today, we are proud to announce the launch of omm’s inaugural scientific advisory council

This new, high-level advisory will bring independent, expert guidance to ensure our programs, research, and evaluation efforts are evidence-informed, ethically grounded, and aligned with best practices in youth mental health and suicide prevention. 

We’re honored to have so many distinguished leaders join our inaugural Council: 

• Kiara Álvarez, PhD — Bloomberg Associate Professor of American Health, Johns Hopkins University, and member of the steering committee of the Youth Suicide Research Consortium
• Laura Erickson-Schroth, MD, MA — Chief Medical Officer, The Jed Foundation
• Lora Henderson Smith, PhD — Assistant Professor of Education and Human Development, University of Virginia 
• Regina Miranda, PhD — Professor, Hunter College and The Graduate Center, CUNY, and cofounder of the Youth Suicide Research Consortium
• Daniel Reidenberg, PsyD — Managing Director of the National Council for Suicide Prevention
• Jonathan B. Singer, PhD, LCSW — Professor of Social Work, Loyola University Chicago, and Past-President of the American Association of Suicidology

Serving 2-3 year terms (renewable once), the SAC will provide high-level advisory guidance on research strategy, evaluation frameworks, and emerging priorities in youth mental health. 

By offering independent, expert review of our methodologies and findings, and serving as thought partners on emerging trends, the SAC will strengthen the scientific rigor behind our M&E and programs—ultimately, helping speed our impact, and supporting our mission of a day when no teen dies by suicide. 

Please read more about our commitment to data and evidence—and our measurable impact!—on our Research page.