Meet Leslie Weirich

Suicide Prevention Experience

• Elkhart County, IN Suicide Prevention Coalition Board Member
• Innovations in Suicide Prevention Taskforce (State of Indiana)
• Mental Health Youth First Aid Certified
• QPR Certified
•  Suicide Prevention Specialist with Oaklawn Community Mental Health
• Sources of Strength Provisional Trainer

Our Story

Life is full of highs and lows, and I’ve seen my share of both. I’ve had a successful career, married the love of my life and was blessed to be the mother to two beautiful children. But I’ve also known incredible loss. It was 2:30 in the morning on September 10th, 2016. I awoke to the doorbell ringing and the news that my 20-year-old son, Austin, had taken his life. It was the moment that changed everything.

Because of the unique circumstances surrounding our story, it would eventually capture the attention of national news. The response we received made me realize that our story is meant to be told. It has the power to save young lives and spare other parents the devastating loss we experienced. Telling our story to save others is what gets me up and going every single day. It’s my passion and has become my life’s work. I left my career as a successful financial recruiter and now speak to thousands of people across the country about suicide prevention –sharing our story and giving practical tools to build resilience. In addition to traveling and speaking, I work as a Suicide Prevention Specialist for the community mental health center serving two local counties, where we are transforming suicide prevention in schools.