Cashleigh Savannah Gruell
A Beautiful Soul
Cashleigh was the baby of the family, but her remarkable emotional depth was far beyond her years. She embodied unconditional love and had a way of bringing everyone together with her infectious laughter.
An excellent student, Cashleigh graduated from high school in 2020 and received a college scholarship. She was a self-taught artist with a down-to-earth attitude and a never-miss sense of humor. She loved music and connected deeply with animals.
Playful, tolerant of others, and an old soul, Cashleigh was like the indispensable punctuation in a sentence—her presence in our lives was an essential, comforting constant.
Cashleigh was only 20 when we lost her to suicide. She is deeply missed, and we are determined to use her story as our inspiration to help change the way youth access mental health services.
Meet Our Board
Our Board of Directors is comprised of a diverse and dedicated group of individuals committed to steering our organization towards its mission and vision. With a collective wealth of experience and expertise in various fields, our board members bring invaluable perspectives and insights to the table.
Meet the visionary leaders guiding our journey:
Lana Gruell
President | Executive Director
Losing my beloved daughter, Cashleigh, has left an indelible mark on my soul. Her tragic departure has ignited an unwavering passion within me to champion youth suicide prevention.
Driven by the unbearable pain of her absence, I am resolute in my mission to shield as many mothers as I can from the harrowing anguish of losing a child in this manner. Until the day I am reunited with Cashleigh, my dedication to this cause remains steadfast.
Kyra Watkins
Secretary
Cashleigh's story resonated with me profoundly because it mirrors what could have been my own journey had I not been fortunate enough to access quality mental health care. Having battled through depressive episodes and suicidal thoughts, and eventually emerging as a mental health professional, I am driven to be a voice for those who are still struggling in silence.
Dontae Wilson
Co Vice-Chair
Being a member of the founding board for The Cashleigh Foundation allows me a unique opportunity to channel my personal experiences as a suicide loss survivor into meaningful action. It brings me great joy to honor my sister Cashleigh by being a part of this movement.
Darion Gruell
Co-Vice Chair
My involvement in The Cashleigh Foundation provides me with the opportunity to continue my sister’s legacy of empathy, advocacy, and her desire for the world to be more inclusive.
Chelsea Snow
Treasurer
I am driven to serve on The Cashleigh Foundation board by the desire to ensure that my daughter and future generations grow up in a society where mental health is prioritized and where no young person feels alone or hopeless. My role on the board allows me to actively participate in making this vision a reality.
Jeanine Ball
Trustee
Having known Lana for nearly my entire life, she is more than just a friend – she's family to me. It's a privilege to serve on the board alongside her, dedicated to making a positive impact in honor of our beloved Cashleigh.
Quincee Billew
Trustee
As a teenager, I frequently longed for the type of support that our organization is establishing. Providing our youth with a safe haven where they feel genuinely supported and listened to is essential. I am confident that our mission will play a pivotal role in positively shaping the lives of young people, guiding them toward becoming well-adjusted adults.
Together, we are driven by a shared passion to help prevent youth suicide. Through collaboration, innovation, and unwavering dedication, we strive to make a meaningful impact with youth in our country.
Thank you for joining us on this journey as we work towards providing youth with the support needed, thereby mitigating the risk of crises among young people.
