Testimonials
Cindy Hodge
A.L.L.-IN Unlimited; Cynthia R. Hodge and Associates, LLC
I have had the privilege of working with Ames in a variety of roles over the last number of years. I have provided formal mentorship as she has grown in all of her skills as a trainer and intervener for suicide prevention/intervention. However, I have learned a tremendous amount from her during this time. Ames has an unmatched dedication and passion for helping people see hope in life as they face challenges. She is extremely skilled at presenting/training while focusing on the needs of individuals within any group. She is an asset in any training room or on any team addressing the difficult and sensitive needs of those thinking of suicide and those wanting to be trained to help them.
Robert L. Hopper
safeTALK Trainer at VOA Illinois
In 2016, I had the privilege of being trained to become a certified safeTALK trainer for my work with the National Veterans Resource Squad (NVRS) by Ames. The training was intense, not only because of the content and topic, but also because of the impact the training can have on the participants. It requires a great deal of sensitivity and awareness to the sometimes-subtle signs that indicate when a person is struggling and could use some support. Ames is that kind of person and trainer. Since completing my training, I have contacted Ames on several occasions for advice and support. This has been very helpful, especially in the critical first (provisional) year as a newly certified trainer. I can’t stress enough how accessible and supportive Ames has been, and how important that has been to my overall success and professional development.
J. Strom Butler
Empowerment Coach
The thing that stands out to me the most is that I feel safe sharing my obstacles with Ames as most of them are internal obstacles. She is very approachable and easy to communicate with. She gives me the impression that she really cares about my success, but she does not get too personal. Ames is very approachable. She is very comfortable to talk to and I feel that she is really present to help me. Her line of questioning is effective in that she is able to pull thoughts and ideas out of my mind. She gives me the motivation to move forward.
Kevin Mahan
LCBC Manheim Campus Pastor
Ministry has demanded I run to people in their moment of need only to experience the pressure of their pain with inadequate tools to solve it. Many of my hardest conversations with people, friends circled back to their despair and suicidal thoughts. Ames' training has been hands down the best equipping I’ve received for these moments. It grew my confidence to help from noticing to intervention to longterm care. It’s been formative to my ministry philosophy and helped me save the life of a personal friend. We need an army of people who see other's pain and confidently run into pain to be part of the solution.
Heather Brown
Mercy Care (Arizona)
(for Intentional Communication)
"Ames is a skilled facilitator with an ability to make people feel heard. The skills you will learn in this workshop (Intentional Communication) will help you become a more empathic listener. It will open your eyes and help you to identify areas to work on. The small group sessions were a great way to build confidence."