Who We Are
Suicide is the leading cause of death for youth in Colorado. Recent data indicates that within one school year, 1 in 5 Colorado high school students (17%) reported seriously considering suicide. It is an unfortunate reality that access to quality mental health care is limited. More so than ever before, it has become increasingly difficult to navigate mental healthcare and prohibitively expensive to afford therapy.
This is where Second Wind Fund steps in.
Our organization focuses on improving access and delivery of suicide care. Our unique program provides an avenue for families to obtain treatment services for youth at risk for suicide by breaking down financial and social barriers.
We believe that open, honest communication about the pervasiveness of suicide is critical to reducing its incidence. Our staff and Board of Directors are passionately working to provide vital access to life-saving therapy for youth across Colorado.
Our Mission
The mission of Second Wind Fund is to decrease the incidence of suicide in children and youth by removing the financial and social barriers to treatment.
Our History
In 2002, four students at a Jefferson County school in Colorado died by suicide in a nine-month time frame. In the wake of this tragedy, the community came together and said, "no more", and the movement that has become Second Wind Fund was born.
In response to these four suicides, three members of a local community, Jeff Lamontagne, Dr. Marjorie Laird, and Scott Fletcher organized a small, community Walk/Run to show solidarity with the school. The event, attended by 66 people, also raised a modest amount of money, and it was decided to use that money to provide direct support to other young people who were struggling at the school. The Second Wind Fund Program was then created to continue providing access to professional counseling services to youth deemed at risk for suicide.
Other schools in the county heard about the program and word began to spread to other communities in Colorado. Now, Second Wind Fund services are available throughout the state. 25 years later, Second Wind Fund is proud to have provided over 70,000 sessions of therapy and served over 10,000 young people across Colorado.
Meet the Team
Gabriel Guillaume
Executive Director
With over 25 years of leadership experience in Colorado’s nonprofit sector, Gabriel has dedicated his career to creating meaningful change across the state. He began his career supporting affordable housing, healthcare access, and rural resource development initiatives. Gabriel later focused on advancing social determinants of health and led efforts to build a statewide network promoting healthy eating and active living. More recently, Gabriel focused on youth development efforts through athletics including co-creating Colorado’s largest and most diverse youth tennis program.
Gabriel is committed to causes grounded in equity, youth development, and community well-being. Second Wind Fund’s mission is deeply important to Gabriel, and he strives to foster its impact to expand access to life-saving therapy, reduce stigma around mental health, and collaborate with providers and leaders across the state.
Gabriel lives in Jefferson County with his two children and enjoys hiking, swimming, paddle boarding, astronomy, and writing in his free time.
Amanda Olivier
Development Director
Amanda joined the Second Wind Fund team in March 2025. She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminology from Kansas State University and a master’s in business administration from Kansas Wesleyan University. Prior to joining Second Wind Fund, Amanda focused on supporting victims of crime, trauma survivors, and at-risk youth. She has experience as both an advocate and prevention educator, and served as the Executive Director of a rape crisis center.
Outside of work, Amanda enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and taking long walks with her dog, Nymiria.
Carolyn McDonald
Program Director
Carolyn is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 25 years of experience in the non-profit and government sectors. She holds a BA in Sociology and Human Services from Fort Lewis College and earned her MSW from the University of Denver.
Before joining Second Wind Fund, Carolyn spent 13 years with Jefferson County Human Services in the Head Start division, where she led program development in health, mental health, and trauma-informed leadership. Prior to that, she served as a grief counselor and internship coordinator at Judi’s House for 9 years.
Outside of work, Carolyn enjoys spending time in the mountains with her family, cheering on Colorado sports teams, and catching live music whenever she can.
Hadassah Lindstadt
Program Support Specialist
Hadassah joined Second Wind Fund in May of 2024 as the Program Support Specialist. Prior to working with Second Wind Fund Hadassah received her Bachelor’s Degree of Biological Sciences from the University of Northern Colorado in 2023. She has worked with adolescents in diverse settings for more than 7 years, including tutoring struggling youth for four years.
In her free time, Hadassah loves paddleboarding, crafting, playing card games, and spending time with her two daughters.
Miriah Lawson
Program Support Specialist
Miriah joined the Second Wind Fund as the Program Support Specialist in September 2023. She has spent the last several years working for organizations in the legal field, most recently she worked for a non-profit specializing in disability law advocacy. She worked with individuals to help them advocate for themselves, while providing information and guidance to help them make the best decisions based on their individual needs and preferences. She has a passion for helping those who struggle with mental health, especially those in underserved communities.
When not working, she enjoys trying to keep up with her toddler, camping, gardening, and listening to podcasts.
Abby Landmeier
Western Slope Community Manager
Abby joined Second Wind Fund in December of 2023 as the Western Slope Community Manager. Abby believes in the value of community and connection. Prior to joining the Second Wind Fund, she worked in the areas of frontline social work in roles at child welfare and public housing before working in nonprofit administration managing grants to nonprofits. She is an instructor for Mental Health First Aid, ASIST and QPR.
Given her role, she believes strongly in balancing work with adventures such as concerts and engaging in creative pursuits.
Alex Koon
Development Manager
Alex joined Second Wind Fund in February of 2025 as the Development Manager. Prior to working with Second Wind Fund, Alex worked primarily with health-based non-profits, including Susan G. Komen and St. Jude’s Research Hospital, to strengthen their fundraising and development strategies, as well as coordinate fundraising events. Strong connections and relationship building are Alex’s fundamental pillars for successful fundraising and development. They are passionate about life saving non-profit work and community connection.
Outside of work, Alex enjoys going for long walks, birding, and spending time with friends.
Tad Deering
Board President
Director of Change Management,
Compassion International
Heather Pacheco, CFP, CLU, AAMS
Board Treasurer
Wealth Advisor,
Cooney Associates Wealth Management
Carly Schaller, LPCC
Board Member
Clinical Supervisor, PhD Student in Counselor Education, Grit Therapy
Marjorie Laird, LMFT, LPC, CAC III
Emeritus Board Member
Therapist, Marjorie Laird, LLC
Board of Directors
Emeritus Board
Jeff Foss
Board Vice President
Chief Operating Officer,
Ventures Above
Dani Duggan
Board Member
Implementation Manager,
Engageli
Kathy Valentine, M.Ed.
Emeritus Board Member
Chairperson, HOPE Coalition of Boulder County
Marcelo Corpuz
Board Secretary
Associate General Counsel,
Hospital for Special Surgery
Victoria Kaye
Board Member
Retired Principal,
Jefferson County Public Schools
Ken Wiig
Emeritus Board Member
Retired