Understanding the Ripple Effect: Key Insights from the Stark County Youth Suicide Cluster

Elena M. Aslanides-Kandis and Michele R. Boone

This presentation will explore the youth suicide cluster that occurred in Stark County and the contagion following. We will discuss proactive measures taken to address the increase in suicide deaths and key lessons learned throughout the process. The presentation also aims to provide valuable insights for other communities to inspire ongoing action towards suicide prevention.

Guts, Grit, & Growth: Harnessing Strengths for Innovation in Men's Mental Health

Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas

Men are told to be tough, independent, and never ask for help - so how do we engage them in mental health conversations before a crisis? In "Guts, Grit, & Growth", we reframe mental health through the lens of action, problem-solving, and leadership, making it a natural extension of men's strengths - not a challenge to them. Attendees will gain practical, real-world strategies to shift outdated narratives, build trust-driven mental health cultures, and implement peer-based solutions that actually work. Whether you're a leader, clinician, or advocate, this keynote will equip you with innovative, evidence-based tools to reach men where they are.

Suicide Prevention State of the State

Tony Coder

This presentation will provide an overview of state suicide prevention work and an update on the budget process.

Clinical Suicidology: Effective Care for Suicidal Risk

Dr. David A. Jobes

This presentation will provide an overview of contemporary clinical suicidology with an emphasis on evidence-based approaches. The problem of suicidal suffering will be addressed by understanding conceptual models, approaches to screening and assessment, and interventions for acute suicidal states. Proven treatments for suicidal patients will be discussed; ethical and malpractice considerations will be explored along with policy considerations.

Engage & Exchange: A Fireside Chat with the Doctors

Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas and Dr. David Jobes

In this engaging and thought-provoking fireside chat, Dr. David Jobes, a leading expert in evidence-based suicide prevention, and Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas, a renowned psychologist and mental health advocate, explore a paradigm shift in how we approach suicide prevention - both in clinical settings and within communities.

This conversation is a call to action for mental health professionals, community leaders, and anyone passionate about transforming suicide prevention into a system that listens, partners, and empowers - rather than isolates and disempowers. Join us for this deep and inspiring dialogue as we reimagine suicide prevention with compassion, courage, and innovation.

This session will also include live questions from the audience.

The Eye of the Survivor: The Power of Storytelling in Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas

Stories have the power to heal, inspire, and transform culture. In this presentation, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas unpacks how storytelling can be leveraged to create connection, reduce "othering", and drive meaningful change in mental health and suicide prevention. Through research-backed insights, real-world examples, and engaging storytelling techniques, attendees will learn how to lift up the voices of lived experience to foster resiliency and advocacy.

David A. Jobes, Ph.D., ABPP

Professor of Psychology, Director of the Suicide Prevention Laboratory, Associate Director of Clinical Training

The Catholic University of America

David A. Jobes, Ph.D., ABPP, is a Professor of Psychology, Director of the Suicide Prevention Laboratory, and Associate Director of Clinical Training at The Catholic University of America. He is the author of seven books and hundreds of published articles and book chapters. He is the recipient of the 2022 Alfred M. Wellner Award for Lifetime Achievement (for research excellence) from the National Register of Health Service Psychologists. Dr. Jobes is a Board Member of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and he is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and is board certified in clinical psychology (American Board of Professional Psychology). Dr. Jobes maintains a private clinical and consulting practice in Washington DC and in Maryland. 

Tony Coder, BA, Communications

Executive Director

Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation

Tony Coder became Executive Director of the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on reducing suicides in Ohio and across the Midwest, in 2019. As Executive Director, Tony leads the charge to support community-based efforts in Ohio to reduce the stigma of suicide, promote education and awareness about suicide prevention, provide training and development, advocate for system improvement in the mental health field, and increase resources and programs that reduce the risk of lives lost to suicide.

Prior to joining OSPF, Tony served as the Director of Programs and Services for the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities, where he managed Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care, the Statewide Advocacy Network and the Committee to Address Suicide for the organization. He also served as the Legislative Director for the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services from 2007-2010 and worked on behavioral health issues in the Office of Ohio Governor Bob Taft from 2000-2006. Tony has also served as the Assistant Director for Prevention Action Alliance from 2010-2016 and the Director of State Affairs for Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) from 2016-2017.

Coder was named a PeerPower Award recipient in 2018 for advocating for individuals with mental illness in the State of Ohio. He is also the immediate past Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the American Association of Suicidology and on the Advisory Council for Governor Mike DeWine’s RecoveryOhio initiative.  

John R. Aller, LPCC-S, LICDC

Executive Director

Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery

John R. Aller serves as Executive Director of Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery (StarkMHAR). In this role, John collaborates with direct service agencies, which StarkMHAR funds, as well as other key entities: non-profits; community leaders; stakeholders; and consumers and families. He is always seeking ways to create pathways for recovery and increase the availability of needed behavioral health and ancillary services. He creates cross-system collaborations and ensures that Stark Countians have access to StarkMHAR’s vision of Hope, Wellness, and Recovery for Everyone.



With an extensive background in social services, public health, policy development, and public administration, John has participated in and led various local, state, and national committees and organizations.   

John has a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in community counseling, and is currently completing his doctorate in Health Policy and Management at Kent State University.

John resides in Green, Ohio with his wife, Loretta, and is the proud father of two children, Kelsey, and Sean.

Elena M. Aslanides-Kandis, M.Ed., LPCC-S

Suicide and Resiliency Services Coordinator

Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery

Elena Aslanides-Kandis, M.Ed, LPCC-S, is a dedicated advocate for mental health and suicide prevention, currently serving as the Suicide & Resiliency Services Coordinator at Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery (StarkMHAR). She is also honored to lead as the Chair of the Stark County Suicide Prevention Coalition, where she works alongside others in the community to foster community-wide efforts in preventing suicide.

With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master of Education in Community Counseling, Elena is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Supervisor (LPCC-S) with over a decade of direct service experience where she specialized in working with youth.

In 2018, Elena was inspired to expand her impact by accepting a pivotal role within StarkMHAR, a position designed to address suicide prevention on a macro level. Her work spans the entire age continuum, from prevention and intervention to postvention, and she is deeply committed to creating systems of support that assist individuals and families throughout their healing journeys. Elena is passionate about collaborating with local organizations, schools, and community leaders to reduce the rates of suicide in Stark County and provide meaningful support to those affected by suicide loss. As part of her role, Elena partners closely with Stark County schools, offering consultation support during times of crisis, assisting in the development of crisis response plans, and overseeing school-based behavioral health services and early childhood mental health initiatives.

Elena resides in Canton, Ohio, with her husband, Greg, and their two vibrant children, Eva and Niko, who continue to inspire her dedication to creating a healthier, more compassionate community.

Michele R. Boone, LPCC-S, CDCA, SWA

Director of Clinical Services

Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery

Michele Boone serves as the Director of Clinical Services at Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery and played a key role in the county’s response to the youth suicide cluster that occurred several years ago. She holds a master’s degree in counseling and human development, along with licensure in clinical counseling, chemical dependency counseling, and social work. Michele also possesses certifications in project management and Six Sigma Green Belt. With over two decades of experience in the behavioral health field, she brings extensive expertise in service delivery, program planning, budgeting, and administration, as well as overseeing the county’s behavioral health continuum of care. Michele is deeply committed to navigating complex healthcare and community challenges to drive positive change and implement sustainable solutions.