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The GEM Project
The GEM Project
The GEM Project
The GEM Project
Current Team
GEM Project Dayton, Founder and Director
Leigh Ann Fulford
I am a local volunteer who is passionate about suicide prevention. Why? I do not want anyone to go through the pain that our family and friends experienced when my sister died by suicide in 2005. I am a certified master trainer in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), safeTALK, & Ending the Silence; an active volunteer for the Montgomery County Prevention Coalition; and co-founder of The Out of the Darkness Walk in Dayton. My goal is to educate people about mental health and to reduce the stigma and shame of suicide by talking about it.
Alter High School
Liz Doorley
I am a senior at Alter High School. Besides being part of the GEM team, I am also a member of Hope Squad. I enjoy playing tennis and I am a member of the Alter Lancerettes. I am so excited to be a part of something that will shine a light on mental health. I hope to change the picture of mental health and I believe the GEM project will do that.
Centerville High School
Ava Hickey
I am a senior at Centerville High School and this is my second year being apart of the GEM Project! I am involved in CHS Hope Squad, volleyball, and basketball. I am excited to make difference through GEM and I hope to break the stigma around mental health.
Centerville High School
Lainey Hilliard
I am a senior at Centerville High School and this is my second year on the GEM Project team! I am a lifeguard, I do swim, volleyball, and am a part of CHS Hope Squad. I’m excited for the opportunity to be more involved in creating awareness for teen mental health
Beavercreek High School
Bella Kuhl
I am a senior at Beavercreek High School and a member of the GEM Project Dayton Team. I am the props chief for the Beavercreek High school tech crew. I joined the Gem Project Dayton because I want to help bring awareness to suicide, mental health, and resources available. I don't want to lose the people I care about most and I don't want anyone to go through the pain either.
Alter High School
Tabitha Powell
I am a senior at Alter High School and a member of the GEM project. I am a member of Hope Squad and I do theater and Lancerettes. I’m so excited to shine light onto mental health!!
Dayton Regional STEM School
Cora Gutierrez
I am a senior at the Dayton Regional STEM School. I’m passionate about creating a sense of peace and supporting those who are struggling, especially through suicide-prevention advocacy. I believe in the power of empathy and leadership to make a meaningful impact, and I’m proud to be part of the GEM Project Dayton student leadership team.
Fairmont High School
Kenna Routley
I am a junior at Fairmont High School. I lifeguard at the Kettering Recreation Center. I spent four years in Hope Squad and am so excited to be part of the GEM project.
Fairmont High School
Brigham McClain
I am a junior at Fairmont High School and a member of the Boys Volleyball program as well as a first-year member of Hope Squad. I enjoy meeting new people and helping others through challenging situations. I am happy to be a part of the GEM project.
Oakwood High School
Rylee Bourne
I am a junior at Oakwood High School and a member of Hope Squad.
Oakwood High School
Daisy Jones
I am a junior at Oakwood High School and a member of Hope Squad.
Archbishop Alter High School
Sadie Hornick
I am a junior at Archbishop Alter High School and I'm super excited to be a member of the GEM team! I love performing in theater and dance, and I'm proud to be a part of my school's Hope Squad. I'm excited to make a difference in other people's lives and show them that they matter.
Miamisburg High School
Amanda Dyer
I am a junior at Miamisburg High School and I am so excited to be a part of the GEM Project. I enjoy musical theater, acting, and the technical side of it too. Mental health matters because everyone deserves to be their fullest self.
Chaminade Julienne High School
Meredith Ryan
I am a junior at Chaminade Julienne. I love to be active and play sports. I am so excited to be a part of GEM because it is important to raise awareness for suicide prevention, which affects the lives of so many people everywhere.
Chaminade Julienne High School
Owen Waite
I am a junior at Chaminade Julienne and I am a part of the Erika's Lighthouse group at my school. I also play soccer and run track. I am so excited to be a part of GEM because mental health is so important to me, and being informed about it helps you understand others and yourself more clearly.
Springboro High School
Mason McHone
I am a sophomore at Springboro High School, and I'm beyond excited to be a part of this amazing organization! I love singing, acting, and dancing. It's important to care for others and embrace your true, authentic self.
Belmont High School
Egypt Johnson
I attend Belmont High School as a freshman. I enjoy helping and meeting people. I am looking forward to my first year with the GEM Project.
Archbishop Alter High School
Noah Mullen
I am a freshman at Archbishop Alter High School, and I joined GEM because of what this project is actively doing in the Dayton community. I have seen the effects of poor mental health in my classmates, in theater, and in other activities, and I have seen how much it matters to have a support system when you feel like you have nothing. Being part of GEM lets me help spread awareness for mental health and grow as a leader.
Springboro High School
Madelyn Sweet
I'm a freshman at Springboro High School and I am deeply honored to be a part of the GEM Project. Helping people feel comfortable in their own skin and emotions is something I support strongly. I am also a lover of theater and have been a part of a handful of shows. My hobbies include playing the guitar, making art, writing, and swimming. Seeing the impact this project has on our community is incredible, and I am so excited to help contribute to it however possible.
High School
This could be you
Email gemprojectdayton@gmail.com for details about how you can become part of the team.
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Some of the 2025-26 GEM Project Dayton Team
Previous Teams
The 2024-25 GEM Project Dayton Team
The 2023-24 GEM Project Dayton Team
The 2022-23 GEM Project Dayton Team
The 2021-22 GEM Project Dayton Team
Click here for 24/7 mental health resources CALL or TEXT 988 if you need immediate support
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