We prevent suicide in Eagle County through training, awareness, and hope.
We reduce instances of suicide in Eagle County and help those affected by it address their pain. Through educational programs, events, peer groups, and partnerships, we bring community members together to learn and share their unique experiences.
Our History
SpeakUp ReachOut began its work in Eagle County in 2009, charged by the Avon Town Council. In 2014 we became an independent 501c3 organization and in 2018 we were excited to hire our first full-time employee and offer more robust training programs.
As of 2023 we have grown to five full-time employees and expanded our services to include peer support, suicide loss support, lethal means safety, continuing education for behavioral health and increasing community connection.
Our Goal
Our goal is to reduce instances of suicide in Eagle County.
Promises to Our community
We will introduce people to the support they need because we believe in the power of connection.
We will listen deeply to your unique story because we believe sharing experiences promotes healing.
We will educate others about suicide because we believe that knowledge can save lives.
We will spearhead suicide awareness initiatives because we believe in evolving with the needs of society.
Our Selfless Team
Erin Ivie
Executive Director (she/her)
In 2007 I lost my best friend, Luke, to suicide. I will never forget that phone call and the panic attack that came upon hearing the news that my lifelong friend had died by suicide. I questioned myself for days. What could I have done? How did I not know he was hurting so bad? Why didn’t he call me? To this day I still ask many of these same questions. I now know that Luke felt there was no other way to deal with the problems he was facing. Luke felt there was no hope and only darkness ahead.
I work with SpeakUp ReachOut to show people that there is HOPE! And that no one is alone in this journey whether they are struggling with mental health, suicidal ideation or the loss of a loved one to suicide.
Leslie Robertson
Awareness and Brand Manager (she/her)
Having lived in Eagle County since 1996, I am well aware of the higher-than-average occurrence of suicide both here and in other mountain towns. We all live here because we love the mountain lifestyle, but we also face a unique set of challenges.
After attending a Mental Health First Aid training I felt inspired to help those who are struggling. In a short few hours I obtained skills that may one day save a life.
As our valley takes on mental health and expands resources, I am excited to help raise awareness and provide the same skills that I’ve learned to others. It’s so easy to make a difference and it may just save a life!
Laura Alvarez
Program and Events Director (she/her)
I arrived in Eagle County in 2010 and felt an immediate connection to the incredible community. Finding a niche working in the local nonprofit youth development scene, I dedicated most of my efforts to supporting elementary and middle school students through various social emotional programming. I quickly learned of the vast and unique mental health challenges that exist in our valley, particularly affecting youth. It takes the strength of a community like ours to change the mindset and pave the way for difficult, essential conversations around mental health and suicide awareness. I want to be a part of the coalition that encourages breaking the stigmas and creating change.
Kirby Lemon
Training and Events Coordinator (she/her)
My first mental health training was the Youth Mental Health First Aid course through SpeakUp ReachOut. It taught me about the warning signs for mental health difficulties and suicide. As a former childcare provider, this information was invaluable and continues to impact my interactions, both personally with loved ones and professionally with our community.
This year, I walked through a mental health crisis with a loved one. It was not easy, but the resources provided by organizations like SpeakUp ReachOut gave me options, next steps, contacts, and hope.
I work with SpeakUp ReachOut to provide services and support to those struggling with their mental health, suicidal thoughts, or the loss of a loved one.
Elian Marquez
Hispanic and Youth Program Specialist (he/him)
Working with SpeakUp ReachOut provides me the opportunity to support suicide prevention and mental health services within our LatinX community. I’m grateful to work for a non-profit that can touch many lives through raising awareness and spreading hope.
Growing up in a Hispanic household in Eagle County can be challenging and opening up about your mental wellbeing can be even more difficult. It wasn't until my little brother began to struggle with his mental health that my family recognized the importance of the subject. As he received treatment and healed, it changed their perspective about these vital services, and I realized how I could best serve my community.
Our Dedicated Board
Greg Daly
Board President (he/him)
I am proud to serve as the Chief of Police in Avon, CO. I have worked for the Avon Police Department for nearly 10 years and began my law enforcement career in 1996. Suicide and mental health calls for service are all too common in my daily work in law enforcement. In 2009, at the request of the Avon Town Council, the police department with other community partners formed Speak Up Reach Out to address suicide in our community. This collaboration is a daily community priority and passion of my own to increase awareness, to educate gatekeepers and to provide hope to those in most need.
Corey Lamothe
Vice President (she/her)
At the age of 18 my younger brother began his struggles with suicide, depression and addiction. On Christmas Day 2014 he finally lost his 14 year battle. His story has been my guide in ensuring other families don't go through the pain and grief that my family experienced. My passion and dedication to helping others in a time of crisis led me to playing a pivotal role in the development of SpeakUp ReachOut in 2009 and I look forward to the future and continued momentum of the organization. Outside of my philanthropic visions I enjoy helping families buy, sell and invest in real estate. I work for Sotheby's International Real Estate in Vail Village and spend my free time in the back country skiing, mountain biking, paddle boarding and hiking.
Kevin Roop
Treasurer (he/him)
In the past I struggled with depression and thoughts of suicide. For years I was able to manage my situation through therapy, yoga, meditation and exercise. When my agitation, short temper, and thoughts of ending my life started to increase, I decided I needed more help.
I went to see a psychiatrist, and due to numerous head injuries I sustained over the years she determined that I needed to go on medication. I saw almost immediate positive effects from the medicine. The thoughts of suicide are gone along with other bad feelings. I was lucky enough to find help and I want to help others find the support that they need.
Ada Sapp
Member at Large (she/her)
I grew up without a father as a result of suicide. The impact of which has followed me into my adult years. I join SURO to be able to serve the community in helping to prevent family and friends from the rippling effect of this loss. As the Chief Operating Officer at Colorado Mountain Medical, I have dedicated the last two decades of my life to the medical field helping to improve the patient experience. I am honored to have participated in creating a Behavioral Health service line at CMM that, integrated with our current primary care providers, will provide the valley with much needed whole health support.
Gerry Lopez
Member at Large (he/him)
I am a student at CMC and I serve as the Youth Advisor for the Eagle River Youth Coalition. I joined SpeakUp ReachOut because I am passionate about suicide prevention and helping our community. I want to help spread hope, love and faith throughout Eagle County and the rest of Colorado. I believe that by working together we will be able to not only help the people of our community fight mental health issues, but also support those individuals in our neighboring communities. After all, we are in this together.
Casandra Armas, LSW
Member at Large (she/her)
In 2010, I learned what suicide meant and the impact it has. I have lost two individuals to suicide; one of these individuals struggled with suicide for three years before attempting the first time. I was 13 years old when it was disclosed to me she had died by suicide. In high school, a few close friends of mine either attempted or thought about suicide almost every day. This is when I decided I wanted to become a mental health provider- especially to serve the LatinX community who has limited access to Spanish speaking therapists. I now have a Masters of Social work, and am a Licensed Social Worker. My passion is to serve the community, spread hope, and empower individuals.
Jenny Owens Bloess
MA, LCS, NCC
Member at Large (she/her)
In middle school, I remember having a friend visit the school counselor for something she was struggling with. That was the first time I took interest in mental health and the value of having someone there for another person. Since then, I have lost several college friends to suicide, a close family member struggles with depression and thoughts of suicide, and I’ve been there for many students who’ve struggled with thoughts of suicide. These events have added to my passion around mental health and the need for people to feel valued and heard while supporting their individual and family needs.
Kyle Foster
Member at Large (he/him)
Kyle is no stranger to sharing his story. The owner of Seagull’s Cycles in Eagle, he is changing the notion of what a bike shop can be. “I have always felt that a bike shop can be more than just a place to sell and repair bikes, but a hub of the cycling community and beyond,” shared Kyle. Community is ever-present in the service provided, his openness about addiction and mental health, and the shop’s many community events including fundraisers and his well-known Sunday Recovery Ride. Kyle joined the SpeakUp ReachOut Board of Directors in 2023.
Craig Cruz
Member at Large
As a small business leader in Eagle County, I discovered SpeakUp ReachOut shortly after relocating here. Recognizing the critical importance of their mission, I promptly decided to offer my support. Having personally witnessed the lingering pain and trauma that follows a death by suicide, I was determined to be part of the solution here in our new home.
Today, I feel privileged to have identified multiple avenues through which I can apply my business expertise to aid this invaluable organization. By spreading awareness and knowledge within our community, SpeakUp ReachOut plays a vital role. With each passing day, my dedication to their mission deepens and takes on new dimensions.