Together we can CHANGE the world!

BE. GO. DO.

Meet the Founder & CEO, Dr. Michelle Boodoo

My name is Dr. Michelle Boodoo, and I founded In Her Name. I hold a Ph.D. in Education specializing in Leadership, Policy, and Changes in Education, and I worked in higher education at various colleges and universities throughout my professional journey. During this time, I discovered my true passion was assisting students in securing the financial resources they need to pursue their educational goals. My last role at a university was as the Vice President of Student Financial Services where I assumed responsibility for overseeing the financial aid departments across multiple campuses, including the main campus, the online campus, and the Graduate School for a large university in South Florida.

During a long and fulfilling career in higher education, I found myself at a crossroads. In April 2022, I faced a heartbreaking tragedy when I lost my stepdaughter to suicide; her name was Kathy. The devastating event forced me to reevaluate my life's direction. I soon realized my burning desire to help individuals struggling with mental health issues outweighed my previous focus on higher education. Four months after Kathy's passing, I founded In Her Name. Our mission is twofold. First, we strive to break the stigma surrounding mental illness. We firmly believe that open and honest conversations about mental health are crucial for creating a supportive and understanding society. Second, we're dedicated to promoting positive mental health by sharing valuable information, tools, and resources. We aim to empower individuals and their loved ones and equip them with the tools to navigate mental health challenges.

I'm incredibly passionate about the work we're doing at In Her Name, and the essence of Kathy drives me to make a difference in the lives of those affected by mental health issues. I believe we can create a world where mental health is prioritized and everyone feels supported on their journey toward well-being.

Meet the Team & Board

Michelle Boodoo, Ph.D.

FOUNDER / CEO & Kathy’s Mimi
Doctor of Philosophy: Education: Leadership, Policy & Change in Education / Advocate for Mental Health.
Doing whatever it takes to help others in Kathy’s name.
Santiago Perez

IT DIRECTOR, BOARD MEMBER & Kathy’s Dad
Doing whatever it takes to help others in Kathy’s name.
Itzi Hernandez

BOARD MEMBER & Kathy’s Aunt
Doing whatever it takes to help others in Kathy’s name.
Michelle Christy Taveras, MSW, PSYD

BOARD MEMBER & EDUCATOR
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology & Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Lisa Pratt-Sanchez

BOARD MEMBER & FINANCE/BUSINESS ADVISOR
Lisa Pratt-Sanchez is a results-driven professional based in South Florida with a wealth of experience leading people and large projects. She is passionate about people, and her daily mission is to live life to the fullest, love more, and give generously of her time and talent.

Being. Going. Doing.

AFSP Community Walk - Broward

10-29-2023

On October 29th, we participated in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Broward walk at Nova University, a place that held special memories for Kathy. Nova was the first university she attended, and during the walk, I couldn't help but reminisce about the day she and I met with the Admission department there for her college application.
As we strolled by the Administration building, those memories flooded back. The meeting had started well, but then we learned they needed her official high school transcript that very day. It was a race against time as we hurried across town to her high school to secure the necessary document. It was a mad dash, but we managed to pull it off.
The admissions team reviewed the paperwork, and Kathy was officially accepted as a first-year college student. We were exhausted on the drive home, but as I looked at her, I saw a tired yet radiant smile on her face. I took her hand and told her how proud I am of her, and I hope she has an amazing time in university. In the softest, sweetest voice, Kathy replied, "Thank you for everything, Mimi; I love you." During those moments, the world felt absolutely perfect for us. Without needing any words, we simply continued holding hands on our way home.
Nova University will forever hold a cherished spot in my heart, thanks to the memories Kathy and I shared on those grounds. ❤️

AFSP offers a wide range of resources and community programs designed to assist individuals and their loved ones with mental health challenges. If you need support, please look at the resources available at https://afsp.org/.

If you or someone you know is in distress, CALL or TEXT 988 or go to https://988lifeline.org for help.

Life is a journey filled with twists, turns, and unexpected challenges. While we often celebrate the highs, there are times when the path takes a darker turn, and some are left in despair and thoughts of suicide. During these critical moments, possessing the appropriate skills and support can significantly impact the outcome.

Allow me to share my reflections on a Suicide Intervention Skills Training workshop I attended last week. These workshops are designed to equip individuals with practical knowledge and the confidence to effectively intervene when someone they know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts. The training focuses on learning crucial skills such as:

Recognizing the Warning Signs: Participants learn to recognize the signs that indicate someone may be contemplating suicide.
Understanding Expressions of Distress: The program outlines how individuals may convey their emotional pain through verbal expressions or more subtle signals.
Establishing Empathetic Connections: Building a compassionate connection with someone in crisis is emphasized, including learning to listen actively without judgment.
Exploring Distress Triggers: The training encourages a deeper understanding of the underlying causes of an individual's distress with open and honest conversations.
Safety Planning: A critical aspect of the training involves the collaborative development of safety plans with strategies to keep the person safe.
Resources: Participants are equipped with the tools and knowledge to connect individuals with the appropriate professional help and local community resources.

Suicide Intervention Skills Training extends beyond theory; it emphasizes the practical application of these skills to save lives potentially. By recognizing the warning signs, offering support, and connecting individuals with the necessary assistance, participants can become the first line of defense in suicide prevention. It is important to note that this training is not exclusive to mental health professionals. It is accessible to anyone motivated to impact their community positively. Whether you are an educator, healthcare professional, human resource manager, or simply a compassionate friend or family member, you can make a difference in the lives of those in crisis. I invite you to consider exploring the possibilities offered by a Suicide Intervention Skills Training workshop and becoming part of a global movement dedicated to saving lives and promoting mental well-being.

If you need additional details regarding how I participated in the workshop, don't hesitate to get in touch with me at michelle@inhernamekp.org. The workshop I attended was developed and presented by Living Works and was hosted in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. For further information about local suicide prevention workshops and programs, please visit https://afsp.org/.

My Recent Suicide Intervention Skills Training Experience

10-06-2023

Photo Credit:American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

On September 30th, we took part in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Community Walk for Kathy and those who tragically lost their lives to suicide. It marked our second year joining this meaningful event. Arriving at the parking lot, I felt an overwhelming sense of wishing this reality away. Yet, it was all too real—the posters and signs, the individuals wearing t-shirts adorned with pictures of their departed loved ones, the array of colored beaded necklaces, and the tears streaming down people's faces.

The opening ceremony remained a blur except for one profoundly moving moment. A young lady took to the stage to recite a heartfelt poem, and as she did, people around the stage began blowing bubbles. Time seemed to stand still, and at that moment, all I could think about was how much Kathy would have loved the performance and those bubbles.

The walk itself was both a fleeting and significant experience. Along the journey, participants engaged in heartfelt conversations, shared stories of their dearly departed, shed tears of collective grief, and found solace in smiling as they reminisced about cherished moments with their lost loved ones. For some, the walk may be just that—a walk. But for many, it serves a greater purpose: to raise awareness, extend support to those facing mental health battles, and provide solace for those who have tragically lost someone to suicide.

AFSP offers a wide range of resources and community programs designed to assist individuals and their loved ones with mental health challenges. If you need support, please look at the resources available at https://afsp.org/.

If you or someone you know is in distress, CALL or TEXT 988 or go to https://988lifeline.org for help.

AFSP Out of the Darkness Walk - West Palm Beach

09-30-2023

Thanksgiving

11-2022

Thanksgiving is about family, food, and friends. It's about making travel plans and trying new recipes. It's about seeing cousins and kissing grandmas. It's all the things that make us feel warm inside.

As the holidays approached, I wondered what new recipes Kathy would have made for Thanksgiving. I started remembering the dishes she made during the holidays and all the cakes and desserts she baked and decorated beautifully. Kathy loved cooking and baking; she baked birthday cakes, Christmas cookies, pastries, bread, and her dad's favorite Cuban dessert. She was a Jack of many trades, but cooking and baking were her happy place.

On behalf of Kathy and her love for baking, in her name, we donated boxes of cake mix and frosting to Boca Helping Hand for Thanksgiving. The cakes and frostings went to 60 families in need, thanks to Lisa P and her generous donation.

From our family to yours, may the holiday season bring love, peace, and happiness and remind us to always be kind to each other and lend a helping hand to those in need.💚

NAMI Walk at Nova University

10-09-2022

In her name, we walked for those who can’t in the NAMI Broward walk on October 9th. The event promoted mental health at Nova University … the first university Kathy attended. The cheerleaders from the Miami Heat, Nova University, and Calvary Chapel High School were there to cheer on the walkers and the fur babies.

As we walked the campus grounds, we remembered everything we had experienced with Kathy there. Even though Kathy was not with us that day, the beautiful memories we had of her on campus were vivid in our minds and hearts.💚

Out of the Darkness Walk in Miami for the AFSP

09-18-2022

We walked for those who can’t in The Out of Darkness Community Walk. With your generous donations and support, we raised $1,575 in Kathy’s name for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Every day Kathy continues to inspire us to be more like her: kind, caring, and of service to others. With our most immense heartfelt gratitude, thank you to those who donated, walked, shared our posts, and supported us; your kindness will forever be remembered.