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About The Kristen Amerson Youth Foundation

The Kristen Amerson Youth Foundation was created to honor the memory and legacy of Kristen Amerson. Unfortunately, Kristen died by suicide in 2014 at the age of eleven. She never had the chance to reach her potential or discover her purpose, and her family vowed to keep her spirit alive, which is the inspiration for the foundation. The foundation provides suicide prevention resources, mental health education, outreach, and advocacy for children, adolescents, and their families. Its goal is to prevent youth suicide by increasing mental health awareness, promoting positivity, and encouraging healthy behaviors. We hope that the foundation’s services empower young people by providing support that encourages healthier lives.

Our Vision

The vision of the Kristen Amerson Youth Foundation is to eliminate all suicide among all youth in West Alabama.

Our Mission

The mission of the Kristen Amerson Youth Foundation is to promote healthier lives for youth by providing age-appropriate resources for suicide prevention and positive educational experiences.

April Groeschell

President

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Byron Bennett

Vice President

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Jonna Martin

2nd Vice President

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Julie Frizzell

Secretary

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Nicole Shine

Treasurer

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Valerie Alford-Stone

Board Member

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Dr. Caroline Boxmeyer

Board Member

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Andre Channel

Board Member

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John Dixon-Goodson

Board Member

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Nicholas Finch

Board Member

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William Hewson

Board Member

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Anne Wilson Guthrie, J.D.

Board Member

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Tanya Winstead

Board Member

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Caroline Wright

Board Member

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Falisha Wynne

Board Member

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Meet the Board

JacQuan Winters

Executive Director

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Cristy Gilliam

Community Outreach Manager

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Fran Powe

Director of Development

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Leigh Ann Money

Special Projects Coordinator

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Christin Davis

Operations Manager

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Courtney Heck

Program Coordinator

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Meet Our Staff

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