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Community presentations for high schools, universities, law enforcement, military, community groups, faith organizations.  People who have experienced first-hand losing someone to suicide share their personal story with the goal of educating about suicide, prevention, and the importance of postvention support after a suicide.

Deborah DeLisi

Deborah, a motivational speaker and author, share the story of losing her daughter to suicide. She is passionate about sharing to help others through the intense grief of suicide.  Deborah is available to speak to high school students, universities, community groups, and parents.
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Jan Lenhert

Jan served in various public schools and colleges in San Diego as an educator for 21 years, teaching both children and adults. She holds a B.A. in Spanish and an M.A. in Education. Her passion now is to educate others about suicide through sharing her personal struggle with depression and suicide. Jan is available to speak to educational institutions, mental health professionals, and other community groups.
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Diane Louise

Diane is a Marriage Family Therapist Intern who shares her story of losing her story of losing her brother Scott to suicide in 2006, at the age of 46.  After the loss, she found SOSL and has been volunteering for 8 ½ years.  Her brother’s death changed the trajectory of her life, and she decided to go back to school to learn more about mental health and how to help others in crisis.  Dian would love to share her story with those in higher education, faith communities, mental health professionals, and community groups.
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Kathy Shott

Kathy is retired military- law enforcement.  She holds a Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice/Sociology and a Master’s Degree in Education.  While active duty and as a military contractor, Kathy taught Suicide Prevention/Awareness and Sexual Assult/Rape trainings.  Kathy lost her son Tony to suicide, and she shares the story of this loss, how it has impacted her, and how she found healing and support in the aftermath.  Like most survivors of suicide loss, she is passionate about educating others about suicide in order to save lives.  She is available to speak to military, law enforcement, high schools, higher education, LGBTQ, and other community groups.
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Floyd Strayer

Floyd is a veteran of the Marine Corps where he served 21 years.  Subsequently, he has worked for 17 years as a Navy Civilian.  Floyd shares his story of losing his brother to suicide –the impact it has had on him – and his passion for educating others about suicide.  He is available to speak to military, veteran, law enforcement, and other community groups.
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Cheryl Williams

Cheryl is a mother and grandmother who found SOSL after losing her son to suicide.  She volunteers for Elderhelp as well as facilitating a SOSL support group, as she finds giving back an important part of her healing.  Cheryl shares her story of her son’s suicide in order to educate the community about suicide.  She is available to speak to high schools, higher education, mental health professionals, and other community groups.
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