As one of Erika's friends growing up, I began my work immediately with Erika's Lighthouse in 2004 after her passing.  I was a teen panel member, teen board member, and continued involvement with fundraising through college.  I am currently a Clinical Community Ambassador for Erika's Lighthouse as well as a Team Resilience Leadership Committee member.  I have had the privelege of experiencing professionally and personally the benefit of Erika's Lighthouse.

Erika's Lighthouse has a goal to make sure no young person feels alone in their depression. We are dedicated to creating a community of empathy and education. We create upper elementary, middle school and high school mental health, depression and suicide awareness programs so educators, families and teens can create safe spaces to learn about mental health, letting students know they are never alone, and there is somewhere to turn.  We are committed to de-stigmatizing depression and providing hope for young people who have it. Our innovative, evidence-informed classroom programs do more than raise awareness; they provide a structured model for youth to thrive and survive. Making a meaningful difference in the lives of adolescents with depression defines all we do and who we are.

With your participation and involvement in the Shine A Light event, you are acknowledging that you are a Beacon of Hope for youth as well as a trusted adult.  By joining this event, we believe in the power of positivity – it permeates our culture through our mission statement and how we engage with students, teachers, and administrators. Positivity, knowledge, and compassion create empowerment, and empowerment drives change and hope.  We are determined to make every community a beacon of hope, which we can do together, as we Shine A Light and create our own beacon of hope.