QPR Faculty & Master Trainers

Alejandro Martinez is the Senior Associate director, Consultation and Liaison, for Counseling and Psychological Services and Lecturer at the Graduate School of Education at Stanford University. His areas of special interest include mental health promotion and risk reduction for young adults. His work involves the implementation of strategies that enhance protective psychological and social elements that contribute to the reduction of risk factors for Stanford students.

Alice Jordan-Miles is the director of the Behavioral Health and Family Studies Institute  at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne.  The Institute focuses on issues related to the prevention of behavioral dysfunction and the restoration of lifelong mental health within an individual, family or community with the goal of increasing the quality of life in northeast Indiana.  The other hat Alice wears is being the director of the Indiana Suicide Prevention Coalition where its mission is to coordinate, facilitate, advise and provide resources to Indiana communities for activities that reduce: deaths due to suicide; occurrence of suicidal behaviors; and effects of suicide on Indiana citizens.  Alice is also a master trainer for both the adult and youth version of Mental Health First Aid.  She has won both local and state awards for her outstanding achievements in her career and service.  

Christopher W. Drapeau, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Education at Valparaiso University, serving as a faculty member in the graduate M.Ed./Ed.S. School Psychology Program. He has a M.A. and Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Ball State University and completed a Clinical Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship at Mississippi State University. Dr. Drapeau’s clinical and teaching interests include psychoeducational assessment, suicide risk assessment, parent management training, and behavioral sleep medicine. He runs a research lab at Valparaiso University and primarily teaches school psychology graduate courses focused on the assessment of cognitive ability, academic skills, and social, emotional, and behavioral functioning (with specific emphasis on suicide risk and sleep problems). Dr. Drapeau’s research aims to increase understanding and awareness about why people think about and engage in suicidal behavior, with specific emphasis on the contributions of pain, sleep, and social learning. His research also focuses on understanding the course of suicide loss for those left behind and how technology can assist in mental health promotion.

Colleen Carpenter led two statewide initiatives on suicide prevention over the last 11 years. During that time she built a suicide prevention resource center and helped set up community coalitions across in Indiana. She is a registered trainer in four evidence-based suicide prevention/intervention training programs and is a Youth Mental Health First Aid instructor. She has a master’s degree in sociology from Loyola University Chicago and a master’s degree in public health from the University of North Carolina’s Health Behavior and Health Education program. She has won both local and national awards for her work in suicide prevention. She is also a survivor of her uncle John’s suicide.

Dr. Connie Briscoe is currently the Director of the Wellness Center at Rollins College. Connie completed her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at the University of Tennessee and interned at Texas Woman’s University. Connie is a Licensed Psychologist in Florida. She has a faculty appointment with the QPR Institute and is certified as a QPR Master Trainer. Her areas of special interest include suicide prevention, mental health promotion and risk reduction for young adults. She has served as a member of the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Advisory Council and as a Steering Committee member for the Association for University and College Counseling Center Outreach.

David Denino is Director Emeritus of Counseling Services at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, CT. He is currently an adjunct faculty member teaching in the Clinical Mental Health program at SCSU. He has served as an executive board member to the Connecticut Counseling Association and American College Counseling Association, and has presented at many state and national conferences.

Debi Traeder has been a QPR trainer for over fifteen years and a QPR Master Trainer for ten, training throughout the United States. She is also a trainer in QPR-T, Trauma-Informed Care and other programming. As founding member of Prevent Suicide Wisconsin and as chair of a local coalition in the state, she brings a special focus to suicide prevention for the entire community, able to facilitate trainings with specific audience emphasis, including education, mental health, law enforcement, primary healthcare, youth, and the community at large. Debi is a member of AAS, AFSP and serves on a subcommittee for LIFELINE and the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention – Zero Suicide.

Denis and his colleague Sean McCarthy piloted QPR Sport on a face to face basis in Ireland between 2013 - 2017.  They subsequently were lead authors on the QPR Sport online version. Denis has been involved in the area of psychotherapy, supervision and training for the past 20 years. He holds an MA.in Supervisory Practice from Dublin City University, BSc.(Hons) Counselling & Psychotherapy from Middlesex University as well as qualifications in Sports Mind Coaching and in Clinical & Therapeutic Hypnotherapy. For the last 6 years he has worked specifically in the area of suicide prevention and postvention. He is a member of the Irish Association of Suicidology, the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, and the Supervisors Association of Ireland.  He has been involved in sport as a player, mentor, and administrator and is still actively involved in sport in his own community

Denis Walsh, LISW, is a clinical social worker who has worked in the field of community mental health for the past 30+ years. Denis is retired from NorthKey Community Care, the community mental health center in northern Kentucky, where he served as Vice President of Outpatient Services (1992-2008). Denis has a particular interest in suicide prevention, as well as working with persons who have been impacted by a suicide death. He is a certified gatekeeper trainer in QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer), which has allowed him to teach basic communication skills to community members who may be dealing with someone who is suicidal. Denis has been involved in suicide prevention for the past 12 years, both in Kentucky and in greater Cincinnati, and currently consults with the Kentucky Department of Behavioral Health regarding suicide prevention initiatives.

Dr. Barnes is an Associate Professor at Howard University, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health and trains faculty, staff and students as well as the community on how to recognize the signs of individuals in a suicidal crisis.  She teaches suicide risk management to 3rd year medical students;  has published many articles, chapters, and given presentations on the topic across the country. She is the author of the Truth About Suicide published by DWJ books in New York as part of the "truth about series..." for middle school and high school students.  She developed a campus-wide prevention program at Howard University; and is the co-founder of the National Organization for People of Color against Suicide (NOPCAS) after losing her son to suicide while he was in college; and through NOPCAS  conducted a support group for friends and family members of victims of suicide from 2004 - 2016.

Barnes has been featured on several radio shows and media outlets including NPR, CNN, The Huffington Post and The Washington Post.  She currently serves on the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control's scientific board for the Centers for Disease  Control.

Dr. Barnes is also a certified Life Coach from the International Coaching Academy based in Australia and a certified Grief Recovery Specialist

Donna Soileau is a graduate of Auburn University. She is the former Director of Mental Health America of Sumter County and currently serves as the Coordinator for Suicide Prevention for Mental Health America of South Carolina. She received her suicide prevention certification from the QPR Institute in 2004 and received her Master QPR trainer certification in June 2007. Donna is married, has two sons and enjoys reading, traveling and outdoor adventures.

Dr. Lacy Currie is a licensed psychologist who holds a B.A. in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina, a M.S. in Psychology from Augusta State University, and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Georgia. She began her professional career as the inaugural Coordinator of Suicide Prevention and Crisis Response at the Georgia Institute of Technology Counseling Center and spearheaded a campus-wide suicide prevention initiative based on the Zero Suicide model during her time there. Dr. Currie currently serves as the Coordinator of Suicide Prevention in Student Counseling and Psychological Services at Augusta University. Clinically, she is passionate about collegiate mental health and considers herself a generalist, working with students presenting with a wide variety of concerns. Dr. Currie’s professional interests include suicide prevention and postvention, grief and loss, couples and relationships, group therapy, spirituality, and substance use concerns. She is a past junior board member for the Georgia chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and has facilitated a weekly Survivors of Suicide support group for college students for the last 4 years. 

Hyesun Lee is a Ph.D. candidate in Clinical Psychology in Korea University. She completed her advanced QPR training in the United States and in Korea. She has translated QPR program and Dr. Quinnett’s books into Korean. Dr. Yook and she are opening the Suicide Prevention Center in Korea University and plan to disseminate QPR in Korea.

Mr. Allen holds a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Oklahoma, College of Public Health and has worked in the field of suicide prevention for eleven years. He worked for the Oklahoma State Department of Health for eight years with an emphasis on adolescent health, which included suicide prevention as a priority focus area. He chaired the Oklahoma Youth Suicide Prevention Council for four years, and assisted with the development of Oklahoma’s state plan for the prevention of youth suicide.

Janet Schnell holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern Indiana. She is the President of Survivors of Suicide of Dubois County, quilt organizer for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, member of American Association of Suicidology Loss Division Chair, Indiana Suicide Prevention Coalition, Dubois County Suicide Prevention Coalition and Southern Hills Counseling Center, Inc Crisis Staff Therapist . Janet was a past board member of Suicide Prevention Action Network.

Dr. Rickard, a licensed psychologist, is currently the CEO for Physician & Healthcare Consulting, LLC and Moment by Moment Suicide Prevention in Wenatchee, WA.  Her work has focused around integrating psychologists into medical settings (Primary Care & Specialty), chronic disease management, troubleshooting models of care, program development, executive and leadership coaching, coaching disruptive physicians, team dynamics, and managing complex patient issues within treatment facilities.  Dr. Rickard started the Suicide Prevention Coalition of North Central Washington (SPCNCW) in 2012 due to rising rates. She transferred the management to another agency in 2014 and has stayed involved training medical & mental health providers.  In 2016 & 2017 she trained 733 & 350 medical providers and staff in QPRT Risk Assessment & Management Training Program.  Then in January 2017 the Suicide Prevention Coalition transitioned to Confluence Health whom contracts Dr. Rickard’s to direct it.  Her involvement in the Suicide Prevention Coalition has instituted the PHQ rollout at Confluence Health into all 17-primary care locations within four counties in WA State. Her current focus is on nursing/assisted living facilities within the Chelan/Douglas County region and implementing a mentoring suicide prevention model as well as the PHQ rollout at these facilities.

Julie Geddes is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma and has been in suicide prevention for over 19 years working on suicide prevention through the Garrett Lee Smith Youth Suicide Prevention Grant and other collaborations. She is one of two Master Trainers in Oklahoma for Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) and instructor for the school evidence based Lifeline’s Suicide Prevention Curriculum. She also provides postvention support to communities after a suicide. She was instrumental in the design of Mercy Health Systems suicide prevention instruction to over 4,000 physicians and nurses. She is part of the founding of the Oklahoma State Suicide Prevention Council and currently serves as the co-Chair. Julie was recently awarded the prestigious Commissioner’s Award of Excellence for demonstration of exceptional performance or action that enhances the mission and values of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

Julie Haurykiewicz is the Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at Lawrence University (Appleton, Wisconsin), where she also teaches Freshman Studies and public speaking. She was part of Lawrence University’s Suicide Prevention Lifeline Core Team (an initiative funded by a SAMHSA/Garrett Lee Smith Suicide Prevention Grant) which allowed her to become a QPR Gatekeeper Instructor in 2010. In 2012, she advanced to the level of QPR Master Trainer through apprenticeship with Bridgette Hensley. Julie is active in coordinating and facilitating QPR suicide prevention trainings on the Lawrence campus and in her community more generally.

Kathryn Falbo-Woodson currently serves as the Program Consultant for the North Carolina Mental Health First Aid program. Previously, Kathryn worked as the Director of Advocacy & Outreach for eight years with the Mental Health Association of Central Carolinas. Kathryn has worked in the mental health field for more than 14 years, providing direct care, case management, advocacy, fundraising, program development, training, and outreach. Kathryn received her B.A. in Psychology from West Virginia University, and will obtain her Master’s in clinical Social Work (MSW), with a concentration on Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) in May 2016.

Linda is a Social Worker, trainer, holistic practitioner and Life Coach. She has worked in health and human services as a Social Worker and trainer for over 15 years before embarking to pursue her passion as a holistic practitioner through her business, Wellness in Harmony. Linda has worked as a counselor for adjudicated youth, victims of Domestic Violence, and people living with HIV and AIDS. She currently works with individuals, couples and groups, helping her clients to reduce stress and anxiety, overcome life barriers and challenges, and heal their relationships. Linda has also been training Suicide Prevention for over 10 years as a QPR Instructor.

As an educator, Lindy Williamson has worked with communities, hospitals, mental health agencies, emergency services, military, schools, businesses, churches and service organizations. She regularly teaches several Critical Incident Stress Management Classes as an approved instructor with the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation and is in demand as a keynote speaker and panelist at national symposiums and conferences serving the needs of mental health agencies and emergency services on the state, regional and national level.

Dr. Burroughs is currently the Associate Director/Director of Clinical Services at the University of Tennessee Counseling Center. Dr. Burroughs completed her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at the University of Southern Mississippi and interned at the University of Tennessee Counseling Center. Marci is a Licensed Psychologist/Health Service Provider in Tennessee and an Adjunct, Assistant Professor for the Counseling Psychology Department at UT.

Mary Chandler Bolin, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist, and since July 1998 has served as the director of the University of Kentucky Counseling Center: Consultation and Psychological Services. She has instructed as a QPR gatekeeper since Fall 2003. Dr. Bolin has served on the steering committee of the Kentucky Suicide Prevention Group [KSPG] and as a co-PI for a SAMHSA GLS grant, presented suicide prevention programs at many conferences, and became a Master Trainer for QPR in 2006. Her emphasis has been on helping other universities and colleges establish systematic suicide prevention efforts by training faculty, staff and students as QPR gatekeepers. She has certified QPR gatekeeper instructors at more than 40 sites, including the University of Central Oklahoma, Cameron University, University of Buffalo, The Ohio State University, Illinois State University, UCLA, and for the Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors, in addition to regional community-based groups. 

Mary VanHaute is a QPR Master Trainer and educator with more than 20 years of experience as a professional instructor, online learning facilitator, and expert in community-based suicide prevention strategies, with a special focus on preventing suicide among First Responders and their families. A leader in suicide prevention, Mary integrates QPR training into a broader program that addresses the unique health and safety issues inherent in culture of law enforcement and fire service organizations.

Michael currently serves as the Kentucky State Suicide Prevention Coordinator through the Kentucky Department for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Addiction Services. With a clinical background, Michael conducts clinical trainings focused on suicide assessment, management and treatment throughout Kentucky. Michael also serves as the Project Director for a Garrett Lee Smith Memorial grant; a three year grant revolving around adolescent suicide prevention and intervention.

Is a Psychotherapist and trainer, who holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and a Masters Degree in Counseling/Education. Dr. Nancy Bohl has specialized in the field of trauma since 1985. She is the Director of The Counseling Team International (TCTI), which is also, The Southern California Critical Incident Stress Management Team. She is a certified Master Trainer for the QPR Institute focusing on Suicide Prevention and Intervention.

Naomi Kitajima's established QPR at Foothill Community College and has provided QPR Master Training in the California Community College System. She has actively taught for the Santa Clara County (SCC) Behavioral/Mental Health Services and SC County K-12 schools. Currently, she lectures for Hope House of Redwood City for drug addicted women which targets incarcerated, pregnant women. As a Board Member of the Service League of San Mateo County Jail/Correctional Facilities (www.serviceleague.org),

Naomi participates in Service League projects benefiting, the Sheriff's Office, inmates and support for inmate's families. Also, her background as a foster home in San Mateo County has also brought insight & compassion into Naomi's life's work in Suicide Prevention and support for the community's mental health and well-being.

Dr. Flint has over 16 years experience providing personal and career counseling at the University of North Texas and in her private practice in North Dallas. Prior to that, she worked as a registered nurse. She has a co-therapist, Dakota that works with her at the Student Counseling Center at UNT. Dakota is a Labrador retriever that has been certified by the Delta Society to work as an animal assistant.

Rhianna Brand is a proud third generation Cheyenne resident and received her Bachelor's of Science degree majoring in communication with a minor in marketing and sales.

Rhianna had a career in the radio industry working in Austin, TX for Spirit 105.9 and Montgomery Broadcasting/KFBC when she returned to Cheyenne in 2014. She then transitioned to non-profit work for the state of Wyoming in the area of suicide prevention. You can see more about her work in news articles ranging from the Seattle Times all the way to the Rolling Stone (All American Despair).

She is the current Event & Program Coordinator for Meals on Wheels of Cheyenne and the Founder and CEO of Unconditional Inspiration, LLC where she is continuing the mission of suicide and substance abuse prevention and education in the front range. Unconditional Inspiration provides school presentations, training community members, and helping with strategic planning and fundraising ideas for non-profits. She also is Wyoming’s QPR Master Trainer, an ASIST Trainer, and Governor Mark Gordon appointed her to the Wyoming Behavioral Health Advisory Council in 2020.

Sal Caraco currently serves as the Compeer Director for the Mental Health Association of Central Carolinas, where he has been employed since 2006. He has worked in the field of human services since 1980, providing direct care, program management, and training. He is a certified trainer in Mental Health First Aid-USA and Gatekeeper Q.P.R. ® (Question, Persuade, Refer), Strategies for Crisis Intervention, and Prevention (SCIP), as well as a Master Trainer for Q.P.R.

As a clinical psychologist, mental health advocate, faculty member, and survivor of her brother's suicide, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas sees the issues of suicide prevention from many perspectives. Currently, she is the CEO of the Carson J Spencer Foundation. Dr. Spencer-Thomas is a professional speaker and trainer, presenting nationally and internationally on the topic of suicide prevention and has published four books on mental health. She lives in Conifer, Colorado with her partner and three sons.

Sarah Gaer began working in human services in 1998. She is a Master's level clinician and graduate of Antioch New England University. She has diverse experience working with a wide variety of populations and milieus including substance abuse treatment facilities, mental health, residential and outpatient clinical services for individuals with severe and chronic mental illness, as well as developmental disabilities, and forensic populations in community based programs.

Sean and his colleague Denis O'Connor piloted QPR Sport on a face to face basis in Ireland between 2013 - 2017.  They subsequently were lead authors on the QPR Sport online version

Seán has worked in the field of mental health since 1980. During this time he has worked in the following clinical areas of acute psychiatry, rehabilitation, forensic psychiatry and community psychiatric nursing. He has also worked in nursing administration, before moving into the field of suicidology. He holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Nursing Studies and a Diploma in Health and Social Welfare from the Open University as well as numerous other certificates and awards. For the past 20 years he has worked in the field of suicidology. He was the first appointed full time suicide resource officer in Ireland, co-ordinating initiatives focusing on the areas of prevention, intervention and postvention, in a specific geographic area as well leading out on a number of initiatives nationally. He is a member of the International Association of Suicide Prevention (IASP) and has served as co-chair of the IASP Special Interest Group (SIG) on Bereavement and Loss. Seán has presented on QPR Sport in a number of Countries during the development of the training programme. He has also presented on his work in suicidology during conferences hosted by the Irish Association of Suicidology (IAS), IASP, the European Symposium on Suicide and Suicidal Behaviour (ESSSB) and the American Association of Suicidology (AAS). During his life sport has played a significant role for him as a player, coach, administrator and supporter.

Dr. Yook completed his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Korea University in Seoul, Korea. He learned about QPR while on a post-doctoral fellowship in suicide prevention at the University of Rochester School of Medicine. He completed his advanced QPR training in the United States and in Korea. Dr. Yook has provided consultation and training to police departments throughout Korea and is the suicide prevention advisor to the Republic of Korea National Defense Ministry.