Our Team

Meet the Team Behind Teen Lifeline

Luis Barcelo

Fund Development Specialist

Jennifer Connor

Operations Coordinator

Amanda Dailey

Office Administrator

Mackenzie Gates

Prevention Coordinator

Andrea Gonzalez

Fund Development Specialist

Melissa Hall

Community Liaison (Tucson)

Elizabeth Hansen

Communications Specialist

Morgan Hines

Community Liaison (Phoenix)

Shivani Jaiswal

Prevention Specialist (Phoenix)

Nikki Kontz

Clinical Director

Madison Marks

Crisis Service Associate

Dani Meyers

Administrative Assistant

Michelle Moorhead

Executive Director

Rachel Rivera

Prevention Specialist (Tucson)

Bree Walker

Prevention Specialist (Phoenix)

Fund Development Specialist

Luis Barcelo

He / They

“I was a Peer Counselor long before I became an employee. Teen Lifeline completely changed my life’s trajectory and made me who I am today. I see that same change happen time and time again with our volunteers now and it’s amazing to see.”

As Teen Lifeline’s Fund Development Specialist

ROLE | As a fund development specialist, Luis works with current and potential donors, parents, community partners, and other stakeholders to share the story of Teen Lifeline and its volunteers.

CONTACT FOR | Questions about gifts, events, third-party fundraisers, or making in-kind donations.

You can reach Luis by email at luis@teenlifeline.org.

Personal Background

EXPERIENCE | At age 16, Luis became a Teen Lifeline hotline volunteer, answering calls and texts and helping at events for seven years. He joined Teen Lifeline as a fund development staff member in 2018.

EDUCATION | Brophy College Preparatory and Camelback High School in Phoenix.

EVERYDAY LIFE | Luis enjoys hiking, cycling, spending time with friends, reading, and discovering new music. He relates to border collies because he’s loyal, protective, playful, and ready for adventure.

THE BIG 3 | Three words to describe Luis are: amicable, funny, and positive.

Operations Coordinator

Jennifer Connor

“The best thing about working at Teen Lifeline is the positive environment and opportunity to learn and grow every day. The peer counselors inspire me with their ability to withstand adversity and help others do the same.”

As Teen Lifeline’s Operations Coordinator

ROLE | As the operations coordinator, Jennifer ensures Teen Lifeline is operating efficiently and effectively by developing, maintaining, and strengthening internal administrative and financial operations that best support efficient programming and develop best practices as the organization grows. She works directly with Teen Lifeline’s leadership to strengthen the organization’s sustainability and development in the community.

CONTACT FOR | Scheduling meetings for grant opportunities, facility management inquiries, day-to-day security and safety matters, and any administrative or logistical inquiries.

You can reach Jennifer by email at jenn@teenlifeline.org.

Personal Background

EXPERIENCE | Prior to Teen Lifeline, Jennifer worked in behavioral health and education. She interned at Teen Lifeline from August 2021 to March 2022, joining the staff immediately after as the Caring Contacts Intake Specialist. In 2024, she transitioned to her current role of Operations Coordinator.

EDUCATION | Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Management and Bachelor of Psychology from Arizona State University.

EVERYDAY LIFE | Jennifer enjoys working out and spending quality time with friends and family. She was a student athlete as a teen. If you asked her what animal she most relates to, she’d say a lioness because female lions are known to be independent, fierce, ambitious, and nurturing.

THE BIG 3 | Three words to describe Jennifer are: driven, considerate, and humble.

Office Administrator

Amanda Dailey

“Working for Teen Lifeline has taught me not to be fearful of asking tough questions of someone you think might be having thoughts of suicide.”

As Teen Lifeline’s Office Administrator

ROLE | As the office administrator, Amanda is responsible for accounting, board relations, employee recruitment, and human resources activities.

CONTACT FOR | Career opportunities and questions related to billing.

You can reach Amanda by email at amanda@teenlifeline.org.

Personal Background

EXPERIENCE | Nearly 20 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, event planning, and administration. Amanda joined the Teen Lifeline team in 2009. She experienced the impact of suicide personally at only 13 years old when a friend died by suicide.

EDUCATION | Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

EVERYDAY LIFE | Amanda loves to travel, camp, hike, and snuggle on the couch with her husband while watching a good movie. If she were an animal, she would be a cat because they are particular about who they want to be around but love their people unconditionally.

THE BIG 3 | Three words to describe Amanda are: genuine, loving, and silly.

Prevention Coordinator

Mackenzie Gates

“Teens bring fun, passion, and energy to everything they do. They are so smart and insightful, and they keep me in the loop with what’s hip.”

As Teen Lifeline’s Prevention Coordinator

ROLE | As the prevention coordinator, Mackenzie connects callers to the resources they need by overseeing the crisis hotline, training new volunteer peer counselors, and leading suicide prevention workshops for both teens and adults.

CONTACT FOR | Scheduling trainings, workshops, or community education. Also, contact Mackenzie about Mitch Warnock Act compliance, postvention services, and internship opportunities.

You can reach Mackenzie by email at mackenzie@teenlifeline.org.

Personal Background

EXPERIENCE | Passionate about crisis intervention and suicide prevention education, Mackenzie has been working with Arizona teens for 10 years! She started right here at Teen Lifeline when she was 16, taking calls on the crisis hotline. She has worked with young people in many capacities over the years, but most enjoys working with youth and adults, educating on what we can all do to impact the issue of teen suicide.

EDUCATION | Master’s degree in Social Work from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Arizona State University.

EVERYDAY LIFE | Mackenzie hikes, plays volleyball, and enjoys anything outdoors. Her favorite thing in the world is her dog Friday. In high school, she attended the Arizona School for the Performing Arts.

THE BIG 3 | Three words describing Mackenzie are: energetic, passionate, and fun.

Fund Development Specialist

Andrea Gonzalez

“Engaging with teenagers who possess diverse and individualistic ideas and perspectives on life is an incredibly gratifying experience.

Witnessing these young individuals evolve into responsible adults, embracing their independence, is truly awe-inspiring. The joy I derive from observing their personal growth is immeasurable, and it fuels my passion for this work even further.”

As Teen Lifeline’s Fund Development Specialist

ROLE | As a fund development specialist, Andrea works with potential and current donors to develop relationships and create awareness of Teen Lifeline’s work. She also takes part in the planning of events and fundraisers.

CONTACT FOR | Questions about auction items, donations, events, gifts, or data entry.

You can reach Andrea by email at andrea@teenlifeline.org.

Personal Background

EXPERIENCE | Andrea joined our fund development team in July 2023. Prior to Teen Lifeline, Andrea mentored first-year college students as part of her internship with the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University.

EDUCATION | Bachelor of Science in marketing from Arizona State University. She graduated from Verrado High School in Buckeye.

EVERYDAY LIFE | Andrea is the oldest of three kids, all Arizona born and raised. Her Irish terrier mix dog, Kali, has the nickname Soot Sprite because of her black fur!

Outside of work, Andrea loves to take group workout classes, watch new movies, and try new food places with her boyfriend while rating them on a scale of 1 to 10. If you asked her what animal she most relates to, she’d say butterflies because of how they embrace change and growth.

THE BIG 3 | Three words to describe Andrea are: empathetic, enthusiastic, and trustworthy.

Community Liaison (Tucson)

Melissa Hall

“I love working with teens because they are often misunderstood. I sort of view them as the underdogs so I’m always automatically rooting for them. In my work I have often been asked what it’s like to work with the ‘worst’ teens. My response has always been, ‘I don’t know any BAD teens…only teens with bad circumstances or environments.’”

As Teen Lifeline’s Community Liaison in Tucson

ROLE | As a community liaison for the Tucson area, Melissa supports Teen Lifeline’s expansion into the Tucson area and engages directly with the Southern Arizona community as one of its members. She works with schools, districts, and organizations in Southern Arizona to foster longstanding relationships and mental health support for Tucson area youth.

CONTACT FOR | Melissa is the primary contact for all things in or concerning the Tucson area.

You can reach Melissa by email at melissa@teenlifeline.org.

Personal Background

EXPERIENCE | Working within a pre-k-12 school district as MTSS Coordinator and district trainer for all things PBIS, MTSS, and trauma-informed care. In that role, Melissa supervised a team of district social workers, coaches, and behavior specialists who worked with students and families in need of urgent or additional trauma/crisis support. She has been certified in several interventions, including PBIS tiers 1,2,3, trauma informed care, ACES, mental health first aid, CPR, CPI, RENEW, wraparound, Check and Connect, and more. She’s also served on several nonprofit boards and committees.

EDUCATION | Master’s degree in Family and Human Development from Arizona State University and a bachelor’s degree in Human Services from University of Phoenix. She graduated from Tucson High School.

EVERYDAY LIFE | Outside of work, Melissa loves spending time with her family and her dogs. Her husband and four adult children share a love for music, so they spend a lot of time at concerts and music festivals. She most relates to lionesses because she’s resilient, fiercely protective of all children, and it takes a lot to get her down.

THE BIG 3 | Three words to describe Melissa are: determined, dependable, and compassionate.

Communications Specialist

Elizabeth Hansen

She / They

“Everyone at Teen Lifeline is here because they want to help others. It’s a shared compassion that fosters an empathetic work environment. We’re people here, not numbers.”

As Teen Lifeline’s Communications Specialist

ROLE | As the communications specialist, Elizabeth works to enhance public awareness of Teen Lifeline and its services.

CONTACT FOR | Social media and digital campaign content, partnerships, website updates, graphic design assets, and communications internships.

You can reach Elizabeth by email at elizabeth@teenlifeline.org.

Personal Background

EXPERIENCE | Volunteered as a peer counselor at Teen Lifeline during high school. Since 2018, Elizabeth has built a strong digital communications program at Teen Lifeline, increasing social media reach and engagement.

EDUCATION | Bachelor of Science in marketing from Arizona State University & Barrett, The Honors College. She graduated from Skyline High School in Mesa.

EVERYDAY LIFE | Elizabeth enjoys creative writing, art, video games, and tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons. She spends her free time working on stories with her girlfriend and partner of many years. Their goal is to have their stories published as a book, comic, or graphic novel.

THE BIG 3 | Three words to describe Elizabeth are: creative, compassionate, and diligent.

Community Liaison (Phoenix)

Morgan Hines

She / Her

“Teenagers have an incredible capacity for growth and change. We leave teens with skills they can actually use to help a friend and save someone’s life.”

As Teen Lifeline’s Community Liaison in Phoenix

ROLE | As a community liaison, Morgan builds relationships with school districts, communities, and agency partners throughout Arizona. She supports school districts and communities by consulting on policies and procedures around crisis and mental health, participating in advocacy groups, task forces, and committees, and providing training and education.

CONTACT FOR | ID Initiative, Mitch Warnock Act compliance, postvention services, school, district, or agency policies and procedures, MOUs, community partnership, and expansion efforts.

You can reach Morgan by email at morgan@teenlifeline.org.

Personal Background

EXPERIENCE | Working with Serious Mental Illness, transition-aged youth, children and families experiencing poverty, and children and families experiencing behavioral health issues. Morgan is a trainer for SafeTALK, ASIST, Youth Mental Health First Aid, and More than Sad for Educators. She joined Teen Lifeline in 2015.

EDUCATION | Two master’s degrees from Arizona State University—one in Social Work and one in Public Administration—and a bachelor’s degree in Human Services from the University of Iowa.

EVERYDAY LIFE | Morgan grew up in a big family in Iowa (Go Hawks!) but traded it all for warmer weather. She spends her free time with her husband and two rescue dogs traveling, camping, hiking, and rooting for their favorite sports teams.

Prevention Specialist (Phoenix)

Shivani Jaiswal

“My favorite part of working with teens is that I get to support individuals who are at such a unique stage in their life and be a trusted adult for them to go to. The teen volunteers at Teen Lifeline are such a joy to be around and never fail to make me laugh. At Teen Lifeline, I get to be a part of a team that truly cares about promoting the wellbeing of teenagers and cares about one another as well.”

As Teen Lifeline’s Prevention Specialist in Phoenix

ROLE | As a prevention specialist, Shivani supports outreach, education, awareness, prevention, and postvention efforts. In addition to assisting callers and peer counselors on the hotline, Shivani provides presentations on suicide prevention and youth-related topics in schools, community agencies, etc.

CONTACT FOR | Inquiries and involvement in community, school, and Teen Lifeline events spreading awareness about our services, suicide prevention, and other youth-related issues.

You can reach Shivani by email at shivani@teenlifeline.org.

Personal Background

EXPERIENCE | Volunteered as a peer counselor from 2017 to September 2023, when she joined the staff as an on-call hotline supervisor. In June 2024, she was promoted to the role of Prevention Specialist.

Shivani is well-traveled. She studied abroad in both her undergraduate and graduate career—at Royal Holloway, University of London, as part of her bachelor’s degree and at Hermosillo, Sonora in ASU’s Global Intensive Learning Experience as part of her master’s degree.

EDUCATION | Two bachelor’s degrees and one master’s degree from Arizona State University—master’s & bachelor’s in Social Work; a second bachelor’s in English with a concentration in Creative Writing. She graduated from Chaparral High School in Scottsdale.

EVERYDAY LIFE | Shivani is an Arizona native, and both her siblings volunteered at Teen Lifeline alongside her as teen peer counselors in high school. Outside of the office, Shivani enjoys spending time with friends and family, writing, reading, watching movies, crocheting, finding new gluten-free restaurants in Arizona, and going to the gym. She most relates to rabbits because carrots are her favorite vegetable and she is a very social person.

THE BIG 3 | Three words to describe Shivani are: loving, social, and curious.

Clinical Director

Nikki Kontz

She / Her

As Teen Lifeline’s Clinical Director

ROLE | As the clinical director, Nikki oversees the Teen Lifeline hotline and all clinical and regulatory issues regarding crisis intervention, suicide prevention education and volunteer training.

CONTACT FOR | News media interviews, trends, statistics, and grants.

You can reach Nikki at nikki@teenlifeline.org.

Personal Background

EXPERIENCE | Nikki serves as President of the Board of Directors for the Arizona Suicide Prevention Coalition. Nikki joined Teen Lifeline as a teen peer counselor during high school and later became a full-time staff member in 1994. She specializes in mental health, crisis intervention, suicide prevention and postvention, suicide prevention education, and adolescence.

EDUCATION | Master’s degree in Social Work from Arizona State University.

Crisis Service Associate

Madison Marks

“I have been in the same hopeless place that most of our callers have been at. I started volunteering at Teen Lifeline when I was 17—I never heard of Teen Lifeline before and being able to see the progress Teen Lifeline has made is amazing. Now, I get to help teach teens skills that are important to helping other teens and themselves.”

As Teen Lifeline’s Crisis Service Associate

ROLE | As the crisis service associate, Madison demonstrates the impact Teen Lifeline makes through data analysis and helps support staff with their tasks.

CONTACT FOR | Data reporting and community outreach material requests.

You can reach Madison by email at madison@teenlifeline.org.

Personal Background

EXPERIENCE | Volunteered as a peer counselor from 2017 to February 2022, when she joined the staff as the crisis service associate. With five years’ experience as a peer counselor, she knows firsthand the issues teens face and what it’s like to be a teen volunteer.

EDUCATION | Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Arizona State University. She graduated from Red Mountain High School in Mesa.

EVERYDAY LIFE | Madison enjoys playing video games, listening to podcasts and music, and going to concerts and conventions. With two cats of her own at home (Sushi and Mochi), she most relates to cats because she loves their independent personality.

THE BIG 3 | Three words to describe Madison are: nerdy, passionate, and understanding.

Administrative Assistant

Dani Meyers

She / Her

“I struggled myself going through times of big transitions and change, but the Teen Lifeline community really helped me through that and shaped me into who I am today. I hope to be able to give the same sense of support in other peer counselor’s lives. Plus, the peers bring a fun perspective and personality to the hotline to keep things always changing and exciting!”

As Teen Lifeline’s Administrative Assistant

ROLE | As the administrative assistant, Dani is the first point of contact when calling the business line. She provides support to the Teen Lifeline staff in each of their job roles and, as a former peer counselor herself, also supports the peer counselors throughout their time volunteering. Dani maintains the office space and endeavors to either answer any questions or connect you with the best person to do so.

CONTACT FOR | Information/questions about Teen Lifeline in general or who would be best suited to contact for desired requests.

You can reach Dani by email at dani@teenlifeline.org.

Personal Background

EXPERIENCE | Volunteered as a peer counselor from 2021 to March 2024, when she joined the staff as the administrative assistant. With several years’ experience as a peer counselor and a former volunteer liaison to our board of directors, she knows what it’s like to be a teen volunteer at Teen Lifeline and how to connect with others.

EDUCATION | Currently earning a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Organizational Leadership with a minor in Psychology from Arizona State University (graduating class 2025). She graduated from Fountain Hills High School.

EVERYDAY LIFE | Dani enjoys reading, swimming, hanging out with friends and family, being a tour guide at ASU, and learning new things. She relates to golden retrievers because they are constantly moving and wanting to be around people while trying their best to make others feel happy and loved!

THE BIG 3 | Three words to describe Dani are: optimistic, compassionate, and enthusiastic.

Executive Director

Michelle Moorhead

She / Her

“Our teen peer counselors eventually go on to serve on nonprofit boards, work in health care and make a difference in their communities. Watching these teens grow throughout their time at Teen Lifeline is my greatest joy.”

As Teen Lifeline’s Executive Director

ROLE | As the executive director, Michelle oversees all day-to-day operations, improving performance, developing organizational culture, reporting on revenue, and directing organizational strategy. She works with the Board of Directors, donors, stakeholders, staff, and volunteers to prevent teen suicide by enhancing resiliency in youth and fostering supportive communities.

CONTACT FOR | Compliance, finance, organizational strategy, board governance, and agency management.

You can reach Michelle by email at michelle@teenlifeline.org.

Personal Background

EXPERIENCE | Involved in the research and creation of Teen Lifeline in 1986. Hired as the training and prevention specialist in 1988 and has been the Executive Director since 2000. Nearly all of Michelle’s more than 36-year career has focused on leading the movement to prevent teen suicide.

EDUCATION | Master’s degree in Professional Psychology with an emphasis in Adolescent Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Arizona State University.

EVERYDAY LIFE | Michelle and her husband Jeff love to travel, especially to see one of their favorite country bands. They have two grown sons. Michelle graduated from Tolleson Union High School and was involved in student government including Senior Class President and Flag line.

THE BIG 3 | Three words that describe Michelle are: maternal, compassionate, and dedicated.

Prevention Specialist (Tucson)

Rachel Rivera

“I enjoy working with teens because of their resiliency and can-do, positive energy. My favorite part of my job is being able to build positive relationships within the community!”

As Teen Lifeline’s Prevention Specialist in Tucson

ROLE | As a prevention specialist, Rachel supports Teen Lifeline’s mission by providing prevention education and awareness services to the public, empowering youth to be more resilient and the community to be informed. As part of our Tucson office, she provides our services to Tucson Area youth, schools, and families.

CONTACT FOR | Educational workshops and outreach in the Tucson Area on youth-related issues such as suicide awareness, protective factors and other mental health-related issues.

You can reach Rachel by email at rachel@teenlifeline.org.

Personal Background

EXPERIENCE | Prior to joining Teen Lifeline in June 2024, Rachel was a career counselor for a nonprofit organization, a district social worker, a college and career school counselor, and a dropout recovery counselor. She’s been working in the suicide prevention and behavioral health field since 2018.

EDUCATION | Master’s degree in Social Work from Arizona State University and bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Arizona. She graduated from Mountain View High School in Tucson.

EVERYDAY LIFE | A Tucson native, Rachel is the type of person who is friends with everyone. She has a teen son at home who she loves to spend time with, and her hobbies include reading and diamond painting. The animal she most relates to is dolphins because dolphins are friendly and show empathy towards each other and other species.

THE BIG 3 | Three words to describe Rachel are: compassionate, loyal, and fun!

Prevention Specialist (Phoenix)

Bree Walker

“I love the atmosphere of how tight knit everyone is at Teen Lifeline. I have been able to grow so much in my skills as a social worker here.”

As Teen Lifeline’s Prevention Specialist in Phoenix

ROLE | As a prevention specialist, Bree raises awareness of suicide, protective factors, and other mental health related issues. She also provides prevention education and outreach, conducting presentations with schools and other community agencies.

CONTACT FOR | Questions about prevention education and community outreach.

You can reach Bree by email at bree@teenlifeline.org.

Personal Background

EXPERIENCE | Interned at Teen Lifeline during the final year of her master’s degree before joining the full-time staff in 2023. Prior to Teen Lifeline, Bree worked in a school, in a domestic violence shelter, and as an advocate for teen dating violence prevention.

EDUCATION | Master’s degree in Social Work and a bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice with a minor in Social Work from Arizona State University.

EVERYDAY LIFE | Bree has a soft spot for music—she recently began learning how to play the piano, which is something she’s wanted to do since she was a kid.

THE BIG 3 | Three words or phrases that describe Bree are: energetic, reliable, and compassionate.

Meet the Team Behind Teen Lifeline

Luis Barcelo

Jennifer Connor

Amanda Dailey

Mackenzie Gates

Andrea Gonzalez

Melissa Hall

Elizabeth Hansen

Morgan Hines

Shivani Jaiswal

Nikki Kontz

Madison Marks

Dani Meyers

Michelle Moorhead

Rachel Rivera

Bree Walker

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