My name is Kasey Gonzalez-Cruz (he/him) and I am a healing survivor of suicide. To say that I have a passion and drive to bridge the gap to helping those transition from being suicide loss survivors to being healing is an understatement. My family has been greatly impacted by suicide over the years; losing my little brother in 2013, my mother in 2014, my stepmother in 2020, and most recently my youngest first cousin on Christmas of 2022. My ultimate goal is to reach as many souls as possible and touch the hearts of every loss survivor.

On a personal level, I am a volunteer at CAMP Rehoboth for many of their programs and large events, an LGBTQIA+ advocate, youth mentor, young professionals mentor, and everything else in between. I work to provide a voice for those who may have not found their own voice or inner warrior in the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities.

Professionally, I am the director of market development for the Delaware Program of a nationwide hospice organization called VITAS Healthcare. My work in the field of hospice for over 15 years has helped myself and others I’ve come in contact with through the prolonged grieving processes of this journey of suicide loss recovery.

In my own words, to all of my survivors: It is okay to not always be okay and to grant yourself the permission to feel exactly how you need to feel. Remember your “why” and the reasons for you to get up every day and continue living. And remember, your best that you are able to provide IS ENOUGH! You are enough and I am so glad that you are here!!

Hello, I am Amber, your Vice Chair for DJ’s Alliance. My pronouns are she/her. I currently reside in Sussex County, Delaware. I am honored to be a part of a great organization. I believe in our founder, Jennifer’s, goals and missions. I have seen firsthand how suicide has impacted her, her children, her family, and our community. I have lost many to addiction but not suicide, feeling that sudden loss and not having answers is so exhausting. Knowing that there are so many resources lacking, I am excited for our future and what we can do.

I am a first-generation college graduate. I have a dual master’s degree in human service with a focus on trauma and resilience. I have overcome trauma and understand how important the right support during traumatic experiences is. Understanding trauma and how it can impact us gives me the ability to help our community. Often, we have support in the beginning but, as time fades, so does that support. My goal is for DJ’s Alliance to continue to provide that support to victims and their families.

I have had past volunteer experience with LGBTQ+ youth and young adults. I have seen firsthand their battles with suicide and lack of resources. I currently work as a case manager with individuals who are faced with a lifelong infection and must learn to navigate life differently.

I am a board member because no one should have to endure this loss alone or without support.

I BELIEVE: We must be the change we want to see.

Jay-Xavier Johnson (He/Him) is a Sussex County, Delaware native currently living with his fiancée and their beautiful little human. He graduated from Milford High School and has more than 17 years of medical experience under his belt. He currently works as a clinical care coordinator for Plume, a gender-affirming telehealth company. He has turned his experiences as a Black/Indigenous transman into an advocacy platform, having mentored LGBTQIA+ youth and families now for many years. He knows first-hand that the LGBTQIA+ community has one of the highest suicide rates and brings to the Board his own personal, lived experiences of past suicide attempts. Jay-Xavier also says he is passionate about DJ’s Alliance because: “I have had chosen family affected by the lack of resources and support while trying to navigate their loved ones’ absence.”

As an active advocate in the local LGBTQIA+/BIPOC communities, he has volunteered with CAMP Rehoboth, The Village of Delaware, AIDS Delaware and the GSA Club (Gay-Straight Alliance) at several schools, starting at his alma matter. He is currently studying behavioral sciences at Wilmington University to become a licensed clinical social worker.

Jay-Xavier says: “I believe everyone should be able to see a reflection of themselves in others. My purpose in life in this lifetime is to not only reach individuals outside our community, but teaching others in our community to appreciate each others’ differences within the LGBTQIA+ community. Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the BRAVEST thing that we’ll ever do.”

My name is Heather, and while I am originally from NJ, I have lived in Delaware for 13 years. I live in Dover with my husband and our 3 children.

After the death of my first husband 11 years ago, I became very active in suicide prevention but always had an interest in helping those of us who are “left behind.” Having been there, I certainly understand where there is a need for resources.
Though my formal training is in veterinary medicine, I am certified in grief recovery as well as a Certified Life Coach. I am also the author of The Widow Next Door: Learning to Live Again as a Young Widow and Single Mom After Losing My Husband to Suicide. My book was my first step toward helping others on a similar journey.

I am a board member because I want to make a difference in the lives of those who are suffering the unbearable loss of a loved one to suicide.

I believe we can make positive changes in the resources available to those in need.

I am a Delaware native who has been working in mental health and suicide prevention for 8 years. I attended the University of Delaware, where my focus was on human services and family studies, followed by Widener University for my Masters in Social Work Degree. My heart is in helping communities who have a strong stigma against mental health and suicide prevention and/or are underserved. In my free time, I train Jiu-Jitsu, workout with my pit, Myla, try new experiences/adventures and travel.

I am a Board Member because I believe in the mission, vision and roots of DJ’s Alliance and the impact the organization will bring to Delawareans. I believe that change happens from people who have the heart and drive to achieve great accomplishments.

My name is Stacey Haddock Hassel, and like my fellow Board members, I am a survivor of a loved one’s suicide. It’s a club no one wants to join, and my family, like so many others, was left without a road map after my grandfather took his own life. His sudden passing was a factor in my grandmother’s death five years – to the day – later and has had a lasting impact on both my father and me. By joining DJ’s Alliance, I hope to create resources and connections to help other families navigate a difficult and lonely time. I’m proud to join hands and hearts with this mighty group.