Organization Vision: To bring mental health and suicide awareness to teens and support them with creating a better everyday life.

Organization Mission:To provide youth with a secure environment where they can utilize their creativity to foster awareness about their own mental well-being.

Statement/Slogan: Mending youth back to happiness.

Executive Summary: To shine the light on mental health awareness and improve suicide prevention efforts whileproviding access to critically needed services, resources and support to youth and their families

Board Members

odella

Christina Odell

Founder and Executive Director
Christina Odell originates from California and presently resides in Southern Florida. She's devoted a significant portion of her life to advocating for mental health, drawing from her own extensive life experiences, including her personal struggles with mental health. These experiences have fueled her determination to bring about positive changes in the lives of our youth. In 2019, Christina received the devastating news of the passing of the father of her two sons, Bradley and Sean, who had died by suicide. This tragic event shattered their lives, leaving them in a state of despair and longing for solace and normalcy. In her efforts to cope with this profound loss, Christina embarked on a journey that led to the creation of her art business, Cali Organic Art. Using dried and pressed flowers as her medium, she found solace and healing in her art, which evolved into powerful mental health "You Matter" signs adorned with semicolons, becoming her most acclaimed work. About a year following the loss of their father, Christina's older son, Bradley, began grappling with depression. Despite the challenges of persuading a teenage boy to embrace therapy and medication, Christina persisted alongside Bradley in his battle for recovery. Over a grueling two-year period, they navigated multiple hospitalizations, medication adjustments, and diagnoses in pursuit of a better life for Bradley. There were promising signs as Bradley secured a job, obtained his driver's permit, excelled in school, and embraced a hopeful outlook on his future. He rejoined typical teenage activities, attending football games and engaging in regular adolescent pursuits. However, October 15, 2022, was anything but an ordinary day. On that fateful morning, Christina woke up anticipating a normal day, only to discover that Bradley had lost his battle with mental health, a tragic victim of suicide at the tender age of 15. This heart-wrenching loss compelled Christina to take action. Her younger son, Sean, now 13, had experienced the loss of both his father and brother to suicide within a mere three-year span. As Sean returned to school, Christina swiftly realized the absence of adequate mental health programs within the Florida school system. The pressing need for support and intervention among today's teenagers, navigating the complexities of social pressures, online platforms, bullying, and more, became starkly evident. Faced with these challenges, Christina confronted a pivotal decision. She could either succumb to her grief, allowing it to transform her into an unrecognizable person, with her surviving sons losing their mother in the process, or she could channel her anguish into a purposeful mission. Choosing the latter, Christina harnessed her pain to initiate change. She recognized that her tragedy could serve as a catalyst for positive impact. She founded "Operation You Matter" in honor of Bradley, a initiative committed to assisting the teenage community and addressing their unique mental health needs. In doing so, Christina aims to prevent other teens and parents from experiencing the pain she endured. Through Operation You Matter, she strives to ensure that Bradley's death carries meaning and serves as a beacon of hope for those in need. Christina's transformation from grief to purpose underscores her unwavering commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people, honoring Bradley's memory, and cultivating a stronger and more enduring community of youth.

Sean Odell

Youth Ambassador

Sean Odell is a resilient 14-year-old who has turned his personal tragedy into a driving force for change. Having faced the heartbreaking loss of his father and brother to suicide, Sean found strength in adversity. Today, he stands tall as a youth ambassador for Operation You Matter.

Despite the challenges Sean has encountered, he has channeled his grief into a mission to make a difference in the lives of others. Through his role as a youth ambassador, he advocates for open conversations around mental health, providing a beacon of hope to those who may be struggling. Sean’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and compassion, as he strives to ensure that no one feels alone on their journey. With his inspiring determination, Sean is helping to create a world where every young person knows that they matter and that their voice is heard.

Cheyenne Lariviere is a dedicated advocacy director for Operation You Matter. Her unwavering commitment to this cause stems from a deeply personal tragedy – the loss of her beloved nephew, Bradley Odell, to suicide. 
 
Cheyenne’s journey as an advocate began when she realized the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support for young individuals. She transformed her grief into a driving force for change, channeling her pain into a mission to prevent other families from experiencing the same heartbreak.
 
As a mother to teenagers herself, Cheyenne intimately understands the challenges and pressures that today’s youth face. This firsthand experience has only deepened her resolve to make a difference in the lives of young people.
 
Cheyenne’s leadership with Operation You Matter has expanded its reach and impact, providing crucial resources and a supportive community for young individuals struggling with mental health challenges. Her unwavering passion, fueled by the memory of her nephew and the love for her own teenagers, continues to drive positive change and offer hope to countless young lives.
 
Cheyenne’s dedication to youth mental health is not only a testament to her personal resilience but also a beacon of hope for those seeking help and understanding in their darkest moments. She firmly believes that every young person’s well-being matters, and she is committed to making a difference, one life at a time.

Cheyenne Lariviere

Cheyenne Lariviere

Advocacy Director

Anthony Tamasi

Youth Ambassador

Anthony Tamasi is a passionate advocate for mental health empowerment, bringing his diverse life experiences and dedicated activism to his role as Lead Advisor for Operation You Matter.

Anthony’s journey into the realm of mental health advocacy was driven by a personal desire to create positive change. Through his own encounters with life’s challenges, he recognizes the need for accessible and compassionate support for individuals navigating the complexities of mental well-being.

Anthony’s creative approach to advocacy is reflected in the innovative programs he helps develop along with the team at Operation You Matter. He believes that empowering individuals with knowledge and tools can have a cascading effect, positively influencing families, neighborhoods, and entire communities. Through workshops, art initiatives, and peer support networks, he strives to create spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and understood.

As Lead Advisor, Anthony Tamasi’s unwavering dedication to inclusivity and empathy drives his work. his lived experiences, combined with his commitment to driving change, result in a dynamic approach that resonates with a wide range of individuals.

Laura Nguyen resides in Southern Florida and possesses substantial expertise gained from her employment at Muzinich& Co. Inc., a prominent global credit asset management firm. Over the past 5 years, she has held the position of Deputy Chief Compliance Officer within the company. Prior to this, Laura’s career history includes her role as a Compliance Officer at Octagon Credit Investors, a hedge fund and corporate credit management entity. Preceding this engagement, she occupied legal and compliance positions at AQR Capital Management and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney.

Laura initiated her professional journey at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where she was part of the Structured Product Group. Notably, during the 2007 credit crisis, she functioned as a consultant, assisting major non-financial institutional clients in effectively navigating the challenges posed by the crisis. This role also encompassed aiding asset managers and hedge funds in verifying payments for collateralized loan obligations (CLOs) under their management.

Laura’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a specialization in Finance, acquired from the Warrington College of Business at the University of Florida.

Laura Nguyen

Treasurer

April Barker

Advisor

April Barker plays a pivotal role as an advisor for the esteemed organization, Operation You Matter. Her remarkable expertise and dedication in the field of mental health make her an invaluable asset to the community. Holding a professional license in mental health in the state of California, April boasts an impressive track record of more than two decades of service, specializing in the well-being of youth and their families.

Throughout her illustrious career, April has left an indelible impact by working closely with young individuals navigating challenging circumstances. Her breadth of experience encompasses various domains, including crisis intervention for troubled youth, providing support within the foster care system, and offering crucial assistance through wraparound services. In each of these spheres, April’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of young people has shone brightly.

One of April’s distinguishing strengths lies in her proficiency in intensive outpatient programs, where she has demonstrated an exceptional ability to guide clients towards healing and growth. Her approach goes beyond conventional methods, incorporating empathy, evidence-based practices, and a deep understanding of the complex dynamics that affect young minds.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, April Barker embraces the role of motherhood to two teenagers, adding a personal dimension to her understanding of the challenges faced by both parents and their children during this pivotal phase of life. This unique blend of professional expertise and personal experience grants her a comprehensive perspective that greatly enriches her interactions with clients and families alike.

As an advisor for Operation You Matter, April continues to contribute her wealth of knowledge to the organization’s mission of fostering mental health awareness and support. Her multifaceted background empowers her to offer insights that resonate deeply with those seeking guidance, making her an approachable and relatable figure in a field that can sometimes feel overwhelming.April’s involvement in Operation You Matter is also a personal one, as her son was a close friend of Bradley’s.

Rebecca Sumrow is a vital part of Operation You Matter, where her passion for education and her deep commitment to helping young minds thrive make a real difference. With a rich background that covers education, hands-on experience, and a successful career, Rebecca plays a key role in our mission to support and uplift teenagers facing mental health challenges.

Education and Learning Involvement:

Rebecca’s educational path reflects her dedication to psychology and teaching. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Social Behavior, with a focus on Criminal Law, from the prestigious University of California, Irvine. During her time there, her enthusiasm for education led her to become a Certified Learning Assistant, helping her fellow students engage actively in their learning journey. She not only contributed as an undergraduate peer educator but also organized workshops and delivered guest lectures. These efforts solidified her reputation as a passionate and innovative educator.

Hands-On Experience and Helping Others:

Rebecca’s dedication to mental health goes beyond the classroom. She completed an internship at Waymakers Youth Shelter in Laguna Beach, where she worked closely with young residents aged 11 to 17. Her role included providing therapy, coaching life skills, teaching coping strategies, and fostering social development. Rebecca’s impact was particularly strong in supporting these young individuals as they recovered from crises and reintegrated into their lives with newfound strength and positive ways to cope.

Professional Expertise and Making a Difference:

Leveraging her impressive 20-year career in finance, real estate, and investments, Rebecca is well-versed in advocacy, ethics, compliance, operations, training, and education. She’s wasboard member of the Orange County Young Professional’s Network and was actively involved in the Orange County Association of Realtors, where she shared her insights with peers. Rebecca has also designed training programs and partnered with ResCare Workforce Services to help disadvantaged jobseekers obtain certifications and licenses for better career opportunities.

Heartfelt Giving and Impact on the Community:

Rebecca’s compassionate nature extends to her philanthropic endeavors. As a foster parent and a mother of eight, she values supporting young people. Her involvement in various fundraisers, such as those for Canine Companions for Independence, Boys and Girls Club, and Orange County Social Services’ Operation Santa Claus event, showcases her commitment to making a difference. She also volunteers in meal services for the homeless, holiday gift collections for the military, and community improvement projects like Molina Healthcare’s Painting a Healthy World mural project.

Secretary of Empowerment:

In her role as Secretary at Operation You Matter, Rebecca embodies a blend of education, professional expertise, and a giving spirit. Her diverse background and genuine empathy position her as a valuable asset in our joint efforts to guide teenagers on their mental health journeys. Rebecca’s dynamic leadership and unwavering dedication reflect the positive changes we aim to create in the lives of the young individuals we serve.”

Rebecca Sumrow

Secretary