Our Stories
Certified QPR Gatekeeper Instructor | Mental Health Advocate | Speaker | Author | Hope Coach
The night of Jason’s death, I knelt down next to my daughter Angel’s crib. As I watched her sleep—without realizing what I was doing for myself, I used words of affirmation to get through the night and each year after. I was able to continue my education and receive my bachelor’s degree in sociology and minor in women’s studies. I rented my first apartment and decorated each room to meet the needs of Angel and myself. I kept on going—and I didn’t stop! Although I did have my bad days, I wanted to fulfill my dreams— and I wanted Angel to be proud of her mama. Through all the trials and tribulations, I knew God held me in His hands—and I knew someday I would make a difference in the world. From what was the most horrific tragedy in my life, I decided to grow a garden of hope. With God’s mercy and grace, I am dedicating every day to bring suicide awareness to our communities.
Misty Rivera Founder & CEO
Gatekeeper of Hope | Mental Health Advocate
My Dad died by suicide when I was only a baby—although I don't remember him, the brokenness he left for me to deal with has been a journey of forgiveness and healing. Today, I am telling my story to help people who have suicidal ideations and express my feelings of the aftermath of losing a loved one to suicide. My story tells of what and who people leave behind.
You are not alone, the world needs and wants you to live—there's HOPE!
Faith Martinez Co-Founder
Gatekeeper of Hope | Suicide Prevention Advocate
I am an experienced disability inclusion advocate, childcare provider and parent support specialist. Driven by my passion for children, I received my bachelors degree in Child & Family studies and have devoted the following years to children and families within my community. As we begin our program, Little Seeds of Hope, my goal is to help foster emotional development, provide a safe space for children to engage in lasting friendships and emphasize the importance of being a light to those around us.
Stefanie Camarena Director of Little Seeds Of Hope
Gatekeeper of Hope | Mental Health Advocate
Over the years I have dealt with people with suicide ideations, and unfortunately lost loved ones to suicide. Since then, my love and hope for people has grown tremendously. Whether you are dealing with depression, anxiety, auto-immune disease, or any mental illness; there are times we feel like giving up on life. What I've learned and experienced first hand is that people need people to listen and understand why they are feeling a certain way. That's why I've dedicated myself to support Hope Gatekeepers and its mission to end suicide and bring hope to the hopeless. Learn more about Carol trustme2sign.com
Carol Arivett Outreach Volunteer
Gatekeeper of Hope | Suicide Prevention Advocate
I have suffered from many mental health disorders in my life, from agoraphobia to panic attacks, obsessive and intrusive thoughts, generalized anxiety, depression and a few things in between. In my journey of healing myself through faith and homeopathic thyroid and gut health, my life has gone from some of the darkest days to a bright future.
To see the passion of Hope Gatekeepers and their team in mental health, I knew I needed to be a part of it. I am excited to be a part of this team. We are dedicated to helping in all ways possible. Through mental health checks and coming alongside those who are in this journey, we want you to know that you are not alone. There. Is. Hope.
Taschia Garretti Assistant Director of Planning & Development
Certified Instructor for Suicide Prevention | Director of Online Prayer
Throughout my life I have faced numerous trials. One of which was when my mom passed by suicide on her 57th birthday. Over time it has become my greatest desire to encourage others with God’s hope through His word and through prayer as they face life’s hardest challenges. I thank God every day that we don’t have to do it alone. With Him we can and will make it through. I am living proof!