Board of Directors

Kerry Arseneaux

Founder

Kerry Arseneaux is the founder of SOSL-NH. She lost her younger brother, Paul, to suicide in 2010. Driven by their own journey through grief to ensure that no one else had to navigate that loss alone, Kerry and her mother, Debbie Peters, began facilitating suicide loss support groups, creating a safe and welcoming space where survivors could find understanding, connection, and hope.

A hairstylist for more than 30 years who also works in special education, Kerry is guided in every setting by a belief in listening, compassion, and human connection, and remains committed to helping others find healing while honoring her brother’s memory.

Brian Schalk

Chair

Brian Schalk serves as Chair of the Board of Survivors of Suicide Loss – New Hampshire. He brings 25 years of experience as an application developer and is the father of two.

After losing someone he loved to suicide, Brian first came to SOSL-NH as a participant in its support groups. What he found in those rooms led him to get more involved, and he now works to help other survivors find the same understanding and support that made a difference for him.

Tricia Brannen

Vice Chair

Tricia Brannen is the Executive Director of YouthWell New Hampshire, where she works to improve the mental health and well-being of young people and families across the state. As a survivor of suicide loss, she understands the profound impact suicide has on individuals, families, and communities.

Her personal experience fuels her passion for supporting others who are navigating this difficult journey. Tricia joined the SOSL-NH Board because she believes no one should have to walk this journey alone.

Debbie Peters

Treasurer

Debbie Peters co-facilitates two Survivors of Suicide Loss groups alongside her daughter, Kerry. Debbie became involved with Survivors of Suicide Loss after experiencing the unimaginable loss of her son, Paul. While the pain of losing a child never completely goes away, she has learned that healing is possible when we walk alongside others who truly understand.

Her hope is to offer a safe, compassionate place where those who are grieving can feel heard, supported, and never alone. Through faith, understanding, and the encouragement of others who have traveled this difficult path, she continues to remember her son by offering hope to others who have lost a loved one to suicide.

Debbie is blessed to be a mom of two kids and the nana of one absolutely amazing grandson! For more than 40 years she has worked in the corporate world, building a career in property management. Throughout that time, she has had the privilege of serving others, developing strong relationships, and learning the importance of compassion, communication, and problem-solving.

Shamera Simpson

Secretary

Bio coming soon.

Amy Oliva

Director

Amy Oliva is a dedicated peer volunteer and advocate for suicide loss survivors. After losing her brother Tres to suicide in 2008, in honor of his life she found purpose in supporting others navigating similar grief. For many years, Amy has facilitated suicide loss support groups, providing compassionate peer support and fostering hope and healing within her community.

She also volunteers with NAMI New Hampshire and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) New Hampshire, where she is committed to promoting mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and supporting those impacted by suicide.

Hilary Laquerre

Director

Bio coming soon.

Matthew Kobs

Director

Matthew Kobs is a licensed psychologist practicing in New Hampshire and, via telehealth, Rhode Island, with extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral and Analytical Theory and a strong foundation in Motivational Interviewing. He has worked with a wide range of clients, including college students and emerging adults, children and adolescents, people navigating gender and sexual identity, and older adults facing significant life transitions.

In his practice, Matthew helps people build a clearer understanding of who they are and who they want to become, working to build a mutual appreciation for each person’s story. He brings that same spirit of understanding and connection to his work with the SOSL-NH Board.

Sarah St. John

Director

Bio coming soon.