Suicide Prevention Staff

Since graduation, Skasa has taken on various management, supervisory and support roles helping to build his desire and ability to lead, mentor, and coach people of various backgrounds and experiences. After getting married in 2001, Skasa relocated to the Lafayette area where he has resided for the last 22-plus years. He and his wife are the proud parents of two exceptional kids, one boy and one girl. Spending time with his family in any capacity is his top priority.

When not working or going from one extracurricular event to the next, Skasa enjoys reading, writing, and influencing people in
a positive manner. He has written one book of poetry, published in March of 2022, addressing anxiety, trauma, and toxic mindsets among other topics. He is a strong advocate for those who struggle with past or current trauma, particularly from loss of any type and/or lack of parental
involvement.

From February 2023 to January 2024, Skasa worked with the Healthy Start Fatherhood Program in an effort to help improve birth outcomes and curve negative impact(s) associated with the lack of father involvement. Skasa is now excited to create a positive impact in his role as a Zero Suicide Prevention Specialist with the Jacob Crouch Suicide Prevention Services. He hopes to bring a unique perspective and understanding that will encourage others as certified QPR Gatekeepers. He sees providing hope, support and intervention as vital elements in the effort to save lives.

Lorrie Briggs works with Jacob Crouch Suicide Prevention Services at The Family Tree. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from LSU and a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Prior to joining the team, Lorrie worked in various programs in state government. Her work experience includes work in Corrections, Child Welfare, Child Support, SNAP, SNAP Employment and Training, Workforce Development and the TANF program. During her three decades as a civil servant she worked in direct service, supervision, management, training, program development and coaching future leaders to success. Her core values are curiosity and service and sees her work in suicide prevention as a natural progression to honor those values.

She has been married for 27 years, has two adult sons and one beautiful granddaughter. She enjoys spending time with friends, prepping for her monthly book club meetings and riding her bike. She is looking forward to spreading kindness and hope as she reaches out to community members statewide to practice QPR(Question, Persuade, Refer).