WyKisha Thomas-McKinney

<p>WyKisha’s passion for the field of suicide prevention began with the tragic loss of her brother Johnny Madison, who died by suicide in 2004. Overwhelmed by grief after the death of her brother, WyKisha slipped into major depression which almost ended with her own suicide attempt. With the support of her family, and the help of local counseling centers, she was able to get the help she needed to cope with her loss and manage her depression. She also found hope and recovery in serving others that had been affected by suicide. Over the last fifteen years, WyKisha has obtained a wealth of knowledge and experience in crisis intervention and suicide prevention, which she shares openly with others. Currently, WyKisha is the Zero Suicide Program Manager for The Harris Center for Mental Health & IDD in Houston, Texas as well as the Loss Division Chair of the American Association of Suicidology, and the Board Chair of the Southeast Texas Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. She is a highly sought speaker and advocate and has been featured in several documentaries, television interviews, books, and other publications. Recently, WyKisha launched her first business, The TwenTea Company, a tea company that donates 20% of its profits to suicide prevention efforts.</p>