We rise to give a voice, through storytelling, to
those who have been struggling in silence.
The power of a story saves a life.
We rise to give a voice, through storytelling, to
those who have been struggling in silence.
The power of a story saves a life.
WHO WE ARE
iRise Leadership Institute is a 501(c)(3) organization that is passionate about suicide prevention and awareness through education and training at the organizational level, as well as community outreach through educational resources and professional speaking engagements.
The organization is led and founded by licensed psychotherapist, Kristie Knights. Through iRise, Kristie provides trainings on suicide prevention for communities, schools and universities, medical professionals, hospitals, and more. Educational resources and support groups are also available through iRise and address various needs, including those grieving the loss of a loved one due to suicide and those battling suicidal thoughts in their own lives.
Kristie has spent her 25+ year career caring for and walking alongside the most vulnerable in their darkest moments. She is an eloquent motivational speaker who inspires others through her own personal story and her years of dedicated experience. Today, Kristie’s compassionate nature has led iRise to become a safe, nurturing space for those struggling and in need of a support system to turn to.
OUR MISSION
Every life has value and every life has a story, which has the power to save lives.
By telling their stories, we promote education, and awareness in our community, leading to the prevention of suicide.
Provide resources and services to give hope to people who have suicidal thoughts and to those who have lost a loved one to suicide.
Teach the community to see their intrinsic value.
- Walk alongside educational institutes to provide crisis management and teach others how to have the hard discussions.
OUR MISSION
Every life has God-given value and every life has a story, which has the power to save lives.
By telling their stories, we promote education, and awareness in our community, leading to the prevention of suicide.
Provide resources and services to give hope to people who have suicidal thoughts.
Teach the community to see their God-made intrinsic value.
WHO WE SERVE
Those who struggle with suicidal thoughts.
Those who have attempted suicide.
Those who have lost someone to suicide.
The community and educational institutes who have a desire to share our mission and eradicate suicide.
WHO WE SERVE
Those who struggle with suicidal thoughts.
Those who have attempted suicide.
Those who have lost someone to suicide.
The community and businesses who have a desire to share our mission and eradicate suicide.
- iR;se truly transforms lives. What a blessing this foundation has been to me and my family.” - Abby M.
- iR;se truly transforms lives. What a blessing this foundation has been to me and my family.” - Abby M.
Classroom-led education for grades 3rd-12th learn how to recognize the signs of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts in themselves. Candid conversation teaching students how to have the conversation with friends, who to go to for help, and the skills to manage their feelings. This program includes interactive education that engages the student while learning how to support one another with practical skills in suicide awareness and prevention. There is not a fee for this program.
School Programs
Survivor's Group
Available to adults who have lost a loved one to suicide. This is led by a licensed professional counselor. It is an open, ongoing group. There is not a fee.
iRise to Speak
Available for organizations, schools, churches, and community events. Kristie Knights, Founder and CEO of iRise, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from her clinical practice to help educate about and raise awareness for mental health struggles.
OUR FOUNDER
Kristie Knights
iRise was founded by psychotherapist Kristie Knights in 2016. Although her private practice had supported clients who had suicidal thoughts, attempts, or grief due to the loss of a loved one, it had become an epidemic.
As she read a post on Facebook by a woman who had suffered a head injury, contemplated suicide, and made the choice to live; Kristie knew, at that moment, the power of healing through sharing a story.
That evening, she posted an opportunity for others who struggle with suicidal thoughts or had a past attempt and are now living a life of joy to be featured in a book. Each person’s story would give a voice to their pain, inspiring others to live. Within 48 hours, 41 people came forward to share their stories. People from all over the world desired to work toward the mission of eradicating suicide. They desired to give back and inspire others to live.
The book, titled UnSung Heroes, was published in less than six weeks with the help of a publishing company in the UK.
Since the book’s publication, the authors have gone on to live fulfilling lives, free from suicidal ideation or attempts. Many have also continued working in the area of suicide prevention through the publication of magazines, articles, and books of their own!
Both iRise and UnSung Heroes shed truthful light on Kristie’s belief that one story can save a life!
OUR FOUNDER
Kristie Knights
iRise was founded by psychotherapist Kristie Knights in 2016. Although her private practice had supported clients who had suicidal thoughts, attempts, or grief due to the loss of a loved one, it had become an epidemic.
As she read a post on Facebook by a woman who had suffered a head injury, contemplated suicide, and made the choice to live; Kristie knew, at that moment, the power of healing through sharing a story.
That evening, she posted an opportunity for others who struggle with suicidal thoughts or had a past attempt and are now living a life of joy to be featured in a book. Each person’s story would give a voice to their pain, inspiring others to live. Within 48 hours, 41 people came forward to share their stories. People from all over the world desired to work toward the mission of eradicating suicide. They desired to give back and inspire others to live.
The book, titled UnSung Heroes, was published in less than six weeks with the help of a publishing company in the UK.
Since the book’s publication, the authors have gone on to live fulfilling lives, free from suicidal ideation or attempts. Many have also continued working in the area of suicide prevention through the publication of magazines, articles, and books of their own!
Both iRise and UnSung Heroes shed truthful light on Kristie’s belief that one story can save a life!
WHO WE COLLABORATE WITH
- "Kristie had an engaging, straightforward and down to earth approach with the students in sharing her personal experience with this difficult subject matter. She was received very well by our students. The information provided was relevant to the students' lives and presented in a non-threatening way allowing for the students to feel comfortable asking questions and engaging in conversation. We are looking forward to her coming back to present to future students." - Julie Baccanti, Teacher at Butler High School