Betty Schmedes is the President of SPEAK. Her younger sister Mary died of a self inflicted gunshot wound on Thanksgiving Day in 1988. Betty has been a nurse for 47 years and is the mother of two grown sons and also has two wonderful grandchildren. Her sister's death led her to reevaluate her career. She has been a Youth Minister at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Pikesville for many years and the coordinator of Youth Ministry at St. Ursula's Church in Parkville for the past 13 years. Betty had also attended Seasons and was involved as a facilitator when she met Lisa and the other women. It was at this time in 1999, that she decided to join them in their efforts to turn their grief around and make a difference with our youth by being their advocates, and developing the SPEAK organization. Betty believes that our loved ones spirits are always guiding our way and still live through all our continuing endeavors to speak for those who suffer in silence.