Foundation's mission of saving lives and providing support to those affected by suicide, which is essential for building a compassionate community. Through her dedication, Anita aims to create a lasting impact on individuals and families, spreading hope and healing throughout the community.
As a compassionate Registered Nurse, Anita has excelled in nephrology, home health, hospice, and long-term care, consistently delivering patient-centered care. Her strong leadership and decision-making skills, combined with a collaborative spirit, have led her to hold various leadership roles, including President of homeowners associations and non-profit healthcare organizations.
In addition to her nursing background, Anita is a Registered Hypnotherapist, guiding clients toward meaningful change and empowering them to recognize their potential while nurturing their mental health and well-being. She brings a wealth of experience in healthcare operations, regulatory compliance, and quality improvement, along with a proven track record in strategic planning and community engagement. Anita is dedicated to advancing organizational effectiveness and fostering governance excellence within the AFSP.