Xavier Whitford, Executive Director

Xavier Whitford has spent the past eight years devoting her life to helping others who live with mental illness or been effected by suicide.  Sharing her insights and personal story of losing her son, Tommy, to suicide as well as her own journey through depression, anxiety, and PTSD as a result of that great loss.  Xavier has taken her pain and turned it into a purpose to cultivate a deeper understanding of the nature of living with mental illness and suicidal thoughts.  

Xavier is a wife of a Pastor, mother of two, and Gigi to a beautiful little princess.  She has spoken at many schools, churches and organizations inspiring and educating groups of all ages to end the stigma surrounding mental illness and on the factors that lead to suicide.  Xavier helps arm individuals within communities with support, education and training.  Her personal story, tireless commitment, and passion to improve support and education around these topics has made her a powerful advocate to the mental health community.  

Xavier is a teacher, advocate, and board member with National Alliance on Mental Illness, Northern Illinois Chapter.  As a Mental Health First Aid Instructor for Public Safety, Adult, and Youth curriculum, Xavier teaches members of the public how to help a person developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of an existing mental health problem or in a mental health crisis. In her role as a facilitator for Teen & Young Adult Mental Health Groups and Grief Support Groups, she provides an opportunity to talk with, and listen to, others who know the personal nature of living with mental illness and grief in a safe and non-judgmental environment.  Xavier is an published author and blogger.