Joanne Dreher serves as the Executive Assistant to the CEO at Silver Key Senior Services, a position she has held since September 2022. Her initial experience working with older adults’ dates back to the early 2000s, when she worked as an administrative assistant at an affordable senior housing facility.

Joanne is a dedicated mental health advocate with more than twenty years of professional and personal experience. Born and raised in a small rural Michigan community, her passion for helping the underserved was sparked in her twenties during a transformative year-long backpacking trip abroad. This journey broadened her cultural perspective and deepened her commitment to those in need.

After transitioning from the for-profit sector to nonprofit work in the early 2000s, Joanne discovered her calling in supporting people with developmental, mental health, and substance use challenges. In 2008, she became a certified Mental Health First Aider, offering crucial assistance to individuals experiencing mental health crises. She further advanced her expertise in 2013 by earning certifications as both an adult and youth Mental Health First Aid instructor, providing important gatekeeper training to her community.

Joanne’s dedication and skill were recognized in 2022 when the National Council of Wellbeing selected her to become a certified teen Mental Health First Aid instructor, allowing her to expand her positive impact. In 2023, she gained certification to teach older adult Mental Health First Aid, enhancing the services offered. That same year, she also became a certified QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) instructor, strengthening her ability to prevent suicide and support individuals in crisis.

Outside of her professional commitments, Joanne has raised two children in Colorado and is an enthusiastic outdoor adventurer, finding peace and happiness in fishing, gardening and spending quality time with family and friends.

With her extensive experience and steadfast dedication, Joanne continues to empower others with vital skills and knowledge to support those facing mental health and substance use issues. Through her instructional roles and active involvement with the Suicide Prevention Collaboration of El Paso County, she remains a dedicated advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention within her community and beyond.