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
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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.
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Santiago Perez
IT DIRECTOR, BOARD MEMBER & Kathy’s Dad
Doing whatever it takes to help others in Kathy’s name.
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Itzi Hernandez
BOARD MEMBER & Kathy’s Aunt
Doing whatever it takes to help others in Kathy’s name.
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Michelle Christy Taveras, MSW, PSYD
BOARD MEMBER & EDUCATOR
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology & Licensed Clinical Psychologist
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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.
Being. Going. Doing.
Join In Her Name at AFSP's Hope Starts Here!
We're honored to be a community partner at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's Hope Starts Here event on August 1, 2026, at Nova Southeastern University in Broward County, Florida.
Stop by the In Her Name table for free mental health and suicide prevention resources, grounding kits, suicide prevention awareness signs, wellness tools, and information to help recognize the warning signs and support those who may be struggling.
This free community event is a wonderful opportunity to learn, connect, and help break the stigma surrounding mental health. Bring your family and friends, and join us as we work together to create a community where no one has to struggle alone.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Go to https://hopestartsherebroward.attendease.com/ for details.
On December 12th, we were honored to serve as a Community Partner at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Walk in Stuart, FL. As we finished setting up our tent and tables, people began to arrive, one by one. Brothers and sisters, moms and dads, aunts and uncles, friends and coworkers. Some were walking in memory of a loved one, others were walking for themselves, and many were walking alongside medical professionals and advocates. Though everyone came with a different story, we all stood together with one shared mission: to prevent suicide and support mental health.
As people stopped by our table, they shared their stories, often through tears. These were stories of deep love, loss, fear, and hope. For many, simply being there and speaking their truth felt like a lifeline. One woman stood silently at our table, tears streaming down her face as she struggled to find her words. When she finally spoke, she shared that she was walking for a friend, someone who felt more like family. We shared resources with her, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and information about the 988 Safety Plan. She wiped her tears, nodded quietly, and held my hands until she felt grounded again. When she walked away, a small smile crossed her face, a sign of hope that she now could help her friend.
Throughout the walk, we heard countless stories of love and loss. People walked with pride and purpose, honoring those they’ve lost while also showing up for those who are still struggling. This is what makes AFSP walks so powerful. They create a safe, compassionate space where people feel seen, understood, and supported. These walks bring communities together to raise awareness, break the stigma around mental health, and remind us that none of us has to walk this journey alone.
AFSP Out of the Darkness Walks are free to attend, but the support, connection, and hope they offer are truly priceless. If you or someone you love has been affected by suicide or mental health struggles, I encourage you to find a walk near you. Your presence matters more than you know.
Walking Together Toward Hope
AFSP Walk in Stuart, 12/12/2025
Courage in Every Conversation
AFSP Walk in Miami, 11/16/2025
On November 16th, we had the honor of serving as a Community Partner at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Walk in Miami. People often say Miami has the most beautiful weather, beaches, and people, and on this day, that felt undeniably true. The sky was a perfect blue, the sun was beaming everywhere, and a soft breeze drifted in from the water’s edge. But the real beauty was in the people who gathered at the walk; they were open-hearted, compassionate, and ready to hug, hold hands, and share words of hope.
As the event began, people came to our table in waves, each carrying a story, a memory, or a pain they were brave enough to share. One young lady told us she was walking for herself. Her mother and father stood beside her, walking for her too. As she spoke, I couldn’t help but admire her courage and strength in fighting her mental health battles every day... in her tiny body, I saw the emotional and mental strength of a giant. And her parents… they stood like two pillars on either side of her, steady and unwavering, ready to support her whenever she needed them. My heart overflowed for that family, because they didn’t wait for tragedy to teach them what to do. They learned the warning signs, created a safe space for their daughter to share her feelings, listened with love, and stayed present. These simple, powerful acts of listening, caring, and showing up can truly save a life.
Another woman stopped by and told us she was walking for her father. She shared his name, the year he passed, and what he meant to her. She turned around to show us the back of her T-shirt, covered in messages of hope and lined with 589 names of individuals who died by suicide. She pointed to her right shoulder and said softly, “My dad’s name is in red...the only name in red.” (See pic below) Her pride, her trembling voice, her determination to keep walking in his honor were unmistakable. In that moment, the love between her and her father felt so present, so alive. His name was Alfred. Her name is Nathalie. And her courage in carrying his story forward stayed with me long after she walked away.
I left the event with a heart full of gratitude. The AFSP walks bring together people who are grieving, those fighting to survive, those who support, and those working to save lives. They remind us that none of us walks alone. If you can, I encourage you to find an Out of the Darkness Walk in your area. Your presence, your compassion, your steps…they matter more than you may ever know.
If you or someone you know is in distress, CALL or TEXT 988 or go to https://988lifeline.org for help.
A Day of Healing, Hope, and Connection
AFSP Walk in Palm Beach, 11/1/2025
On November 1st, we had the honor of being a community partner at the AFSP Out of the Darkness Walk in Palm Beach. The day was absolutely beautiful, with blue skies, cool breezes, and sunshine that seemed to wrap around us like a gentle hug. Just hours before the event, I received the news that my book, Grieving You, had been approved for publication. Surrounded by love, remembrance, and resilience, I made the decision to launch Grieving You right there at the walk.
It was a day of tears, gratitude, and heartbreak, yet one that was deeply healing. Standing among others who have loved and lost reminded me once again that even in grief, we are never truly alone.
Throughout the day, parents who had lost their children stopped by our table, each one carrying a story, sacred, raw, and filled with love. They shared their sons’ and daughters’ names, showed us photos, and pressed small treasures into our hands so we would remember them, too. One mother gave us white bracelets engraved with her son’s name, Valentine, and the numbers 143. She explained that “143” means I love you, a family tradition passed down for more than 70 years. Her face softened as she spoke, shifting from sorrow to pride as I promised her I would share Valentine’s name in my next blog. So today, we say his name out loud: Valentine. Valentine, you are remembered, you are loved, and your story continues.
Another mother reached into her purse and handed me a small glass heart after sharing stories about her child she lost 11 years ago. To anyone else, it might seem like just trinkets and knick-knacks... but to us, these gifts are sacred. They carry the stories, the grace, and the love of those we miss so deeply. Every memory, every item, every word spoken keeps our loved ones light alive.
That’s what makes the AFSP walks so powerful; they bring together survivors of suicide loss, mental health advocates, and those walking in support. These people are from all different paths, sharing one thing in common: LOVE. Our stories may differ, but the ache, the hope, and the strength that unite us are the same. In those moments, surrounded by others who understand, we find community and a sense of peace, even if only for a while.
If you have never been to an AFSP walk, I encourage you to visit www.afsp.org and find one near you. Your presence, your voice, and your compassion make a difference. Together, we can help break the silence and shed light on those who are still struggling in the dark.
My book, Grieving You, was born from that same place, of remembrance, love, and hope. It’s now available on Amazon in paperback and eBook formats. All proceeds from this book go to In Her Name to promote positive mental health and suicide prevention.
Walking Out of the Darkness Together
AFSP Walk in Broward, 10/26/2025
On October 26th, we were community partners at the AFSP Out of the Darkness Walk in Broward to help raise awareness for suicide prevention, support positive mental health, and promote my book, Grieving You. As we drove to the event, the rain began to fall, and it continued for a while. But even though we were drenched many times and shadowed by dark and gloomy clouds, our mission remained clear. We were there with a purpose: to reach those who are struggling in silence, to comfort those who carry the heavy weight of “why,” and to share love and hope with those who grieve.
Time seemed to slow down when speaking with other parents who have lost a child. Their pain reflected in every expression....the heartbreak, the longing, the emptiness; we hugged, we cried, and we smiled through tears. Every face had its own story, but the ache was the same. We all lost someone we love, and life will never be the same,
What makes these AFSP walks so powerful is the way they bring us together... strangers connected by loss, finding understanding in one another. In these moments, we realize it’s okay to grieve, to hurt, to wonder why and what if.... and for just a little while, surrounded by others who truly understand our pain, we feel less alone.
I believe the work we did in Kathy’s name at the event had a tremendous positive impact. We’ll be at the Palm Beach Walk on November 1 and the Miami Walk on November 16. If you’re attending, please stop by our table, and say hello and help us promote positive mental health and prevent suicide for all.
We walked for our beloved Kathy at the Out of the Darkness Community Walk …. a walk for hope, remembrance, and healing. This year, the local walk took place at Florida Atlantic University, the campus where Kathy spent so many days, and where they recently honored her by granting an Associate Degree for her time there.
Before the ceremony began for the walk, we picked up our white beads, each strand representing the heartbreaking loss of a child. As we moved past the bead table, we noticed a young girl standing alone at a nearby table. She looked at us with a gentle sadness and asked if we would like to make a sign. Boxes of markers and white poster boards were laid out in front of her, but the weight of grief made us hesitate. We thanked her and started to walk away, yet something tugged at me and said ...What would Kathy do?
Kathy would have stayed. Not only would she have made a sign, but she would have lingered to keep the girl company, sharing a smile and kind words. So we turned back. When we told the young girl we would love to make a sign, her face softened and she showed us the sign she had made for a classmate she lost to suicide only a month ago. Her voice trembled as she spoke of her friend. In those moments, we felt an unspoken connection ... a shared understanding of love and loss that bound us all. Our sign, covered with Kathy’s name and messages of love felt like a small piece of her spirit brought to life in the experience.
The walk was 2.4 miles around the campus, each step stirring memories of Kathy. Passing by the dorm building was a heavy reminder of where she had once lived. By the stadium, we remembered sitting on the bleachers with her. Then there was a flash of a memory from the nature walk she once took us on as we walked near the wooded entrance. Every sight seemed to call Kathy's name, every step felt like it should have been shared with her. All I wanted was for her to be walking next to us, not us walking in her memory. đź’”
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 Community
Palm Beach10-26-2024
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
AFSP Out of the Darkness Walk - West Palm Beach
09-30-2023
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.
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.đź’š
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.đź’š
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.
