Suicide Prevention Staff
Suicide Prevention
Dez Arvie
(He, Him, His)
Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Resource Developer
Dez is originally from Opelousas, Louisiana but currently resides in Lafayette, Louisiana. He attended Louisiana State University in 2019 and received their Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a Concentration in Criminology in 2022. He aspires to pursue a Master’s in General Clinical Mental Health Counseling. What truly motivates Dez is his unwavering commitment to creating a positive influence and offering assistance to others in every possible manner. Dez possesses experience collaborating with individuals spanning various age groups, from adolescents to the elderly. Dez finds immense joy in spending time with loved ones and two fur babies, whether it’s watching television or learning new things.
Skasa Rideau
(He, Him, His)
Zero Suicide Prevention Specialist, ASIST Trainer
srideau@acadianafamilytree.org
Skasa Rideau was born in Mamou, LA, and raised the majority of his childhood in Lake Charles, LA. Skasa attended McNeese State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management in 1999.
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.