Meet the Team

Dr. Hudnall is a former high school principal, student service director, and associate superintendent with the Provo City School District. In 1999 he created the Hope Community Task Force, focusing on community-wide suicide prevention, intervention and postvention. In 2004, Dr. Hudnall and his team created the K-12 school-based, peer-to-peer suicide prevention program now known as Hope Squad.

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Eric Workman is the CEO of Hope Squad, bringing a deep personal connection to the mission and decades of leadership experience. A former executive at the Polynesian Cultural Center, Eric has led mission-driven organizations with a focus on impact and inclusion. He holds his MBA from Brigham-Young University as well as a bachelor's degree in Business Management and Organizational Development. With a background in marketing, business development, and organizational leadership, Eric is committed to expanding Hope Squad’s reach and helping save lives through connection, community, and hope.

Amber studied accounting at Utah Valley University and played violin in the College Orchestra and Utah Valley Symphony. She volunteers with youth groups and addiction programs and, having lost family members and friends to suicide, she is happy to support Hope Squad’s mission. In her free time, Amber enjoys traveling and going on adventures with her family. She is proud to be part of a rodeo family, with two bull riders and a daughter who rides steers.

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Ashley is a social science researcher with nine years of experience, primarily in the academic and nonprofit sectors. She is dedicated to changing attitudes toward public issues, like mental health stigma, and works to understand the diverse needs of specific populations. Ashley earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Denver and holds two bachelor's degrees, in psychology and gerontology, from Missouri State University.

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Brett Hicks is the National Director of Outreach at Hope Squad, bringing a strong commitment to community connection and a passion for expanding mental health support nationwide. He holds a B.A. in Government and has spent many years working in EdTech, collaborating with teams to offer educational solutions that support district leaders, teachers, and students. His volunteer work with Austin Street Center in Dallas also gave him meaningful insight into the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness and mental health struggles. Outside of work, Brett enjoys biking and spending time with his family.

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Cassidy has 10+ years of experience working in education as a school counselor and teacher. She has worked in a variety of areas including Bellevue, WA, Southern Pines, NC and most recently Park City, UT. Cassidy's favorite part of working with educators, students, and families is the meaningful relationships that are built. As a school counselor Cassidy worked closely with Hope Squad and has seen the unique and meaningful benefits of the program. Cassidy lives in Midway, Utah with her husband, daughter, and rescue pups. Her family can often be found adventuring in the surrounding mountains.

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Devin Duncan, a former Hope Squad Member and National Council Member, is excited to join Hope Squad as an Outreach Associate. A student at UNC Chapel Hill majoring in Public Policy and Media & Journalism, Devin brings years of leadership experience and state and local advocacy for school safety, mental health, and student supports. Passionate about mental health, education, and community, Devin is committed to helping students access the support they need to thrive.

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Erin is a former junior high principal, high school administrator, and art teacher with education experience in the Greater Houston area. With more than 9 years of experience in educational leadership and 17 years of experience in public education, Erin loves connecting with other educators. As a high school student, she lost a very close friend to death by suicide which has resulted in a relentless focus on helping young people feel connected, seen, and valued. Erin lives in Texas with her husband and two girls. She is also the proud mom to a rescue dog and a cockatoo.

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Bringing over 15 years of program management experience, Erin is a dedicated advocate for mental health and suicide prevention. Specializing in crafting effective multi-modal programs, she addresses unmet needs and enhances the efficiency of teams and programs. Erin's work has focused on human-made trauma, offering education and peer-to-peer programs. Outside of work, Erin passionately supports disability rights. Based in NC, Erin finds solace in her garden or at the seashore with her daughter.

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As an equal parts wordsmith and design aficionado, Gracie Martinez is a loud listener with a passion for telling stories that make the world a better place. She has nearly a decade of experience supporting top executives, superintendents, and young people in marketing, communications, and public relations. Gracie’s favorite things include spending time with her family especially her nephews, going on nature walks, cooking (not baking), and quoting movies.

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Greg has nine years of experience in Sales, Account Management, and Customer Success roles across industries. He is currently pursuing a degree in Business Management at Utah Valley University. He has a huge passion for mental health and suicide prevention because of experiences in his life and the lives of his friends.

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Katya is a former elementary, middle, and high school Assistant Principal in Austin, Texas. After 9 years of K-12 leadership experience, Katya transitioned to ed tech in Customer Success, where she has fueled her passion for supporting educators across the nation in meeting their student support goals. Katya's favorite activity is cooking and eating delicious food, which she enjoys with her two kids and her husband.

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Kelly Emanuel is a native Arizonan who has spent his entire career in and around public education. He holds a MAE from Northern Arizona University in Educational Leadership and was a teacher and a coach in the Chandler Unified School District. After teaching, he transitioned to Educational Sales and Consulting where he has held a variety of roles in Sales, Consulting, Professional Development, and Customer Support.  Having been personally impacted by suicide, he is excited to support Hope Squad’s mission and honored to join the team.

Matthew first connected with suicide prevention as a high school Hope Squad Member. While he immediately felt drawn to the mission, his passion deepened after personal loss and through his experience as an EMT responding to a suicide attempt. Now, he brings both heart and scientific expertise to his role at Hope Squad. Matthew earned his BS in Neuroscience from BYU, where he led data collection efforts in the Cognitive Development Lab. His long-term goal is to become a pediatrician, where he hopes to continue advocating for suicide prevention in children and youth. Beyond work, Matthew enjoys baking and running—though most of his time is spent as a devoted dad to two young daughters.  

Mei-Mei is a mission-driven finance leader with 15+ years of experience empowering organizations through strategic financial leadership. She is a licensed attorney, CPA, and certified HR professional. With a background spanning non-profits, SaaS, and pre-IPO ventures, Mei-Mei blends technical expertise with a heartfelt commitment to service and community impact. In her spare time, she enjoys time with her family and two rescue dogs. She also believes in lifelong learning and is currently studying several languages.

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Micah Gallebo’s connection to Hope Squad runs deep: he was a Member from seventh grade through his senior year of high school. During that time, he served on the Hope Squad National Council in his junior year and was Co‑President during his senior year. He has presented on mental health and the Hope Squad program across the nation, collaborated with government officials to raise awareness, and even launched a mental health-focused podcast. Outside of work, Micah is completing his undergraduate degree. When he’s not advocating for mental health, you might find him listening to music, singing karaoke, capturing award-winning photography and cinematography, or line dancing to his favorite country tunes.

Nic Bur is the former district lead school counselor for West Allis-West Milwaukee Schools in Wisconsin. After 34 years supporting students and families, inculding 5 as district Hope Squad Director/School Advisor, Nic transitioned into the role of Executive Trainer for Hope Squad. He enjoys sharing his passion for the program and educating others about the program's impact on student mental wellness and school culture. Nic also works as a program director for residents at a transitional living program. He and his wife enjoy outdoor activities including biking, kayaking, and hiking.

Nikki has 26 years of experience as a public educator. She has worked as an elementary school teacher, school counselor, and Hope Squad Advisor, where she saw firsthand Hope Squad’s positive impact on a school community. Nikki is a licensed professional counselor-associate and has a passion for people, mental wellness, and suicide prevention. Nikki enjoys connecting with Hope Squad Advisors through training. She is inspired by the collective passion to support and preserve life. 

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Sara brings 15 years of experience as an educator and a deep personal commitment to supporting youth. She was first introduced to Hope Squad while serving as a Hope Squad Advisor; that experience, tied with her firm belief in the importance of building emotional intelligence in students sparked her passion to contribute her skills more directly to advancing suicide prevention. As both a former teacher and the mom of three elementary-aged children, Sara brings a unique perspective that blends professional expertise with personal investment in creating safer, more connected school communities. She now channels her background in education and writing to help Hope Squad share its message and impact with a wider audience.