Advisory Board

Contact

Address:

2585 E Perrin Ste 102

Fresno, CA 93720

Phone:

559.322.5877

EIN:

77-0313390

Board Members


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About Us‎ > ‎

Susan Basmajian, VA Suicide Prevention Coordinator

Susan Basmajian, LCSW, is the Suicide Prevention Coordinator at the VA Central Valley Health Care System. She graduated from U.C. Santa Cruz with a B.A. in Psychology then went on to California State University, Fresno where she graduated with a Master’s Degree in Social Work. She brings with her over 20 years of combined experience in the field of mental health and chemical dependency. Her most recent target population is working with our Veterans. The most recent national statistics show that, overall, the number of Veterans who die by suicide is twice that of the Non-Veteran population. Susan provides follow-up with local Veterans who have called the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). She links the Veteran to needed mental health services and assists with ongoing case management services to reduce the likelihood of a tragic outcome. “We work toward reducing negative stigma of mental illness to encourage the Veteran to seek help”. Susan has been a fan of Fresno SOS since meeting Leann Gouveia, Fresno SOS Executive Director in July, 2007. Susan’s daily work supports the Mission and Values of Fresno SOS.

“Undiagnosed and untreated mental illness is often a contributing factor to suicide. I want to promote community education and awareness around the Suicide Prevention agenda and provide compassionate support to those involved in the healing process”.

Valerie Forward, Ph.D.

Valerie is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in private practice and Assistant Professor at the California School of Forensic Studies at Alliant International University (Fresno). She graduated from California School of Professional Psychology with a Ph.D. in psychology in 1985 and currently has been involved with Fresno SOS for fifteen years and currently serves as an Advisory Board Member. Valerie says that although she has never lost someone directly to suicide, she believes that "most of us are survivors, as we know at least one person who has taken their life."

"Loss, grief, and depression are some of the most devastating and difficult human experiences to be lived. However, where there is pain, there is hope and a path that leads toward healing. As a psychologist, I support this journey and am deeply honored to be a part of Fresno Survivors of Suicide Loss, where I see healing (and prevention) happening through the love, support, and dedication of all members."

Baltimore Gonzalez

Baltimore is the Community Mental Health Specialist for Fresno County Behavioral Health and a graduate from National University with a Bachelors in Behavioral Sciences and a minor in Addictive Behaviors. He has been an active participant with Fresno SOS for 7 years and currently serves as an Advisory Board Member. Baltimore lost a very special friend in 2001 to suicide.

"I dedicate my life to assisting other's in feeling good about themselves and overcoming everyday obstacles in life which may hinder all of us at some time in our lives to feel as though "life is getting the best of us." The values and mission of Fresno Survivors of Suicide Loss, is the of the utmost importance to our society given the fact that suicide is a topic which in my opinion remains to be seen as taboo and carries heavy stigma. With the assistance of Fresno SOS our community has an outlet to receive the assistance they need in a time of a tragic loss."

Julie Herd, B.A., Economic Development

Julie Herd is the Marketing Manager for Madera County's Economic Development Commission. Julie graduated from California State University, Fresno with a B.S. in Business Administration with a Marketing Option. She is currently finishing a CSUF certificate in Non-Profit Leadership and Management. Julie has been involved with Fresno SOS since 2002, her involvement started with an Internship through the Kauffman Entrepreneur Internship Program at CSUF. Julie was the coordinator of the Yellow Ribbon program. Other areas of involvement include, volunteering on the Speakers Bureau, crafting the organizations second survivors' quilt, assisting with events and serving as an Advisory Board Member. Julie lost her Uncle to suicide on New Years Eve, 1998.

"I think it is important to spread the message to our community and especially our youth (one of the highest risk group for suicide) that mental health and depression can be a serious and DEADLY disease. Through education and awareness the public should be aware of warning signs and encourage those at risk to seek help. Treatment of depression can help prevent loved ones from turning to drugs, alcohol and most of all, to self harm."

Thomas W. Shaffer, Ph.D., ABPP

Dr. Thomas W. Shaffer is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice. Dr. Shaffer attended the California School of Professional Psychology, Fresno and received his MS in 1976 and Ph.D. in 1978. He has been involved with Fresno Survivors of Suicide Loss for approximately 20 years and currently serves as an Advisory Board Member. Dr. Shaffer is a survivor of suicide loss.

"Although I have not lost a family member to suicide, I have lost patients in the course of my practice. It is because of the pain of these losses that I am involved with Fresno SOS and through this organization attempt to make a small contribution to address the enormous loss created by these tragic deaths."

Susan Napolitano, Ph.D.

Dr. Susan Napolitano is a Licensed Psychologist and Assistant Director of the Sullivan Center for Children. She received her Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology in 1988 and her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in 1991. She has been involved with Fresno Survivors of Suicide Loss since 1995 after losing a teenage patient to suicide.

"In my two decades of work with those suffering from depression, psychosis, sexual abuse, and other traumas I am painfully familiar with the threat potential suicide poses to the ailing and their loved ones. There is no loss more agonizing than losing a child, parent, spouse, sibling or friend to suicide. The pain of suicide ripples on for generations. Fresno SOS is about hope in a time of profound despair."

Peter Vang, Ph.D; Fresno County Employment and Temporary Assistance

Peter Vang is a Staff Analyst and Refugee Community Liaison for Fresno County Department of Social Services. He has a B.S. in Business Management. Peter had been actively involved in bettering the Southeast Asian community and has been invited to speak and has provided consultation at the local and national levels on various issues impacting the refugee and immigrant communities. Peter has been involved with Fresno SOS since 2001 after losing his 17 year old son, Richard to suicide in the year 2000. Peter currently serves as an Advisory Board Member and continues to advocate and educate at the state and local policy levels, as well as in the Southeast Asian community.

"You would never know and couldn't imagine how someone would feel after the loss of a love one to suicide until it happens to you. Losing my son was one of the most devastating and heart breaking moments in my life. Dick Gallagher's visit at my son Richard's funeral offered a level of commitment, support, care, and love which has been priceless to me. I know that there are people out there who care about what I had gone through. I cannot bring my son back, but I want to help those in need. I have been advocating for policy changes and programs to help teen suicide among the Southeast Asian community and I am so pleased to be a part of the Fresno SOS family."

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