Our Mission Is Simple

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

  1. We will introduce people to the support they need because we believe in the power of connection.

  2. We will listen deeply to your unique story because we believe sharing experiences promotes healing.

  3. We will educate others about suicide because we believe that knowledge can save lives.

  4. We will spearhead suicide awareness initiatives because we believe in evolving with the needs of society.

Our Selfless Team

Help Lead The Mission - Join Our Board.

Our Dedicated Board

  • Corey Lamothe

    Board 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.

  • Carrie Buhlman

    Secretary (she/her)

    I have the honor and privilege of serving as the Chief of Police for the Eagle Police Department. With nearly 19 years in law enforcement, I’ve seen firsthand the toll this work can take on first responders, including the stress we carry, the trauma we absorb, and the moments we don’t always talk about. I focus on creating a culture where conversations about stress, trauma, and wellness are normal and where officers feel supported both on and off duty.

    I remain committed to strengthening mental health resources, reducing stigma, and expanding access to meaningful support for this Valley and the broader first responder community.

  • Craig Cruz

    Treasurer (he/him)

    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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Mauri Cummins

    Member at Large (she/her)

    Suicide prevention is not just a cause I support; it is a passion that drives me both personally and as a law enforcement professional. I’ve experienced the tragedy of suicide loss firsthand and have my own lived experience with suicidality, along with clinical depression. As a lifelong Eagle County local, it is with deep gratitude that I join the SpeakUp ReachOut community in their mission: to prevent suicide through training, awareness, and hope. 

  • 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.

  • Pollyanna Forster

    Member at Large (she/her)

    For nearly my entire life, I’ve been a hospitalitarian—building, leading, and serving across every corner of the industry. Over 45 years, I’ve owned seven restaurant concepts, scrubbed more than a few toilets, and hosted wine dinners that reached $5,000 a seat. Through it all, I’ve been surrounded by vibrant, passionate people who pour themselves into their craft.

    That same passion can come with struggle. Too many of my peers have faced mental and behavioral health challenges, and too many have been lost along the way. My hope is to stand beside them—to lift our community up and help connect people to the broad picnic of resources and support available.

    SpeakUp ReachOut continues to grow, offering both access and knowledge to so many in need. I’m deeply honored to join its Board of Directors beginning January 2025, and to continue championing the wellbeing of the hospitality ohana {family} I love.

2014 Founding Board Members

Greg Daly | Erin Ivie | Mary Abbett | Jill Squyres

Sam Brandt | Molly Fiore | Kevin Roop | Corey Lamothe