Marie McLaughlin is one of the original founders of SPEAK and a survivor of her son's suicide death. She serves on the board of Speak and holds the office of Secretary for the organization. Marie holds a B.S. in Nursing from Notre Dame of Maryland and a M.S. Health Science from Towson University. She worked as a Psychiatric and Mental Health nurse for more than 25 years and has experience in Health Education. Marie currently works part time as a clinical research nurse. In addition to Speak and work, she fills her life with family, especially 2 beautiful granddaughters and gardening, hiking, traveling, and writing.

Marie is currently working on a book about the aftermath of her son's death. Christopher took his life on January 2, 1992 by hanging himself. He would have been 23 on March 23rd of that year.