Umatter® Suicide Prevention Awareness Overview

To commemorate National Suicide Prevention Month, CHL is offering this Umatter® training free of charge. If you would like to make a donation to support others getting this life-saving training in the future, please do so here. Your generosity will make a real difference!

When: Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 12:00-1:00pm

Register by clicking here.

Trainer: Cristina Maddocks

Where: Virtual Live Event

Cost: Free (Donations Appreciated)

About this Training:

In this workshop, participants learn basic knowledge and skills of suicide prevention, including societal myths and attitudes, use of sensitive language, risk factors and warning signs, protective factors, considerations for populations at risk, and local and national resources for help. This learning exchange includes a discussion of best practices for suicide prevention in your organization or community setting.

About the Trainer:

Cristina Maddocks, M.S. (she/her) Suicide Prevention and Umatter® Program Specialist

Cristina joined CHL in October 2023 with 20 years of experience in the fields of mental health and education. Cristina’s experience includes working at two designated agencies in Vermont, an Executive Director position at an early education and childcare program, and working in mental health non-profit organizations in Massachusetts. Cristina aims to create connections and rapport to promote change, reduce stigma associated with mental health, and advocate for youth and families within their home, school, and community settings. Her experience as a clinician in various settings provides a foundation for understanding the strengths and challenges of the systems of care and how to support those navigating through it.

Cristina loves living in the Green Mountains with her husband and three children…and a hound dog named Chewy. Reading good books, spending time at the lake with family, and weekends spent cheering on the sidelines of youth sports are a few of Cristina’s current joys.

Who should attend: Anyone interested in learning more about suicide prevention

Objectives of Training:

● Decrease stigma in talking about mental health and create safe spaces for these conversations

● Identify risk factors and warning signs of suicide and protective factors to promote resiliency

● Understand your role as a suicide prevention helper in your school, community, and workplaces

● Increase comfort level in talking about death in general and specifically suicide

Additional Information: The VT Center for Health and Learning can also bring Umatter® Suicide Prevention Awareness and Skills Training to your workplace, organization, or community group. Please contact Cristina Maddocks at cristina@healthandlearning.org for more information.